Merry Christmas from The Boss and The UNH Wildcats!

In the most predictable blog post of my career, I give you unquestionably the greatest Christmas Song of all time. If you can watch Clarence do the Santa Claus voice and not at least smile, you have some internal issues and need to see Dr. Drew.

22: Doin Work

Well, first I want to thank everyone who came up to Maine this weekend in a surprise weekend that included debauchery, shenanigans, an epic 180 and everything in between, all under the roof of a rented 26 bedroom house for all of us to celebrate me slowly morphing into a responsible adult. Apparently, the planning for these festivities have been going on since October, stretching all the way out the way out to Denver, and somehow despite my several snitch friends, I remained in the dark until everyone walked in. Yep, the Boss just turned 22, but based on the past three days, it doesn't seem like me or anyone associated with me is slowing down quite yet. Thank you to everyone that got involved, especially the one that planned it all, and I hope it was worth it. As a token of my appreciation, I give you a montage of the greatest 22 that ever lived. Emmitt Smith? Roger Clemens? Doug Flutie? Big Black's Biceps? No, thank you. Ladies and gentleman, the inventor of swagger in lacrosse. A hero for the many players out there that realize playing well just isn't enough, and that you better look good and make people remember you along the way. I give to you, Mikey Powell.

Gettin, Gettin Some Heads

After hassling bros since the beginning of Fall Ball, getting kicked in the shins by Microsoft Excel, and exchanging several hundred phone calls/emails with my main people at ComLax (shameless), all of the gear has finally arrived in Durham. A cute +6,000 dollar order of 54 new 2010 heads, 12 helmets, 6 shafts, loads of protective gear and mesh for days, it's all here, ready for you to claim before the Christmas season, so you can string up, and break in your new head over break and ball out with your little brother. Because if you show up with a brand new stick to start the spring that hasn't been touched yet, it will be painfully obvious. So on your way out of Durham, take that quick left down Young Dreezy and pick up your stuff so it's not filling my living room anymore. And if you are one of 5 people that hasn't paid, you better get here before you leave, or the reprucussions will be deadly.

Also, you should all start following me on the newfangled thing that all the kids are talking about, Twitter or at least favorite that page because it's public. That has up to the second updates of what's happening, and during games in the spring we're going to be updating the scores LIVE! So you can know I scored a goal, from your couch, just seconds after as they are still sewing the net back together. Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Jolly Kwanzaa, and Happy Festivus for the Rest of Us.

Here is what 54 heads look like on a very excited college student. Why? Because I can.

(click to enlarge, props to BrokeDrake for the photo)

Wildcats Take A Shot Against Cancer

(click to englarge)

On a rare serious note, I'd like to use this platform to thank and extend the best of luck to UNH Lacrosse Alumnus, Mike Bowen (at left with the yellow vest). We recently rounded out our fall ball season with a game against in conference rival BU, honoring Mr. Bowen who has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer. We will be honoring Mike all season in Durham, using his inspiration to help us win, and hopefully he'll be using us for the same reason.

Here is a write up from team President Dan Milano:

Mike Bowen, a former Division 1 lacrosse player here at UNH, said it best when he said “we are a family.” He was referring to the brotherhood and extended family that is men’s lacrosse here in Durham. Mike played lacrosse for the Wildcats from 1971 to 1975 but has been faced with a game of his own – a battle against brain cancer. Nick Petri, a former teammate of Mike’s here at UNH, alongside with help from Whitney Pillsbury, Coach Jake Sullivan, The Rivers School, current members of the men’s lacrosse team, and the men’s lacrosse team at Boston University organized a game to honor Mike’s devotion to the game and the lacrosse family in Durham. The game was played Saturday, November 7th at The Rivers School in Weston, MA between Boston University and the University of New Hampshire. Mr. Bowen greeted the team prior to the game and gave the Wildcats more than enough inspiration to take the field against their division rival terriers.

The game marked the end of an exciting fall ball season for the Wildcats and was a great display of the progress they have made. The Wildcats took a two goal lead into halftime at which point the “take a shot against cancer for mike” campaign began. Parents and fans of both teams were given the opportunity during halftime to take a shot on Wildcat goalie Jake Katz by making a donation in Mike’s name to fight cancer. The second half was no different from the first with the Wildcats jumping on the Terriers and increasing their lead. Contributions were made at both ends of the field. Seniors John Kasper and Tim Wyeth had standout games at the defensive end while rookies Joe Gardiner and Mark Bumann opened eyes at the attack position. At the final buzzer the Wildcats enjoyed an 11 – 6 victory that marked the end of a great day. Mike Bowen joined the team on the field after to thank everyone and share some words of wisdom. It truly was a picture perfect ending to a promising fall ball season. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Bowen as he continues his ongoing battle off the field.

Who Ya Got?

Here you go. As promised, a couple of pics from this year's UNH Lacrosse team from Halloween. Poll is to the right, so have a vote and let me know who you think got dolled up the best for the last day of October. Also feel free to comment underneath, its anonymous. Winner of the poll will get absolutely nothing.







(Fake Cigarette prop for costume. Smoking Kills.)

HalloweenTime

I know, I know. . .I've been away for a while, but a triumphant return is not too far away. Promise. Quite frankly, nothing too special or suitable for the internet has been worth blogging about this busy October. However, on the eve of college's greatest holiday, sitting here at the ComLax world headquarters bumping some Wale beats I had an inkling. We have a team of very good-looking, educated, creative adults with bountiful amounts of ideas for costumes circling around, so what better way to judge them than right here on the blog? So after this weekend of reckless debauchery and shenanigans, I will post up some tasteful pictures of Durham's top laxers in full garb and get a little poll going of which Wildcat has the best costume. Come one, come all prepare for costumes that are funny, ironic, tasteful, tasteless, offensive, shocking, embarassing, witty and everything in between. Prepare for the worst, but expect nothing short of the best photos to spice up your otherwise mundane Monday morning. Happy Halloween from the Boss and remember kids, sift through your candy before you eat it to make sure there's no razor blades in there.

Golf Tournament

So next weekend is Homecoming, which I'm sure everyone and their uncle is excited for due to the massive amounts of shenanigans that will be taking place. However, it also the annual UNH Men's Lacrosse Golf Tournament. So tell your parents, friends, uncles, loaded friends, alumni, professors, bosses, roommates, highschool coaches and really anyone that you think might like to play golf, eat food, and drink some beers (see: noun; Everyone). Not to mention, doing all this while donating to the essentially fundless UNH Men's Lacrosse team. It's simple math, an incredibly fun day for everyone + less fundraising for us + feeling good about donating to a good cause = UNH Men's Lax Golf Tourney. The form you can print is HERE , and send a check along with with the names and emails of the foursome playing. The video of me is below. Look forward to seeing you all there.

2010 Stick Regulations: UPDATE

Alright, so everyone knows about the looming rule changes about head measurements that is coming with this spring season. If you want to read the official rule book along with all of the rules, you can catch the PDF HERE. Otherwise, I'm here to hit you with the SparkNotes. So, as comprehensive a list that I've seen is as follows. And for player's on the team, I'm going to be putting in a larger order in the winter that will get us a pretty solid deal. So check out these heads, do your research, and that way when the time comes it'll be smooth and painless.

WARRIOR

• Evo Ti X
• Spyne
• Razer X
• Evo X
• Revo X
• Mojo X
• Evo Pro X6
• Revo Pro X6
  

BRINE

• Gospel
• Clutch X
• Edge Asset X
• Franchise X
• Recruit
• Voyce X6
• Cyber Pro X6

GAIT

• Torque 3
• Bedlam
• Flow
• Showtime

STX

• Super Power (what yours truly uses)
• X10
• Professor
  

MAVERIK

• Juice
• Bazooka
• Vision

UPDATE: Check out the Diagram at the top. We can use sticks both on the middle or on the left side.

I Wanna Blog Right Na,Na,Na

Alright, well I have several things to relay to the world, and instead of doing several clever posts with enlightening videos and what not, I'm gonna put it all here. Why? Because it's Friday morning, and I'm in bed still feeling the effects of the 2 dollar Grateful Deads I decided to splurge on yesterday evening. From the top:

1. If you look to the right ---> you will see that I posted an Akon track. Akon will be rolling into Durham October 8th for our Homecoming concert. Yeah, I know it hasn't been announced yet, but being the Face of UNH I have an inside scoop. So anyone here that is down with some Kiss 108-esque beats you should check this show out. And if anyone questions your source, tell em The Boss sent you.

2. On the same note, Akon is only a pre-show to the real festivities of Homecoming weekend. The morning after the concert is a day that I would call the best day of the year, but it's second only to CountryFest. The UNH Men's Lacrosse Golf Tournament is the 9th, at the beautiful Ledges course. To all the fathers reading this, I would highly reccomend you get involved with this because your irresponsible sons probably forgot to tell you. The course is amazing, the day is filled with every player on the team, tons of alumni, full blown barbeque, and basically a boatload of shenanigans. Not to mention that all of the profits will go to our club, and everyone knows we could use the loot. If you want to get a foursome together, you can email me at Michael.MaloneyJ@gmail.com and I'd be more than happy to hook you up with a registration form. I'll be playing, just look for the guy with the plaid pants about 2 feet away from the pin.

3. On a completely different and serious note, I just want to remind everyone that today the anniversary of the tragic attacks on the World Trade Center 8 years ago. Everyone knows someone who is connected to these attacks, so take today and be thankful. Shake hands with a firefighter, thank an ROTC kid that's cruising around campus in fatigues, and take two minutes to call your mother and tell her that you love her. Everyone was affected by 9/11, and today is not only a day for rememberance, but day that we can look forward to the future and be proud to be an American. These colors don't run.

4. And while I'm on the topic of running. . .Us 'Cats opened up our preseason yesterday with some time trials of a mile, a 40, and a shuttle run. It was the best conditioned group of hacks I've seen in my four years here, especially when you factor in that we came in cold, with barely any training, just weeks after summer lifestyle ended. Everyone was under 8 minutes in the mile, and we had over 30 freshman come out and give it their all on day one with no intentions of leaving. So bookmark this blog on your Firefox because I'm coming back harder and faster than Brett Favre could ever dream of. And to all the players on the team I have one more thing you should be thankful for. Just be glad you're mile didn't end like this kid's. . . . . . .

Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back

To quote old school rap sensation Mase himself, in one of his catchiest beats:

"Hello boys and girls. How are you? You know, today is going to be a wooonderful day. Today could be a wonderful day for many reasons. We might get mail from the postman. Or, we might just get a song from Mase. Because I'm Back...Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. . .

Well, I had a hard time deciding which track would lead us into this new school year, and had Mase himself on the burner but again, this is a family website and I understand that my older demographic may not be so keen on the hip-hop and/or potential lyrical issues. So I went with the greatest American artist of all time, but more importantly the inspiration for my psyudonym.

That's right we are all back in Durham, for what I will be referring as my Farewell Tour throughout this year. We are beyond full swing here at Young Drive, and encourage any and all visitors. So prepare for a few changes on the blog, some new content, and possibly even postings from some of my colleagues here in the duplex (probably not).

So check out that Mase vid, get down with some Bruce and COME ON UP TO Whit next Wednesday, September 9th at 6pm. All vets must be there and any rookies that are interested in balling out with the best talent that the 603 can offer. Oh and Markley, don't forget to bring your abs. (See what I did there with the 'come on up'? Pretty savvy. The kid's still got it.)

2010 Stick Regulations

As everyone probably already knows, this season the rules have changed for what heads are legal and what heads aren't. After some advising by Coach, I want to take this opportunity to tell EVERYONE that they need to be up to speed come lacrosse season. Yeah, it burns that we all have to buy new heads (especially if you're a senior), but it's better than getting a 3 minute locked in penalty because you were a meathead over the summer. If you aren't using one of the following heads, you're stick is ILLEGAL (list subject to update):

• STX SuperPower (recommended and used by yours truly)
• Warrior Spyne
• Maverik Juice
• Reebok 6k
• Reebok 9k
• Brine Edge X 2010 (old Edges are illegal, defensemen)
• There will be more heads coming in September including a new Clutch, Cyber, etc. Stay tuned here and I'll let you know when I know.
  

All of these heads can and should be bought at your local ComLax retail stores. There is one in Portsmouth just minutes from UNH, but if you aren't in D-town yet then you can check out stores in Franklin, Weymouth, Nashua(NH), Framingham, Danvers, Kingston, Berlin, Medford, and 24-7 on www.ComLax.com

A Loogie, Cleared Benches, and a Goal from the Boss: Another Day, Another Dollar

The Red Army played its last game of the regular season on Sunday night, and it was far from regular. Completely abnormal to say the least. We went into the 9p.m game undefeated, with a playoff berth already clinched, so our bench was slim based on time and circumstances. The 90 percent humidity made it feel like we were breathing underwater, but these things happen. However, in a tie game, with 9 minutes left to play, one of our defensemen had a questionable hit on a HopLand (yes that's their team name) attackmen. Standard. They start jawing back and forth and eventually get close enough so their birdcages are touching eachother and the verbiage is slowly progressing into language not suitable for TBS. Then came what I'll call the "Spit heard round the world." Said attackman launches a loog at our defensemen, who being a male, responds with a punch, and then that's where the metaphorical feces hit the fan. People bombing from the benches, attackmen and goalies coming from opposite ends, refs, league officials coming in the from the sidelines to moderate. I even think I saw Don Zimmer get thrown to the turf. Eventually the madness is controlled, both players ejected and suspended for a week, with two furious teams, chippiness increased, and we still had nine minutes play to play. (Ed note: this is a minimum contact MEN'S LEAGUE.) Well the game went on, and in the strangest event of the evening...WE LOST. 8-7. But, you know, it happens, I mean even Ali got TKO'd once.

But that was the regular season, and now it's time for the playoffs. So to steal from my favorite blogger out there, Cue The Video!

The Weekend That Was

Welp, no Erin Andrews news for you here, but it was quite an eventful weekend worth at least a little blog post to boot. Several vital members of the Wildcats made the trip up to Durham this weekend to move some stuff in, shake some hands, set up a home, get in a quick swim, and be on their way. Needless to say, this was a successful endeavor, from a legitimately iced out pair of sunglasses to a UN inspired WisWall jump, this truly makes the poll question at right that much harder to pinpoint. I mean, when even when an off the ballot silent assassin Brennan Duke is making waves with a strong performance, you know the competition is lethal.

And that was just Friday and Saturday. Sunday, I battled heat, lack of sleep, an enticing outdoor public pool, and another unkown slowing element (see Hangover) to make my way down 95 because of my undying devotion to the Red Army Lacrosse Club. In a game that was more up and down than a RollerCoaster Tycoon park, we found ourselves in quite a little second half bind.

We we're up 5-2, and rolling pretty, and suddenly we were down 7-5 with just minutes to play. Under the Kremlin's discipline, we snapped back into gear and tied it 7-7. Then on what looked to be the final drive of the game, a missed behind the back attempted rip ended up getting chased down on the endline and we had one chance left. I found myself with the ball in the corner, game tied, with 9 seconds left against a defender whom I played HS with at Walpole. Summer league, yes, however, this was a dream situation to be in. To be the the Adam Vinatieri, the Carlton Fisk, the Brett Favre, or (dare I say it?) the AARON BOONE of Franklin Men's Open League Lacrosse could potentially be the highlight of my twilighting athletic career. Drove right, cut back left, lost the defender, got to GLE and with one second left laid out horizontially trying to tuck the ball past a keeper with a Gait-esque wrap around that was just begging to win an ESPY. Stuffed. Goin' to OT.

So we go on to win the draw, possess the ball, get an open drive, shoot, score and win. Great, grand, wonderful. But, despite not fulfilling any dreams, the Army remains undefeated at 4-0 and will be playing during prime time at 8p.m next Sunday, you should come, it's only an hour and a half from Durham and it will surely be a show. I mean, we're playing a team called (no joke) The Flying Chinchillas.

Also, quick little shout out to Jim Naz, hear he's a big fan of the blog. As a broke college student with a generally abrasive sense of humor who watches Jeopardy everyday, I'm glad that I'm making a difference somewhere....................even if it is Braintree.

Walpole Contends for Best HS Team in the World, Gets Snubbed

Laxpower.com: LaxPower is proud to introduce the National Online Lacrosse Tournament, the first-ever virtual national high school lacrosse championship. Sixty-four teams qualified for the 2009 NOLT, with the following schools receiving berths.

• The top-ranked team in each state* and the top team in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council, according to LaxPower's final Power Rankings (PR) for the 2009 season
• The 24 highest-rated teams remaining in the country based on their final Power Rankings for the 2009 season, with any ties broken based on strength of schedule
  
• Winners will be determined based on votes from a panel of LaxPower experts and LaxPower's computer Power Rankings

Sounds like a pretty legit idea, I suppose. Assemble a national tournament of the best teams from around the country. Square 'em up and let one group call themselves the best team in the nation by some bushleague formula. Fine. But here's where it gets a little salty. Just two days after announcing the bracket, the first "games" were "played." Here's the results from Walpole vs. Ithaca, NY:

(8) Walpole Rebels (MA) 98.85
(9) Ithaca Little Red (NY) 98.79
1: Ithaca - Excellent game, but good goaltending and D wins out.
2: Ithaca - Strong leadership and goaltending allows the Little Red to advance.
3: Ithaca - The key to the postseason is good goalkeeping, so I give you A.J. Fiore.
4: Walpole - The Rebels have too much talent at both ends of the field
Computer: Walpole

So, to sum it up the three out of four analysts picked the Little Red to beat the Rebels. However, analyst number 4 (Eric Smith) works for Laxpower and is the only one covering the Northeast. So he is obviously more qualified to be "covering" this "game" than these other clowns. Walpole was also a higher seed by the computers because they were better, and the computer calculated Walpole would have won . So three schmos votes swayed this "game" when the expert and his highly intelligent machines were denied from was rightfully theirs.

To remind you, this was a simulated game, about 2 high schools, that really means absolutely nothing, and really involves no one reading this. But, it still is just one more reason that Walpole is still top dog around these parts for all of the haters. Because the likes of teams like Duxbury, Medfield, St. Johns, Reading, Marshfield, and all these other towns that get the pub didn't even come close to making it into the most important, fictional, meaningless, national tournament in the world.

Danny Crisafulli Named To MCLA All-Academic Team

Now a distinguished alumnus of the U, former Captain Danny Crisafulli was named a 2009 MCLA Scholar Athlete. The award was given to only 23 players in all of MCLA D-1, and to 43 total, So it is quite a little honor. Now, I'm not a math guy, never have been. But if you factor in 213 teams times about 35 kids per team, we're looking at about 7,455 kids playing MCLA ball. 43 over 7,455 off the top of my head looks like about .57% of players made the cut, but that's just a rough estimate. So, he is in the 99th percentile of scholar athletes in the MCLA, so call Danny up or drop him a T-Bomb with some daps for his accomplishments in Durham.

Despite honoring #18 with the credit he deserves, I wanted to make sure he didn't get on his high horse. So naturally, I wanted to post a couple gratuitous pictures from his prime college days and knock him down a peg or two. However, he seems to be smart (see above) and has his Facebook photos blocked...Kids these days and their technology

Red Army-6 Masteons-4

In another low scoring bout, the Army's incredible discipline was just too much for the Masteons, and their all of their purple glory. The win improves the east coast's best summer league team to 2-0 as we edged out Ron Mexico's Octaroons over the holiday weekend. This disciplined, unselfish play was displayed at its peak when, with a 2 goal lead and three minutes to play, the offense possesed the ball behind the net, cycling men through in order to run out the final ticks. That is until with 16 seconds left, and the Masteon goalie attacking x, the Army's fogo made an attempt to run at the open goal and was promptly taken to the turf. What a bender.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Blogging live from my cube at the New Balance World Headquarters, here's our winner. After discussing with several people via texts, calls, comments, etc, as well as our distinguished head coach's pull these are what were gonna go with. The poll that was at right was rigged by team President and my own roommate Daniel F. Milano as he voted for shirt 6 every single day, and even got his family involved in the voting. Reminds me of Black Sheep, when Governor Tracy rigs the Washington campaign for governor essentially screwing Al Donnelly. Despicable act.

Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good

Alright so here's the deal. We need new shooting shirts, plain and simple. Aside from being our amazing blogger, I also happen to be a fashion aficionado, and I've gotten a couple mock shooting shirts (which will look WAY better in person, trust me, I've seen em) with the prices listed next to them. If anyone is interested in any of these, please please write a comment and let me know the deal, and even who you are.

Obviously, I didn't pick the quote on the back of the last few, and would probably go with BEAST MODE, but thats just me. I like 1 and 6 a lot, especially because 6 has the high numbers and the saying, but one is too hot for anything youve ever seen in the MCLA, or any sort of lacrosse so that gets my vote. For the first time for real, COMMENT, it will have an impact. We are in NH, and DigiCam is the way to roll.

ED Note: Everything can change within these, they are just drawn up, it's all custom. And if you are a parent, tell your sons to give me a shout, or just let me know what you think would look good from the sidelines (especially if it has a nice big 2 on the back)

Walpole Wins Coveted Massachusetts State Championship

In other barely related UNH Lacrosse news, the Walpole Rebels won the State Championship this past week. This is important, not only because it proved my guarantee at the beginning of the season, but also proves Walpole's continuing superiority over the rest of Massachusetts, let alone anything north of the border. Between a Superbowl, a state title, a maximum security prison, NFL QB Todd Collins, and myself, it truly has become Title Town MA. On a side note, en route to the trophy the Rebels stomped the Braintree Wamps 10-2, as well as ending the Reading Rockets season in a 10-9 playoff game. Not that these teams hold any significance in the UNH Lacrosse community, just thought I'd mention it if there were any haters out there.

Red Army Website Has Launched

Well, it's that time of year again. The greatest summer league team in the history of the new world has been reunited, this year with legitimate uniforms and a website as well. Long Live the Red Army, and if you don't like us then you are probably a communist. How's that for a mind tug? Check us out at http://www.redarmylacrosse.com/ (Side note: I do not run that website, I am forever faithful here)

"Bros? Anyone Care To Lax?"

Well, the first year of the blog was a raging success...and will continue next fall. But now, while everyone is working in the summer, I'm winning my summer league, yadda yadda yadda, the blog will be updated a significantly slower pace. I will leave you with this video, and if anyone knows of any player other than myself that remotely relates to Branford Winstonworth, please feel free to comment.

It's Baaaack

Not positive, but I think that this may be the last installment of 'Cat Nip for the season depending on how deep we cruise into the PCLL playoffs. I appreciate everyone that read it so religiously (Naz) and am glad that it actually reached as many people as it did. I swear I thought that this blog was just going to be for the team and coaches, maybe some locals at UNH, but when I have mothers coming up to me after games explaining how much they like the picture of Samurai in a Speedo, I can feel nothing but pride and honor. 'Cat Nip may be on its way out the door, but The Boss isn't close to being done yet. There will be some more posting on the blog, depending on what type of material I can get my hands on, and as usual am open for any requests. No worries, my contract with the 'Cat Nip column extends through next year, and in my final season expect nothing short of greatness. 2 days til Thursday . . . .

It Wouldn't be Playoff Time Without This. . .

Wildcats to Face UCONN in First Round of PCLL Playoffs

Thursday night, the Wildcats will be traveling back down to Storrs, CT to take the Huskies on in the first round of the new season. After suffering a disheartening 15-7 loss just a few weeks back, we are looking for redemption. The opening draw is scheduled for 8:00, and the weather looks promising. Cats eat dogs.

Poll Closed

Well, the poll has closed for the Best Nickname category. Mr. Stanky Legg prevailed in a tight battle with his dorm-mate Samurai, in an 18-16 victory. For anyone that was wondering, the nickname stems from a ridiculous and atrocious hip-hop dance that Evan broke out after a goal in practice, and it stuck as his trademark move based on its foolishness. The first 1o seconds of the video will show what exactly it is. Picture Evan Flower doing it and the humor is easy to find. (see above).

Some honorable mentions that didn't make the blog, and were brought to my attention after the fact include:
- Chad "Battle" Nettleship
- Zach "Scantron" Scanlon
- Ian "Oz" Osgood
- Sean "Shaq" Andrake
- Brennan "I am a chronic kleptomaniac" Duke

Thanks to everyone that voted, and I have absolutely zero ideas for the next poll, so post 'em below or you can stare at the closed one for all of eternity.

Celebrity Look-a-like Feature. Part Duex "Animated Edition"

The Lineup: Finnian Cradock Donovan. Defensemen. UNH Lacrosse. & Alfred E. Neuman. Coverboy. Mad Magazine.

His opponent: Dan Fuglestad. Long Stick Midfielder. UNH Lacrosse. & The Cat in the Hat. Children's Book Icon. One of Dr. Suess's finest characters.

Who ya got? Feel free to post in the comments and clear these up, anonomously or by name.

Celebrity Look-a-Like Feature. Part 1

The Lineup: Alex Sellar. Defensemen. UNH Wildcats & John C. Reilly. Actor. Step Brothers, Talladega Nights.

His opponent: James Rubio. Midfield legend. UNH Wildcats & Dimitar Berbatov. Bulgarian Footballer of the Year. Striker. Manchester United.

Who ya got?

UNH Splits Connecticut Trip, Going 1-1

For full scoring and game summaries from this weekend check out the MCLA website or click on the "Team Roster" link to the right. Three conference games at home for the 'Cats this week before the playoffs begin. Time to come up big down the stretch.

Life On The Dot

Enjoy the latest edition of 'Cat Nip. Also, if you planned on commenting on how there is a photo of myself on there, don't bother. My teammates will give me enough of lip for it in coming days. I mean, look at the top of the blog. I use whatever photos I can get my hands on, and most of those just happen to be of #2. If you have any photos that you think could legitimately help me out in that dept, please email me at Michael.MaloneyJ@gmail.com, and I guarantee I'll use 'em.

EDIT: I now have my own archive collected of every 'Cat Nip story so far. I've linked to it on the bottom right, under the countdown. This way all of the avid readers out there (Naz) have easy access to my previous works.

The Boss is Back...Relax

After a short hiatus from blogging due to several factors, I am back in action and hopefully will be back on some sort of regular schedule. I'm drafting the new 'Cat Nip as you read this, so you'll see that early this week. The material has been slow, and I haven't much to let the world know. I'm open for suggestions at all times, which surprisingly, help me more than people with such care to ask "Why haven't you blogged in a while?"

In lacrosse news, we lost last night to BU down in the Hub 9-4. Nothing more to say really, we've moved on, and we'll see them again somewhere down the line. To those of you celebrating, The Boss would like to wish you and your families a Happy Easter, and only hopes the bunny will treat you well.

Wildcats Make Quick Work of Minutemen: 11-4

'Cat Nip: Entertainment Right From Your Couch

April Fools Day Commemoration

Watch Cheaters Don't Prosper (or make it past the quarter finals) in Sports

In honor of April Fools Day today, I figured I'd post this video and see what people think. It's an older video from a HS quarter final game in which the attacking team successfully pulls off a hidden ball trick. The kid puts the ball in his hand, and when his defenseman turns around he drops it in his stick and takes it to the rack. Of course, I say it's great play, and if you can get away with it then more power to you. Hey, if you're not cheating, you're not trying.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Your Local Oyster River Graduate

This is the second installment of this feature, in which I will regularly find ridiculous and most likely embarrassing pictures of members on the team, and post them here for the world to see strictly for the humor. The pictures will be accompanied by likely hateful commentary and hopefully several comments from my devoted readers. No one is safe. That is, except me of course.

Raised just minutes away, and spending high school career here in Durham, Sammari may as well be a Durhamite himself. (He' takes offense to this, as he makes clear that Lee and Durham are two separate towns.) I legitimately have no idea in what context this photo was taken, but can promise you that it was never appropriate. From the straightened, emo-friendly haircut all the way down to the wannabe Baywatch trunks, and the flexing muscles that make children cry, Sammari surely isn't messing around here. Currently rocking a real gnarly Tennesse Tophat (mullet for those of you who are unfamiliar), few people figured his image could go any more towards the realm of classless. We salute you #26, for proving us wrong.

We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat!

Well, tonight, at around 11:04 EST sophomore Dan Milano sent me a message saying that he was officially the 3,000th visitor of the blog. That's right, this website has been hit over 3,000 times. So, as the boss of this office, I would like to thank everyone who reads this site on a regular basis. Whether it be for information, entertainment, or the ridiculous polls, it is clear that the first season of a UNH Blog is clearly a success. Keep reading, start commenting (it's anonymous!) and soon enough I'll be posting about how our numbers are approaching six-figures.

UNH Dismantles URI: 16-4

The Wildcats had their first conference matchup of the season on Saturdaydefeating the Rams of URI 16-4 in a performance nothing short of dominant.

The game, played on Memorial Field, and in honor of long time lacrosse coach Jim Urquhart, is played every year and the Urquhart Memorial Plaque is immortalized with the name of the game's Most Valuable Player. The trophy has remained in Durham for several years now, and senior captain Mike Violandi added his name to the list after a 8 point performance including 6 goals of his own.

In other news, the world famous "dip & dunk" finish came out of retirement early in the third quarter and is looking to become a mainstay within the UNH offense.

The 'Cats will be hosting UMASS-Amherst on Saturday afternoon on Bremner Field.

Wildcats vs. Rams. 4:30. Memorial Field

VS.

Wildcats to Host First Ever Alumni & Friends Brunch

This Saturday, we will be hosting the University of Rhode Island in our first Division I conference game of the season. Before the game, however, we will be hosting a brunch for several UNH Lacrosse alumni, families, and friends of the current team. Everyone is encouraged to go, as this is a great opportunity to fundraise and meet some of the people keeping this program on its feet. This brunch is going to be legit as far as food goes and no one will go home hungry. For current players the cost is a measley 10 bucks. For other students the cost is 15 dollars, not bad for 2 full meals that aren't dining hall food, especially on a Saturday morning. For UNH Alums it'll be 20$. All of the money will go towards our program, helping fund our club. Any donations are accepted, and checks can be made payable to UNH Lacrosse

If you aren't trying to eat that early, fine, but be at Memorial Field at 4:30 to watch us play URI. Game is going to be a battle and we need all the fans we can get us up and scare these kids back to the beach. It's our first PCLL game, and a must win for the 'Cats.

Wildcats Attack Engineers 15-8

Florida in Photos

'Cat Nip: FLA Edition

PCLL News: Gray Resigns From NU

From Collegelax.us: Northeastern coach Tim Gray has announced he will be leaving the Huskies this spring and that assistant coach Joe Brady will replace him as head coach.

“Leaving NU was a very difficult decision, but the job opportunity in California was too much to pass up,” said Gray.

Coach Gray had an overall record of 65-32 with the Huskies, who he lead to the National Tournament for three years in a row from 2005-2007. A former Pioneer Collegiate Lacrosse League (PCLL) Coach of the Year, Gray’s players over the years have included 43 all-league PCLL selections and 14 MCLA All Americans.

The Huskies also won a pair of PCLL titles (2005 and 2006) under Gray.

Read the rest of the story here.

Coach Gray has had a tremendous impact on the PCLL and Northeastern University, an impact that stretches far beyond his win/loss record as a head coach. He was a working member of the PCLL board, as well as most recently secretary of the MCLA. Gray was well respected among players and coaches within the conference, specifically with our Head Coach, Jake Sullivan.

The man replacing Gray will be Joe Brady, who happens to be an alum of the same Walpole High School as myself, and a longtime friend of mine within the lacrosse community. So I'm here to extend the best of luck to Gray, Brady, and the Northeastern Huskies. (Except for when they come to Durham, of course.)

UNH Tops MAINE 19-0

Be sure to check out the newest edition of 'Cat Nip at the CollegeLax website.

Game is On

VS.

After some confusion with the scheduling, there was a scare this week that the University of Maine may not be able to field enough players for tomorrow due to their spring break. However, The game is back on schedule, SATURDAY at 2:00. Tell your families, as they are a high priority, but more importantly tell your friends around Durham that the season begins tomorrow and we love the support. If that support is coming from a bunch of loud, rowdy, college students, getting an early start on a Saturday morning? Even better. Also, The Boss is open to suggestions for a new poll question to run the month of March. Put it in the comments, and remember, it can be anonymous meaning no one will know who you are to ridicule you when you post something that is terribly uninteresting or unfunny.

UPDATE! 'Cat Nip Takes the Cake

The first of my weekly article on the CollegeLax website has been submitted. I am going to try and keep sending them in on Mondays for consistency sake, however they first must be reviewed before being posted. After lots of deliberation, and an overwhelming 5 comments, the time came for The Boss to make a decision on the title. I sent in my article, and told Sonny, the founder of the website, to choose which title he liked the most between THE CATS MEOW and 'CAT NIP. He chose the latter, and thats what were going with. Since I came up with it anyways, I can't say I'm disappointed. On a side note, THE 'SHIRE and KITTY LITTER weren't far behind. DURHAM DEEP DISH never had a shot, I'm saving that for Sportscenter.

The Boss Is Going Global! Needs Your Help

After cruising around on Collegelax.us, the national website for Club Lacrosse news, updates, forums, etc. I saw that there were a few articles on there written by current MCLA players. Late into the night, on a whim, I thought to myself that I could easily do that. So I sent the founder of the website an email with some information, a few articles, and a link to your beloved blog. We exchange a few e-mails, and next thing you know, he asks me if I would be interested in writing a weekly first person column chronicling UNH Lacrosse. First matter of business, however is to come up with a reoccurring title to run with it. This is where you all come in. I'm looking for something catchy to run beside my name and that will be associated with UNH Lacrosse for the rest of the season. A couple examples:

• Fight On! (USC)
• Griz Blog (Montana)
• Fire Up Chips! (Central Michigan)
• The Boomer Sooner (Oklahoma)

So if you have anything creative, cool, funny, or simple, please post it in the comments section below and we'll decide which one to run so I don't end up writing a column called the Wildcats Weekly.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Crease Defenseman

This is the first and newest feature of the blog, in which I will regularly find ridiculous and most likely embarrassing pictures of members on the team, and post them here for the world to see strictly for the humor. The pictures will be accompanied by likely hateful commentary and hopefully several comments from my devoted readers. No one is safe. That is, except me of course.

Welp, this is the photo that sparked my idea for the column. The all intimidating, bearded, one-sliding, mountain man that is Finnian Donovan seems to be upholding a different image in this photo. From the side-part, to the matching tie, all the way down to the one high sock, Finn looks less like the lumberjack he is today and more like a penny-loafer wearing noob that just got let out of a locker. Also, on a sidenote, Fact: This was not on Halloween, just a regular cocktail outfit. We salute you #11.

Wildcats are Caged, For The Meantime

(Photo Courtesy of Jake Sullivan's trendy new iPhone)

Despite the inevitably unforgiving New England weather, the Wildcats are in full swing, practicing 4-5 days a week. The puzzle is finally looking like a whole, however there's been one piece that has been noticeably absent this preseason. A field. Yup, the 'Cats have spent this January and February inside Lundholm Gymnasium, UNH's newly renovated field house. Restricted to an area within an indoor track, as well as the track itself, the boys have made due with whatever facilities they can get their hands on.

"Its tough with the spacing," said team President Dan Milano. "But playing in New England we have to take what we can get this time of year. The guys seem to be taking it well and are expecting a smooth transition onto the fields once we can get out there."

Opening up the first weekend in March, the Wildcats are hoping to be back on Memorial Field in the closing weeks of February to at least get some field work in before UMaine comes down to Durham, but Mother Nature makes no promises. But in full gear, inside a poorly ventilated room, and completely out of breath, there's one thing the 'Cats can look up to and remind them thats it's all worth it: A 20 foot banner that runs across an entire wall reading
Tradition. Pride. Excellence. We Are NEW HAMPSHIRE!

Conference Notes

• Boston College started off their season 2-0 with two non-conference victories. They beat The University of Florida 15-5 and also defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 11-6.
• The MCLA launched two brand new websites this week. One snazzy upgrade for the league itself, and another for their monthly MCLA Mag.
• UNH's first game will be a non-conference bout on March 7, against the University of Maine at 2:00 p.m on Memorial Field.
  

Respect

In completely unrelated, however incredibly important other news, the greatest player to ever step foot on a football field has officially retired today, for real. After 17 seasons, Brett Favre has hung up his Hall of Fame boots with every major passing record the NFL has ever known, as well as the honor of being my favorite player to ever live. Respect the Greatest of All Time. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.

No Respect

From CollegeLax.us: PCLL: At first glance, you just hand the title to Boston College. They have won it before and have been a top MCLA team for several years. But BC took some major losses on defense and in goal. And I’m not convinced that their recent success wasn’t directly related to the previous head coach. Now, two years removed from his departure, may translate to less dominance. And then there is Boston University, who had a great showing against BC in the regular season, but didn’t fair so well in the rematch. BU’s talent is all back but a large senior class did depart. Overall, I like BU’s chances but I have to go with Boston College especially after seeing the pedigree of their incoming freshman (all very good lacrosse high schools). If you are wondering about Northeastern’s chances, just wait one more year and then ask. Nationally, however, I think the losses on BC’s defense will be too much for them to overcome, even though they can come at you from many angles and will get better as the snow melts in New England. NC Predictions: AQ: #12 Boston College - 1st round loss.

Well, if anyone needed anymore motivation, it's right there in print. The "experts" of the MCLA have taken time out of their busy schedule to mention BC, BU, as well as Northeastern before finally arriving on the Eagles as their choice to win the PCLL. Between this and a tied #3 preseason conference rank, it's safe to say that there is no respect out there for the Wildcats...