University of Virginia Library

Connor, Eldredge, Duquette Lead Stickmen

By Bill Nachman
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Slowly rounding into shape, the
lacrosse squad is eagerly awaiting
the chance to defend its share of
the national title. Three weeks of
practice have been completed, but
due to the inclement weather many
of the practices had to be limited to
fundamentals.

Heading the hopes of Coach
Glen Thiel's charges is an attack
unit which returns intact from last
season. Little Jay Connor, co-captain
this year, led the
goal scorers last year. He is
supported by two other strong
threats — Tom Duquette, a
second-year man, and third-year
man Rick Beach. Duquette
impressed the coaches and
sportswriters so much with his
hustle and points that he was
named to the second All-American
squad.

Supporting the first unit are two
returnees and a newcomer to the
Virginia program. Rick Bergland (2)
and Doug Tarring (3) come back
for another crack, while first-year
man Chip Barker will be making his
initial run with the Cavaliers.

Defense is another area where
the team is solid. Returning starters
are Tom Dawes (2) and Bruce
Mangles (2), while the third
member of the backline appears to
be fourth-year man Tom
Schilwalter. Filling in where needed
will be Randy Coleman (2) and Boo
Smith (1).

In Goal for Virginia will be
dependable Al Hirsch, a fourth-year
man who turned in a creditable
showing during last year's long
campaign. Backing up Hirsch will
be second-year man John Gaughen,
a member of the varsity soccer
team (as is attackman Connor).

Midfield definitely will be the
weak spot which the Cavaliers will
have to quickly eradicate if they
want to be in on the national race.
Only two regulars from last season's
first unit return. Third-year man
Bob Proutt is back for another
year, as is Pete Eldredge, another
third-year man. Eldredge was
highly-touted last year, and at the
end of the season was named as an
honorable mention in the balloting
for All-American. From this
nucleus 22 other boys are gunning
for positions. High on the list is
George Turner (3), a member of the
second midfield a year ago. Dick
Proutt (2, who is Bob's cousin), Jim
Ulman (2, third midfield), and
Steve Nauss (3, third midfield) and
strong contenders for a top spot.

"Question marks definitely are
cropping up in the midfield," said
Coach Glen Thiel, "but our attack
and defense are very strong. It's a
team with many untried boys, but
enough proven men return to give
balance.

"Our goalie (Hirsch) is as good
as any in the country. He proved
this last year when he quickly
molded into a topnotch defender
against some of the best teams in
the country. Now he's relaxed and
comfortable in the nets, and his
weight is the only factor which
could deter from his giving us a
strong season."

All-American candidates appear
to be attackmen Connor and
Duquette, defensemen Schilwalter
and Mangles, and midfielders
Eldredge and Proutt.

If you get a chance check out
the 'new look' of the lacrosse squad
Sunday morning at 11:30. An
intrasquad scrimmage will be held
to pick the members of the first