University of Virginia Library

Picked Number One

Stickmen Eyed By AP

By Mike Meldon

It's not often that the University
of Virginia finds itself assuming the
favorite's role in any of our country's
major collegiate sports. Yet
this is exactly the unfamiliar light
that is being cast upon the Virginia
lacrosse team.

Just the other day the Associated
Press named Virginia the
team to best this year as it preranked
the Cavaliers the Number
one lacrosse squad in the nation.
Although highly pleased with his
team's rating, Glen Thiel, in his first
year as coach, is cautiously optimistic
of his team's chances. When
asked what his first reaction was
after being notified of the A.P.'s
decision, he commented, "Naturally
I, as well as the team, was elated
that we were thought of so highly.
But I want to stress the fact that
while we are pleased, we are in no
way overconfident. We realize the
tremendous responsibility that has
been placed upon us. Every team
we play will be shooting to upset
us. As a result, we will have to be
mentally, as well as physically, prepared
for each opponent we face.
We have a long way to go but I feel
we will be ready."

Lacrosse is a happy marriage of
speed and power. Often called the
fastest sport on two feet, it is
played nowhere better than at the
various schools which will constitute
this year's opposition. The
schedule this year is one of the
most difficult in recent seasons.
Included in it are such lacrosse
notables as Cornell, Navy, Maryland,
and the perennially strong
Johns Hopkins. But no where will it
be played better than right here.

This year's team presents a perfect
blending of the old and young
that gives it a look which other
teams may be hard pressed to figure
out, Guiding the team with their
leadership, as well as ability, are
Co-Captains and All Americans Jim
Potter and Charly Rullman. Jay
Conner leads the best attack Virginia
had in years, while Lee
Fauntleroy, All-America hopeful
Doug Hilbert and goalie Al Hirsch
anchor the defense. Some promising
first-year men appear to be
Dickie Proutt, Tom Duquette, Jim
Ullman, Bruce Mangels, Huston
McCullough, and John Gaughen.

If Virginia can put it all together
and bet Maryland and Hopkins, in
what may be the season's key
games, it could insure this school's
first NCAA championship. Doug
Hilbert put it best when he echoed
the feelings of his teammates following
a recent closed door session.
"We don't intend to let up for even
one minute. This team wants to
honor itself and the school by
gaining the recognition of a champion.
We are dedicated to winning."