Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Back with a Brett vs. article. This week I was asked to take on FOOD. I am a bit of a "foodie" so that was easy. Showing a little love to my brother's resturant Cap City, and some tips on how to tackle dieting and eating healthy.

For most of my readers you should not even worry about it. Honestly, it is never too early to learn the correct way to eat.

Tune in next week as our fitness and nutrition expert Jimmy Borrel helps you get ready for Thanksgiving and the holidays. 

Brett vs. FOOD 

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Rhody Heller and Tanner Ottenbreit are good friends on and off the field and are teammates at Regis (Aurora, Colo.) where they anchor a stingy defense.
 
They started their lacrosse careers together in 7th grade with the Denver Lacrosse Club, then with Colorado Select (U-13, U-15, & U-17), and Mile High All Stars. They were roommates at the Rising Junior Jake Reed Nike Blue Chip Camp last spring.

	Kirstin Olsen/ESPN RISE
	Rhody Heller (262) and Tanner Ottenbreit (244) remain teammates at Virginia.

ESPN RISE: What's up gentelman, let's start off with how you ended up together. Rhody, were you deep in recruiting when Tanner committed? Tanner, where you aware that Rhody was going to have a shot to play in Charlottesville?

Rhody Heller: I was still narrowing down my choices and visiting schools when Tanner committed to Virginia.  About that time, I was starting to figure out that goalie recruiting works a little differently than other positions.

Tanner Ottenbreit: I knew as soon as I took my visit that that's where I was going to end up. The coaches were great and so were the team and the other recruits. I knew Rhody was interested in Virginia, but I was not sure where Virginia stood in his top schools.(Read full post)

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Check out some of the "hot off the press" National Letter of Intent signings. Jack Reilly just put his name on the line at noon yesterday making it official that the Hopkins Blue jays landed the best athlete in the class. 

UNC has absolutley put together an incredible class.. Mark McNeill might be as strong an athlete as Reilly and continues to develop at a steady rate. If the time is put in McNeill who, Inside Lacrosse has as the No. 3 recruit, may end up being the top player in the class. Will Campbell from Worthington Kilbourne is an absolute man amongst boys and with Duncan Hutchins signing with UNC, the Tar Heels have the a bright future between the lines. TJ Kemp from McCallie, Tenn., can absolutley shoot the rock so look for him to make his way on the field on extra man early.

Hopkins and Syracuse are right around the same level, on Inside Lacrosse the have Hop as No. 2 and Syracuse as No. 3. I believe that the top of Hopkins recruiting class is better than 'Cuse, but there is a lot of talent for 'Cuse from top to bottom.

Kevin Interlicchio is another player who has a chance to be a repeat All-American at Johns Hopkins and will spark the Blue Jays on offense. The pipeline to Dublin-Jermoe, Ohio, continues with Eric Ruhl, which will make three players on the Jays roster. Something that is pretty unusual for an Ohio team. The big gun in that class is Jack Reilly, he is just flat out a space eater and the type of kid who is going to learn whatever it takes to blow up at the next level. Dave Pitremala has some talent to get Hopkins back to the top. It doesnt take him all that long to do it as we have seen before.

Maryland and Virginia just did what they always seem to do. Maryland got some talents players with that get to work mentality that Maryland seems to carry. Yesterday, Maryland added to their roster, Geoff Shannon of Inside Lacrosse reports that Peter Boyle also committed, staying in state to play for Dave Cottle. I also love Quinn Haley from Queen Anne's Md. He is a tough attackman that can turn the corner and I believe will fit in will with the squad in College Park.

Virginia will post another athletic class with Scott McWilliams, Rob Emery, and Pat Harbeson leading the way. The two St. Anne's Belfield boys, Austin Geisler and Owen Van Arsdale, will be contributers as well and with the glaring hole being a goalie for the future Austin "A-Money" Geisler will have a chance to step up down the road.

Ohio State coach Nick Myers landed some good talent as well in his mission to bring the Buckeyes into the national spotlight after departure of Joe Breschi to UNC. Look for Adam Trombley to help the Buckeyes out on attack and Calvert Hall goalie Greg Dutton will be solid between the pipes whenever his time comes for OSU. Check out some others on the IL Big Board.

Inside Lacrosse has it laid out here. 

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Carl Walrath is a two sport star for Haverford School (Pa.). The Midfielder/Attackman is also stars on the gridiron and is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing on the season. He hopes to pass the benchmark this weekend. Haverford's football team is 7-3 with a tough overtime loss to Chestnut Hill (Philadelphia, Pa.) this past weekend.

Walrath verbally committed to Dom Starsia and the Virginia Cavaliers. He looks to end his football season strong before gearing up with a cast of talent at Haverford for big lacrosse season.

Staying grounded and dedicated is something you hear often when discussin Walrath.

"My Parents are my mentors. They both work extremley hard and have taught me a lot of important lessons in dealing with life and sports," he said giving credit to his parents. 

This is why Walrath may be one of the up and coming stars on a team full of them.

When asked if he thought about playing football anywhere in college it was simple, "Playing football in college would be amazing, but lacrosse is the better choice for me." 

As Walrath closses in on his 1,000 yard season, the Fords punctuated with a win over Malvern with a last second field goal. The win marked the first time the Fords beat Malvern Prep (Malvern, Pa.) since 1992. His eyes are not on the linebackers in front of him, but with his teammates heading to play lacrosse with him like Matt Wlaters to 'Cuse, Conor Kelly to Notre Dame and Goran Murray to play  at Maryland.

it's hard to not be excited for the Phiily based team that plans on impressing this spring in a tough league.

ESPN RISE looks forward to following Walrath and his team and keep checking back in as we see how Havefords season winds down on the gridiron and gears up for lacrosse season.

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

As promised our stars from top to bottom share with you the shoes you'll want to look into. I personally must say shoes are about as important as anything in sports, so take time, get what fits best, just make sure you get a good pair. And as far as style, well thats all on you. Send us a link to your favorite pair to me here. Email:Brett Hughes

Brendan Mundorf
Denver Outlaws/Team USA/ UMBC Alum
A: Classic Timberland work boots, great to just kick around.
 
Connor English
Unviersity of Virginia
A: Favorite pair of shoes has to my lime green high dunks
 
Frank Price
Holy Springs, NC.
UVA
A: My favorite pair of shoes by far are my combat boots.  Comfortable and reliable, cant beat em.
 

Quinn Haley
Queen Anne's, MD.
Maryland
A: My go to shoes for the last few years were hardly shoes, SANUK light canvas slip-ons.
 
 
Jake Haley
Queen Anne's
Georgetown
A: My favorite pair of shoes are probably my brown reefs I've had since freshman year.
(too hard to call on athletic shoes)
 
John Urbank
Chaminnade
Georgetown
A: I am a flip flop guy when it comes to shoes. My favorite pair of flip-flops is Sanuks. They're made in like Hawaii or somewhere. Really comfy.
 
Tyler German
Midfield
UVA
1.My grandparents own a condo in Ocean City, so our usual vacation spot is staying there for a few weeks in the summer.

2. My favorite pair of shoes ever... um I'm gonna have to go with my red, white and blue Gilbert Arenas shoes that I had my best basketball game in.
 
Bruce Pirie
Indian Hills, N.Y.
Bryant
A: My favorite pair of shoes ever were skate shoes. Brown/ tan high top IPath Grasshopper's. If they still made them I'd have 10 pair in all colors.
 
Mark Brashears
Broadneck Highschool, MD
Undecided
A: Clarks Wallabees

Tanner Ottenbreit
Regis, CO.
UVA
A: My favorite pair of shoes are the Charles Barkley Series Air Force Ones (White/Blue)
 
Pete Rosetti
Collegiate, VA.
Georgetown
A: White Nike Air Force Ones... not even debatable there.
 
Tobey Armour
Choate Rosmary Hall, CT.
Johns Hopkins
A: Favorite shoes would have to be all black Nike air max...greatest shoes ever
 
Jack Reilly
Christian Brothers Academy, N.Y.
Johns Hopkins
A: Favorite pair of shoes ever - certainly not this ortho boot I'm in right now but when I was about 5 or 6 I had a rocking pair of sneakers with flashing lights in the heels - they were mad cool - wish they had those in size 16's.  
 
Zach Rogers
Palos Verdes, CA.
Providence
2. My favorite pair of shoes are my green Vans
 
John Hardesty
Upper Arlington, OH.
Ohio State
A: Nike Pumps
 
Paul Harrison
Dematha
Drexel
A: Probably this pair of Nike Dunk SB's that are hemp that I got from Journeys, they are pretty nasty.
 
Josh Matanin
St. Paul's MD.
Undecided
A: The best pair of shoes I have ever had are the Nike Hyperdunks.  They are really comfy and they're really light.  I like the way they look and I can wear them on the basketball court as well.

By Brett Hughes, Senor Editor

It was a good Halloween weekend of lacrosse at the Hawaii Invitational with great pictures and costumes coming back from the Islands.
 
This week we asked some of our past and present RISE UP BOYS and pro laxers about their own get-away favs, and in part two tomorrow we ask their favorite shoes to kick it in. With the weather starting to get cold and grey we asked our boys where they love to go and relax… everything from campfires to the Bahamas, our boys have their own ways to unwind.
 
We also welcome in a newcomer to the ER Lax blog, UMBC alum, current MLL star and recent TEAM USA selection Brendan Mundorf. The Mundorf has steadily made himself one of the top attackman in the world and continues to get better every year.  This summer will be one of the keys to team USA reclaiming the world title from Canada.
 
We also welcome back an original RISE UP BOY, Connor English. The Long Island star ended with a bang claiming MVP honors. He hasn't skipped a beat posting a five goal and one assist scrimmage earlier this fall for the Virginia Cavaliers. Connor will be fighting for a starting spot as a freshman for the Cavaliers joining good company, who did the same before him, Conor Gill, Steele Stanwick, Matt Ward, John Christmas, Danny Glading, to name a few.
 
Brendan Mundorf
Denver Outlaws
1.  I love to hang out outside.  Any bar/restaurant with an open air feel or large patio is awesome.

Connor English
Unviersity of Virginia
1.Favorite vacation spot def has to be Bermuda, its so nice their and my spot around town to relax is the turf I just go up and shoot and it calms me down

Frank Price
Holy Springs, NC.
UVA
1. Not really one spot, but I love hanging around a bonfire.

Quinn Haley
Queen Anne's, MD.
Maryland
1.We do big family vacations with all our cousins on the southern tip of Hatteras Island, NC where the land is so skinny you can see water all around you, and no big crowds so you can get a little crazy and enjoy the nice surf or takeover the beach with an epic ultimate frisbee game.
   
Jake Haley
Queen Anne's
Georgetown
1.  For a regular hangout, I like Greenwood Creek - just off of Eastern Bay -  with a great atmosphere for swimming, crabbing, fishing, and water sports, or just chillin on a pier.    
 
John Urbank
Chaminnade
Georgetown
1. My favorite vacation spot is probably Cape Cod. My aunt has a house out there right on the beach. Also the seafood is awesome.
   
Tyler German
Midfield
UVA
1.My grandparents own a condo in Ocean City, so our usual vacation spot is staying there for a few weeks in the summer.

Bruce Pirie
Indian Hills, N.Y.
Bryant
1. My Vacation spot is Beach Haven Long Beach Island. It's the REAL Jersey Shore, not that slimy seaside...I mean seaside that people typically think of. It's a beautiful, calm island my family has been going to for over 40 years, and if you asked anyone from my family where their favorite place to relax is, it would be Ramapo Lane Beach Haven, LBI.
 
Mark Brashears
Broadneck Highschool, MD
Undecided
1. My favorite place to vacation would definitely be the Bahamas. All the people were so chill and relaxed and the beaches and water are so nice.

Tanner Ottenbreit
Regis, CO.
UVA
1. No favorite vacation spot but I love going up to Vail in the summer time to just relax with friends and family and play some lacrosse.
 
Pete Rosetti
Collegiate, VA.
Georgetown
1. I would have to say that my favorite vacation spot is Duck Village on the Outer-Banks of North Carolina and my favorite place to relax in town has to my basement.

Tobey Armour
Choate Rosmary Hall, CT.
Johns Hopkins
1. Block Island...go there in the summer...chillest spot ever.
 
Jack Reilly
Christian Brothers Academy, N.Y.
Johns Hopkins
1. Favorite place to vacation/relax - I enjoy chillin on the beach in Chatham, MA every August.
 
Zach Rogers
Palos Verdes, CA.
Providence
1. My favorite vacation spot is Kaanapali Beach on Maui because of the great
weather and pristine water.  Shaved ice at Whalers Village is super legit.
 
John Hardesty
Upper Arlington, OH.
Ohio State
1. Cruisin' anywhere in the Caribbean!
 
Paul Harrison
Dematha
Drexel
1. About every year my family and some family friends go down to Corolla Light in the Outer Banks for a week, there are some sick houses down there right by the beach and there is a pool and different types of shops right there in the main complex... Its a pretty chill place.

Josh Matanin
St. Paul's MD.
Undecided
1. My favorite vacation spot is Deep Creek Lake.  When I'm there, I don't have to worry about anything.  I can just relax and get away from the world.  At the same time there is so much to do.  I could go out on the lake or I could go up into the mountains.  I could have a bonfire with friends or just sit back and watch a movie. Deep Creek Lake is just a great way to get away and relax.

What do you want to ask our RISE UP BOYS Email me Brett Hughes.

Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Geoff Shannon of Inside Lacrosse brings some good news for five schools in his latest recruiting roundup.

I think the big winner this week is Ohio State, with recent news of Luke Treece from Upper Arlington, Ohio, and now another in-state Blue Chip player Kyle Bernlohr have helped the Buckeyes' class.

Treece, who I have seen multiple times because he is a star from my alma mater will bring not only good skills, but he has the potential to grow in college and become a solid Division 1 player.

Brenlohr might be one of the best goalies in the class. I think where Ohio State wins with these two players is the idea of protecting its boarders. Ohio may not have the number of Blue Chip players that Maryland or New York, but they do have enough to field a pretty strong team if they can keep kids like Treece and Bernlohr in state. Coach Myers will continue to grow the Buckeyes and we will be hearing more and more form them, when they find out how to keep all these guys along with a Will Campbell and others we may see the "Bucks" deep in the playoffs.

Check out the other recruits and where you will be seeing them in years to come on the recruiting roundup. 

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

The Regis High School Goalie position has been filled for the past few years! Show stopper and recent Virginia commit Rhody Heller gets his first time between the pipes this year, which will come after he already committed to one of the top Lacrosse schools in the NCAA. Not a traditional path for anyone, but the Regis goalie has all the skills to play at the next level, and if you think it may be a little off to take a goalie who has never started for his high school, the last goalie to follow that path was Tillman Johnson, who became the 2003 USILA Player of the year and NCAA tournament MVP. Rhody has informed us that he will be heading to Charlottesville Virginia to play for the University of Virginia Cavaliers.

Virginia is in need of a Goalie for the 2011 class, and he will compete for playing time with current sophomore Rob Fortunato. Heller may find a great chance to learn from the up and coming UVA goalie for a year before taking his spot between the pipes.

More to come on Heller and fellow Colorado lacrosse standout Tanner Ottenbreit on the opportunity to represent Colorado as a duo at UVA. And what it would mean to have a Colorado tandem leading a defense someday for UVA.

By Brett Hughes

Haverford's Matt Walters gave his verbal commitmment to defending NCAA Champion Syracuse University, this coming just a week after teammate Carl Walrath verbally agreed to play midfield for the Virginia Cavaliers.

Both middies bring athleticism. Walrath took the No. 20 young gun recruit title from Inside Lacrosse, and Waleters showed his multi-demnsional athleticism this past summer at the Under Armour Underclass Showcase for the Philadelphia team.

Check out more from our friends at Lax Power on Matt Walters and Carl Walrath.

Posted By Brett Hughes

More and more of the top players are finding homes in the early fall. Three Juniors in Eric Chadderdon (Ohio State), Tyler German (Virginia), and Junior Jordan (Johns Hopkins) have all made decisons.

Virginia lands a monster in Tyler German who can score and create from he midfield. The Queen Anne's junior will team up with the Haley brothers (Quinn and Jake) for a dangerous coast to coast team.

Check out Geoff Shannon's "Recruiting Roundup"

By Brett Hughes

Peter Rossetti of the Collegiate School in Richmond Virginia has verbally committed to Dave Urick and the Georgetown Hoyas. After a big summer for the imposing 6'4" 215lb junior defenseman, the blue chipper decided that Washington D.C. would be his next stop for more than just lacrosse. "In the end it just came down to the fact that Georgetown offers so much academically and athletically... the coaches and players were all great and it felt good on every level," Rossetti said about his choice.

Rossetti's coach Andrew Stanley knows Georgetown has a talented player coming their way becuase he has watched Rossetti from the time he was in little league. Stanley commented, "I am very proud of Peter for earning the oppurtunity to represent such a great school... And while his size is an obvious advantage, it's his attention to detail and relentless work ethic that will allow him to do great things at the next level."

For now Rossetti is focused on a great football season and preparing for a strong spring. As he works toward being a Hoya we will follow him closely as he is always sure to impress. 

 By Brett Hughes

Goalies are always fun to get to know, our MVP of the NELC in Virginia checks in with us providing some humor from the start but the rising Junior from Collegiate school in Richmond is all buisness when the whistle blows. He will be leading a strong defense with Peter Rossetti and these two are one of the better tandems in the country. Noftsinger is a big fan of former Virginia Goalie of the Year Tillman Johnson so it makes sense that his ability to make the big save is something he witnessed first hand and from seeing him practice and compete his effort is similar to the 2003 Final Four MVP.

Name: David Noftsinger

Position: Goalie
HS:  Collegiate School
Grade: Rising Junior


ESPN RISE: Why did you decide to play Goalie?
David Noftsinger: Because I HATE running, and its just a great experience to control the defense while getting lacrosse balls hurled at you.

ER: Who is your favorite Lacrosse Goalie of all time? Why?
DN: Tillman Johnson. Because as a kid watching  him making ridiculous saves was one of the reasons why I started playing goalie.

ER: How did Collegiate do this past season?
DN: I think we were 13-7. Ended up losing in the state semifinals to St. Annes Belfield...

ER:Outlook for this season?
DN: Even though we lost a lot of seniors this past year our rising junior class is very talented and should lead the way to a possible state championship. So far for this upcoming season I think were already playing Gilman, St. Marys Annapolis, and Georgetown prep. That should be a great experience for our young team.

ER: How do you get ready for a game?
DN:Before every lacrosse game I would listen to my I-Pod, stretch with the team, and then get warmed up. After that I just do my best to clear my mind and get ready for the game.

ER: What summer team did you play for?
DN: This summer I played for Virginia Elite 2 and our school team (Collegiate).

ER: What were a couple of your favorite events from the summer?
DN: Going to Blue Chip lacrosse camp was probably one of my favorite events because I met some very talented lacrosse players from all over the country, and its always fun to keep in touch with them throughout the summer. I also enjoyed the NELC camp at UVA, it had great instructors and I had a chance to get some good work in with great competition. I haven't been able to go to the beach much because we have had so much lacrosse, but ive enjoyed playing with all my friends so this summers been pretty awesome.

ER: Favorite subject in school? Why?
DN: History because I learn something new every day.

ER: What is your favorite College Program:
DN: Living in Richmond UVA has definitely always been my favorite school. But Im really still just looking around to see which schools are right for me.

Posted by ESPN RISE STAFF 

Long Island, NY – The Nike Elite Lacrosse Camp (NELC) came back to Long Island for the second year in a row.  With Long Island being well known for some of the Nation's best High School Lacrosse, the staff was anxious to see the top players in the area.  Not only does the staff want to observe the young laxer's stick skills they are also interested in observing their athleticism.  NELC allows for the laxers to showcase their athletic talents as well as their lax skills within the high paced 4 hour camp.  As Max Seibald, the current Tewaaraton Award winner says, "To be a high level Lacrosse player today, you can't get away with just being a wizard with the stick, you need to be an athlete.  I credit the work I put forth in my training to having a huge impact on my career.”  NELC is able to include this into this unique camp because they bring with them Chris and Doug Gizzi from Zone Ready, a top shelf performance training company.

Here are the top 3 "Lax-letes” who caught the staff's attention with their tremendous athletic skills:

#1. Jack Reilly receives the top athlete award.  Even with an impressive frame and build, Jack moves with the fluidity of a basketball player.  His feet are quick and efficient to place his body in a position to win.  As Doug Gizzi, from Zone Ready said, "His feet are constantly getting back to the ground, it makes a swoosh sound as he moves.”

#2. Craig Goodermote – YES!  Goalies can be athletes too.  This guy has freakish hand speed and lower extremity dexterity.  He gets his body in front of the ball more often than not because of his superb starting speed.  ESPN Riser's Brett Hughes has been quoted, "I believe Craig may have an extra arm and/or leg.  But until officials rule extra appendages illegal, he can still play with the other kids.  Best goalie I've seen this year!”

#3. Alonzo Holcombe is very twitchy and has great recovery speed.  It's like he is reeling someone in when he gives chase.  Awesome shakes and the perseverance to match.  As Chris Gizzi, from Zone Ready said, "Alonzo is like a box of dynamite, when he goes off you swear you heard an explosion.” 

by Brett Hughes 

	Kirstin Olsen/ESPN RISE
	NELC UVA MVPS # 592 Peter Rosetti

Next surprise he had was a strong handshake and followed it up with a "good to meet you SIR.” A word not used nearly enough these days with athletes. But make no mistake Rossetti was all about fun, right up until the attackman caught the ball.

Similar to Johns Hopkins commit Jack Reilly (Christian Brothers Academy, Syracuse, NY) this very physical athlete turns to all business when the job is at hand, and clicks right back to chirping with teammates and giving everyone including coaches a hard time.

His eagerness to learn and actually go out and give anything a try will put him high on every coach's list. His interests lie in UVA, Georgetown, UNC, Duke, Notre Dane and Johns Hopkins. The duo of Rossetti and up and coming goalie David Noftsinger of Collegiate School will be a defense to deal with this year in the VISAA Central Division 3 region.

We will catch up with Pete in the weeks to come, as the beast gets ready for the upcoming football season. 

by Anthony Kelly special to ESPN RISE

	Zach Heffner/special to ESPN RISE
	NELC Coach Anthony Kelly.

It's always exciting to see how the game is exploding outside of the traditional hotbeds as we pushed westward. At OSU we had over 80 great players! The talent didn't stop there as we mixed in the Denver stop and the Nor Cal and So Cal stops. The kids out on the west coast were also very impressive, and I know all the kids were pumped in our efforts to add them to the tour.

After a long 2 weeks of training, lacrosse, and traveling, we closed out the NELC tour at Johns Hopkins. It was probably our most talented group of young players we have seen in one camp all year. We had numerous Division 1 and 3 commitments on hand at Friday's camp. It was awesome to watch them all playing and interacting with one another. I was thoroughly impressed with the guys when we got to 6 vs. 6, and the up and down 3 vs. 2 "basketball” drill. The stick skills and lacrosse IQ of these players was very obvious at this point.

As we closed out the day and all headed back to our normal lives, it was nice to sit and reflect on the camps. What's great about the NELC tour is that it gives these great players an opportunity to come to a camp, for FREE, work with some awesome trainers from Zone Ready, play some stress free lacrosse getting them away from the "recruiting summer”, having an opportunity to meet new friends, and most importantly have fun doing it and learn a bunch of new concepts to take home and incorporate into their own training. All of which will ultimately make them all better lacrosse players and hopefully better people. For me, it's just exciting to be able to help they young players achieve that and watch them grow as players. 

We'll see you all next summer!

By Kyle Harrison special to ESPN RISE

I'd be lying if I said I was a little disappointed when we finished setting up for the NELC San Francisco.  One of the top high school recruits in the nation (and he's not from Maryland or New York folks!), stood in his Nike jersey with no equipment or cleats on, a backwards hat, and a Proton Power in his hands. Rob Emery injured his back dead lifting in summer football training a few days before camp and was unable to participate. I've heard so much about this kid's potential that I had to introduce myself and get a few minutes to talk to the West Coast high school lacrosse legend in the making.

One year from now Emery will be headed to the University of Virginia as the most hyped West Coast high school lacrosse player in the history of lacrosse. The fact that he would even come out to camp knowing he can't participate just to be a part of it, says a lot about the person and player that he is. I watched as he followed around NELC coach Max Seibald (last years NCAA Player of the Year and 2009 Tewaaraton winner) and picked his brain on how he was successful in his college career and how he's coping in the MLL. I noticed for 5 hours of being on the lacrosse field, he didn't put down his stick once. That may seem insignificant to most, but there's a reason he's got great stick skills and is clearly ahead of the high school lacrosse curve in California. He simply wants to be the best lacrosse player he can be and that was evident today in the short time I spent with him.

Emery mentioned to me how important it was for him to be able to practice with his football team later this summer as the quarterback and one of the leaders of the team.  It was great to see a kid who understands the importance of hard work, leadership and most importantly being a part of a TEAM.

    The crazy thing about Rob is I haven't seen him play a minute of competitive lacrosse and I KNOW that he's going to be a great one. What I learned about him was far more important than his shot on the run or his split dodge. He's a hard working kid who handles himself the right way, and I'm certain will have four successful years at UVA and put Bay Area high school lacrosse on the map. Being an East Coast guy, it pains me to say it, but Rob Emery is proof that West Coast high school lacrosse is about to make a HUGE impact on the NCAA in the VERY near future.
 

Posted By Brett Hughes

Our own ESPN RISE Magazine published a story about the nations best girls lacrosse player. Kelly Austin of St. Stephans St. Agnes has had a target on her back all season, she is not letting the other teams plans of stopping her get in the way of her last few stops of her high school carrer before heading down to the University of Virginia to make an immediate impact on the Cavaliers.

By Brett Hughes

Another one of the future attackmen for the Virginia Cavaliers, Connor English, sent a simple and to the point answer about what he saw this past weekend. English is coming off a 5 goal effort against Chaminade to set Manhasset up for a 9-7 win over their Long Island rivals.

After watching all the lax games this week I learned that to excel at the next level I have to learn to be a little more patient while also never letting stuff get to my head.  The guys that played well did all of these things plus more when the ball or flow wasnt directly going through their sticks... I cant wait for next week!

Connor has also recently been invited to play in the Under Armour All American Game, check in later as Connor and the Rise Up Boys give thier last piece of the year and say goodbye the RISE... unless we have them check in from their new NCAA lives.

By Brett Hughes

Prior to the weekends games, I had reached out to certian RISE UP BOYS and asked them to write me a letter about what they had learned over the weekend as students of the firstround of the NCAA tournament. It could be about a player, a team, or a common trend they picked up on througout the weekend. These boys will always view the game as entertainment, but I wanted them to actively take a moment and view the game as if they were getting ready for a test... A four year test of lacrosse I.Q. and ability to learn the college game.  All the boys had a great time with it and I was so impressed with what they came back with.

One of the future Quarterbacks of the NCAA Matt White and I had talked prior to the games and I just knew this kid was going to come up with something right on the money. To be the conductor of Ridgefield High School in Conn. and a future leader of the Virginia Cavaliers high powered offense, I expected Matt to "get it" this weekend. He did, picking up on things that do not pertain to his position, but he is right on the money with his observations about the total game.

Brett,

From watching the games this weekend, i think the thing that really stuck out the most to to me was the importance of goalie play in the NCAA tournament.  It's obvious that nobody is a dud in the net playing for these teams, but for instance in the UVA vs. Nova game the nova goalie wasn't really in a good groove facing those shooters from Virginia.  Same thing wth the Duke v. Navy game.  Another key thing that i payed attention to was faceoffs.  Carolina, UVA, and Hopkins all looked like they had a great advantage in that spot with Walterhoefer, Gaudet and Dolente winning lots of draws for their respective teams.
 

Two things you will see consistently are coaches and analysts talking about  the importance of exactly that in the playoffs. when everyone is on an even playing field, the X-Factors come up huge.

By Brett Hughes

Gatorade, G2, Vitamin Water, Powerade, or maybe even H2o, This week we asked the boys to weigh in on what sport drink the prefer, and also what is the best sports commercial of all time. You tube some of these to get a laugh or remember some of the best. 

I went back and looked into te ESPN archive and found what readers have said over the years. You can compare these guys to what we at ESPN have decided are the best sports commercials of all time.

Check out the ESPN top 25 commercials. 

 Quinn Haley: Queen Annes' (MD.)

1. During games I stick with pure H2o, after games I like either Vitamin Water Revive or G2..
2. The Terry Tate Office Linebacker commercials are the best.. I like the one where he crushes the guy for not refilling the coffee machine.."you kill the joe, you make some mo..!! whooaaaa!!!!"

Chris Lapierre: Shawnee, (N.J.)

1. No Question... Gatorade,
2. Best sports commercial is the one played during last year's Masters of Earl Woods explaining why Tiger is the best golfer in the world.  

Tobey Armour: Choate Rosemary Hall, (Conn.)

1. Vitamin water....love it. 
2. Best sports commercial ever was the one aired during the '98 world cup.  had the brazilian team playing soccer through the airport.  so great.

Criag Goodermote: Sachem, (N.Y.)

1. Vitamin water. My school just put in brand new machines with them in. Cant
go a day without my XXX or formula 50 drink.
2. The Nike "Fate" commercial with LT and Polamalu has to be on eof the best.

Jake Haley: Queen Annes', (MD.)

1. Vitamin Water - Revive goes quickest in my house, but like to have an Energy before and during games.
2. LT and Troy Polamalu "Leave Nothing" commercial shows them growing up from kids to pros, then facing eachother.

John Muti: Mtn. Lakes, (N.J.)

1.Gatorade without a doubt.
2. The "chicks dig the long a ball"; commercial with John Glavine and Greg Maddux.

Stay tuned for more from our future stars.

Posted by Brett Hughes

Incase you have not seen the NELC site check it out. We will update it throughout the summer with pictures and video as well as hear from players, coaches, and staff on each camp as we tour the country in year two.

There is a link on the page to email us with any questions you have on the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps. 

By Brett Hughes

I wanted to start the ESPN RISE Top 25 Senior list today with 25-21. RISE will have a chance to see #21 Marcus Holman of Gilman tomorrow vs LaSalle (Penn.). A player you may have never heard of is Cody Solaja out of Dallas, Texas. If you ask around the NCAA everyone will tell you that coach Tierney at Hofstra landed a kid with incredible potential and can be a difference maker on Long Island.

25. Patrick Fanshaw, Calvert Hall (Baltimore, Md.), Attack, Loyola (Md.)

24. Howie Long Jr., St. Anne's-Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.), Defender, Virginia

23. Cody Solaja, Episcopal (Dallas, Texas), Defender, Hofstra

22. Patrick Murray, Kent Denver (Englewood, Colo.), Midfielder, Georgetown

21. Marcus Holman, Gilman (Baltimore, Md.), Attack, North Carolina

By Brett Hughes

An East Coast swing for ESPN RISE lacrosse kicked off with a stop by Episcopal High School in Northern Virginia. Coach Scott Conklin allowed me to observe practice and see what a rebuilding team in the IAC looks like. All signs point to a bright future!

Episcopal has the bulk of its talent resting in a stacked Sophmore class. Which is why it will be important to grab as many early sason wins as possible, while the sophmores get their collective feet wet. The strength of this team, however, is not on a stat sheet, but in the locker room. Maybe it's a boarding school thing, or maybe it's great leadership from the coaching staff. I think its both, mixed with an incredible group of kids with the willingess to learn and work together.

From time to time we forget that the most important thing is high school athletics is that a team works together. Systems work in high school (De La Salle Football in Concord, CA. is a perfect example. with its crazy win streak) kids who buy into a coach, and are willing to put the team in-front of individual wants always end up in a great place. 

So on day one RISE was reminded that while we are out to cover some of the best lacrosse in the country, along with the best players the sport has to offer, that the collective team is the only reason we cover anything at all. I want to thank Scott Conklin and the EHS team for allowing me to be part of practice and best of luck in a league that boasts teams like Georgetown Prep and Landon. 

Posted By Brett Hughes

Chris "Shocker" LaPierre has been a player we follow closely as he continues to break records and impress on his way to UVA in the fall of 2009. Finally he hits lacrosse season, the sport everyone wants to see him excel in, however, RISE had to get one last article out of him about his choice. Find out more about LaPierre and his decision. 

By Brett Hughes

St Igantius High School (San Francicso, Calif.) is set to send its first player to the University of Virginia. Rob Emery decided on UVa earlier this week becoming a huge addition to the 2010 recruiting class.

Emery is known as an exceptional athlete with good skills and the ability to play both ends of the field. Two way middies have always done well for coach Dom Starsia and the tempo of the Cavaliers' game. Emery posted a huge summer and was thought to have the best week of any midfielder at the Blue Chip Camp.

By Brett Hughes

Junior Midfielder Bobby Hill of Malvern Prep high school in Pennsylvania had given his verbal commitment to Dom Starsia and the Cavaliers. Hill brings the Wahoos a lot of potential and the Friars star knows how to put up points, something that is always part of UVa and the up and down pace they play at.

By Brett Hughes

RISE UP BOYS back again with Super Bowl predictions and some of the music our players are listining to.  The guys have pretty good mix of music so I may have to make an iTunes mix of it and see how it sells. From Weezy to The Allman Brothers… Slightly Stupid and back to the Temptations.  This might be a chance to make the all time warm up mix for our viewers.

	Goodermote Family
	Craig Goodermote.

Steelers Win… MVP- I'm thinking Big Ben but I'm pulling for Troy Polamalu.

Frank Price II: Holly Springs (Holly Springs, NC.)

Top 5 songs:

1) Some Devil- Dave Matthews

2) Move if you wann- MIMS

3) Its the Final countdown- Europe

4) Put on- Young Jeezy

5) Bama Breeze- Jimmy Buffet

Even though I don't want them to win, I think the Steelers are going to win.  And Ben Roethlisberger will be the MVP.  Hopefully I am wrong.

Will Campbell: Worthington Kilbourne (Worthington, OH.)

Top 5 songs:

1)    Ramblin' Man- Allman Brothers Band

2)    Blue Sky- Allman Brothers Band

3)    Black Water- Doobie Brothers

4)    Free Bird- Lynard Skynard

5)    Enter Sandman- Metallica

I'm predicting the Cardinals will win by the slimmest of margins.  Plus I'm a Browns fan so it's a sin to root for the Steelers.  Although many people think Larry Fitzgerald will be MVP, I personally believe Kurt Warner will win it.  The receiver can't catch the ball if the quarterback can't throw it to him.
 
Tyler Knarr: La Salle (Eagleville, PA.)

I've always listened to pretty Indie music so a lot of these songs aren't that famous with the exception of a couple. The top five songs on my ipod right now are:

1) I was a lid (by Manchester Orchestra...they're not an orchestra)

2) Luca (by Brand New)

3) Gimme the Loot (by Biggie Smalls)

4) Wolves at Night (by Manchester Orchestra)

5) In Fear and Faith (by Circa Survive)

Superbowl pick is the Steelers, Mvp Roethlisberger.

Connor English: Manhasset (Manhasset, NY.)

Top 5 songs in no order are :

1) Rock Star by Lil wayne ft Chamillionaire

2) Walk it out remix by unk

3) X gonna give it to ya by DMX

4) Hypnotize by B.I.G.

5) Krazy by Pitbull ft. lil jon

I predict that the cards win it al,l with my boy Fitzgerald as the MVP.

John Muti:  Mt. Lakes (My. Lakes, NJ.)

The top 5 songs on my ipod at the moment are:

1)Say Yeah by. Wiz Khalifa

2) Boyz N Da Hood by. Eazy E

3) I Love College by. Asher Roth

4) B.O.B by. Outkast

5) Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations.

And the Arizona Cardinals will win the Super Bowl with Anquan Boldin as the MVP.
 

Check back in next week for some more RISE UP BOYS, if you have a question send an email to brett@student sports.com.

By Brett Hughes

Continuing with the theme of getting ready for spring, we asked the boys how they prep for a game in the kitchen. As a former high school and college player I must say that some of these boys are pretty lucky they can eat the way they do before a game. A college coach of mine once told me he would eat as many egg McMuffins as he could: 

"the number of McMuffins I put down would be the number of goals I would have... but remember Brett, nutrition is different now than it was 15 years ago."  -Chris Colbek

Seems that some of our boys subscribe to the same nutrition plan as my former coach. After these boys eat and its time to play one of the most important and interesting aspects of our sport is the lacrosse stick in and of itself. So we asked the RISE UP BOYS what their weapon of choice is on the lacrosse field

ESPN RISE:

1. What do you eat before a game?

2. What type of stick do you use? 

Criag Goodermote: Sachem East (Holtsville, NY.) continues to roll through his hockey season as they stand at 17-0 and only have a few more games left on the schools scheudle hoping to go undefeated for the first time in the schools history.

1. My favorite meal is a handful of double stuff Oreo's... haha, actually I usually keep peanut butter and some bread in the coaches office and make a quick sandwich before every game. 

2. I use an orange Nemisis head with a Diamons shaft.

Connor English: Manhasset (Manhasset, NY)

1. My Favorite pre game meal is a chiken cutlet with hot sauce and ranch dressing on a hero.

2. My Favorite stick is the one I am using right now, it's a Proton Power with a Gait Ice shaft.

Luke Armour: Lawrenceville (Lawrencville, NJ.)

1. I try not to eat before games.If I have anything I'll have half a Clif Bar or Power Bar with some Gatorade.

2. Although I don't use it now, when I was younger I copied whatever Jesse Hubbard was using. For a while it was a classic Razer with a tradition six diamond (leather) pocket. The handle was a Levitation, which I thought was the bomb. When maintaining the leather became to much I succumbed to using mesh and have been ever since, but I must admit, my game has consequently suffered.

Matt White: Ridgefield (Ridgefield, CT.)

1. My pre game meal I have either a bacon, egg, and cheese or just a bag of Goldfish.

2. Favorite stick would be a Titan classic with the Maverick Juice head on it.

Chris "Shocker" Lapierre: Shawnee (Medford, NJ.)

1. Pre game meal is grilled chicken and pasta. It's not a lax thing as much as it is for football, but definitley the way to go.

2. My favorite stick is the Razor Pro (not the 2.0 with the girly designs) and a Titan Pro shaft.

Tobey Armour: Choate Rosemary Hall (New Haven, CT) 

1. Pasta for a pre game meal, and a lot of water.

2. Favorite stick would have to be the one I'm usuing right now, an STX Scandium with an Excalibur.

Owen Van Arsdale: STAB (Charlottesville, VA.)

1. I like to eat a ham sandwhich as a pre game meal and then eat a bagle right before game time.

2. My favorite stick right now is the Gait Fuel, but that is not being made anymore so I guess I need to stock up on those.

Will Campbell: Worthington Kilbourne (Worthington, OH.) 

1. I dont each much before my games, but I do usually snack on some Sun Chips, a big bag or two.

2. My Favorite lacrosse stick would be the one I am ussing right now. It's a black Proton Power with a white Swizzle shaft.

Frank Price II: Holly Springs (Holly Springs, NC.) 

1.I have a specific pre game meal ritual that I go through every time I compete. In this Order: Bottle of water, banana, bagel with cream cheese, raisins, and then repeat a second time closer to the game.

2. I use Warrior poles, and a Gait Wizard head, I call it "Hercules."

John Muti: Mt. Lakes (Mt. lakes, NJ.)

1. Favorite pre game meal is mac and cheese.

2. My favorite head and shaft combination would have to be the Brine Eraser and the Carolina Blue Krypto pro shaft.

Michael Morris: Deerfield (Deerfield, MA.)

1. Pre game meal is always something small, preferable a PB&J or a bowl of pasta. I always have a Gatorade or two, and always the yellow colored flavor.

2. My favorite stick is the Gait-Ice. I saw a Duke game, and I think it was either Parker McKee or Tony McDevitt, but a defenseman had a black shaft. That day Duke had their black uniforms on, and the D-man with the black shaft had a pretty sick look going on. Since then I've always rocked a black shaft.

Quinn Haley: Queen Anne's (Centerville, MD.)

1. Favorite pre game meal: In the morning, pancakes. Later on- Chipotle burrito. If I run out of time just a Power Bar and an energy drink.

2. My favorite lacrosse stick. I experiment with a few at a time, but usually end up going with a Proton head with hard mesh (nicely broken-in) and any good lightweight shaft, I am not particular. 

John Urbank: Chaminade (Mineola, NY.) 

1. My favorite pre gamemeal is a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. Usually we play in the morning so I need some good fuel to start the day.

2. I don't really have a favorite stick as long as it is light, strong, and throws nice, I'll use anything.

Marcus Hollman: Gilman (Baltimore, MD.)

1. I honestly do not have a specific pre game meal, but last season I did eat a bowl of ice cream the night before every game..

2. My favorite lax twig is the Proton Power. I've been using them since ninth grade. I have an old STX Deep Freeze pole on my started now, it's pretty throwback.

Jake Haley: Queen Annes' (Centerville, MD.)

1. Favorite pre game meal :Anywhere with all my teammates. We have a limited time between our school day and game-time, so usually most of the guys on the team meet at a place like Coliseum, the local pizza place. For summer tournaments with the Crabs we like to find a local Chipotle for burritos.

2.My favorite stick is an Eclipse head with monster mesh and I have always used the Gait DB803 or the Gait Ice shaft. I like the light weight and the feel of them.

Tyler Knarr: La Salle (Eagleville, PA.)

1. I keep it really light with a Power Bar, a banana, and some Vitamin water.

2. My favorite stick is a Gait Torque on a Kypto pro shaft.

If you have a question for ESPN RISE or any of the RISE UP BOYS email brett@studentsports.com and the RISE UP BOYS may be answering your question next. 

RISE UP BOYS this week has the thought of 2009 in mind. We wanted to ask our boys what they had in mind for a New Years resolution and now that lacrosse is getting closer and closer, what drill they enjoy most getting ready for the season.

1. What is your New Years resolution?
2. What is the best drill in lacrosse tryouts?

Frank Price II: (Holy Springs, NC, UVA)
1. Mostly just to leave the past in the past
2. The hassle drill, in the hassle drill you have 10 guys in a circle, and 8 guys in the middle of the circle 4 on offense, and 4 on defense, while the 4 offensive players work the ball to the out side, the 4 defensive players hassle them any way they want, legally or illegally.

Michael Morris: (Deerfield Academy, CT, G'Town)

1.My new years resolution is to start lifting more consistently

2. I really can't wait for full field scrimmages to start during tryouts, 

and one on ones are a lot of fun too.

John Urbank (Chaminade, NY, Undecided)

Schools: Georgetown, Duke, Princton, Yale, Loyola, Providence, Maryland, Notre Dame

1. My New Year's resolution is to get above 1200 on my SATs and bring home another CHSSA lacrosse championship in the spring
2. My favorite drill in tryouts is 1v1 groundball battles

Jake Haley: (Queen Annes, MD, Georgetown)

1. To win a state championship in lacrosse or football. Whil continuing to improve in both sports.

2. The drill I am looking forward to most will be the last drill we do in warm-ups before our first game. 

Connor English: (Manhasset. NY, UVA)
1.My new years resolution would have to be cutting back on the soda, that stuff can be addicting.
2.My favorite drill during practice is 2v1 or 3v2 or 4v3 ground ball drills where if the offense gets it we have a fast break on the defense, I love it cause you have get physical to get that ball and then try and move the ball quick to get a lay-up.

Luke Armour: (Lawrenceville School, NJ, Princeton)  
1. I don't believe in resolution besides continuing to try and be the best person and friend and family member I can be. although I've been contemplating facing my fear of seafood.
 2. Fast break drills are my favorite, any type of transition drills. odd man situations, gotta love the speed and pinpoint passing (and making the defense look stupid).
Craig Goodermote: (Sachem East, NY, Undecided)

1. Get off the couch and workout even more.

2. Love the one on one drills.
Chris Lapierre: (Shawnee, NJ, UVA)

2. Semi-circle shooting because we get to crank shots on the goalies from up top.

Marcus Holman: (Gilman, MD, UNC)

1. In 2009, I'm going to focus more on doing the little things right. Stuff like finishing sprints all the way, GB's with two hands, and shooting overhand.

2. We do a drill that I love at Gilman called Numbers Drill, where all the defense and some middies are down at the goal line and everyone on offense is up at the midline. If coach calls out the number 6, then 6 offensive guys go and only 5 go on defense, so it's always one man up for the offense.  It gets really interesting when he calls 2 or sometimes even 1, which he did for me last year resulting in a breakaway against my brother who's a goalie. It's a more relaxed, fun drill.

Will Campbell: (Worthington Kilbourne, OH, UNC)

1. My new years resolution is to not rest on my laurels.
2. My favorite lacrosse drill to do is 1 on 1 groundballs.  It demands speed, quickness, strength, aggressiveness and discipline not to hit your teammate in the back.

Welcome Tyler Knarr to the RISE UP BOYS. He is a Defenseman from La Salle PA., one of the nations top programs. Tyler is headed to Georgetown and has been compared to a young Brodie Merrill. We will keep up with Tyler as he leads his team into the season chasing another undefeated year. Tyler has worked heard to repair a tear in his knee and is ready to get out and play again.

 Check in again as we invite a few more boys and see how they are doing in Basketball, Hockey, and even intramural basketball which is a heated topic for some of the young men on this list.

Happy New Year from ESPN RISE

Thought I would continue the Holiday thread and ask the RISE UP BOYS what the best Christmas/Holiday gift they ever got was. Also with all of the great movies coming out on DVD and in the theatre who their favorite celebrity is...

First, Tobey Armour at Choate checked in, with the end of his soccer season he has taken time to get out and visit colleges.. recently he has seen Hopkins, Notre Dame, Harvard, and Brown. While down on the Island Craig Goodermote works closer to his decision, recently visiting NAVY and coming back happy with all thinks Annapolis. He has also started the Hockey season off with a 15-0 start, posting 2 to 3 points a game and a nice ground and pound fight the other night.

In Jersey Chris LaPierre finished his football season the way you want to with a state championship and a bunch of ink in the state record books. Now he shifts his focus to some CYO basketball and indoor lacrosse to prep for a big season. Staying in NJ John Muti of Mt. Lakes checked in with similar news as the Lakers finished the season with a state football title as well in their division. Muti pointed out that it was "as exhilarating as a sporting event he has been involved in to date." With the close of football it's time for Muti to get in cage again and get ready to help the Lakers to a similar outcome in the spring.

Next RISE UP BOYS we look toward catching up with a new face, and hearing about the boys christmas and New Years resolutions...

ESPN RISE:

Who is your favorite celebrity?

What is the best gift you have ever received during the holidays? 

Frank Price II: (Holy Spring, NC. UVA)

When I was 5 I got a set of dinosaur toys, that I would not let out of my sight.

Will Ferrell: Every movie that guy is in is hilarious

 Tobey Armour: (Choate, CT. Undecided)

Jack Black, because he is hilarious, and he seems to be able to do a lot of different stuff.

Best christmas present ever was probably an Ipod

Criag Goodermote: (

Jason Statham. The man is a beast period. Nothing like a british bad-ass.

 Best christmas gift were plane tickets to salt lake city Utah to go

snowboarding. Theres nothing like west coast powder.

Chris "SHOCKER" LaPierre

Fav. Celeb. = Tiger Woods because he's a winner and works so hard at making sure he's the best and doesn't let anyone get in his way.

Howie Long Jr.

Favorite celeb- arnold swarz

Best xmas present, easy- scholarship to UVA. Dec 23 2007.

John Muti

As for my favorite celebrity it has to be Neil Patrick Harris, he is one of the funniest actors I have ever watched.

 And my favorite Christmas gift I ever received is my iHome, I could never live without it.

Harry Prevas

Favorite present: by far the power wheels that I got when I was 3 it was a dump truck.

Celebrity: Kirsten Dunst. Spiderman rain scene followed by the spiderman hook sesh, possibly the greatest superhero comic scene ever.

Connor English

Favorite celebrity has to be Chris Rock, he is hilarious in his movies but even funnier on his comic acts.  I laugh the whole time.

The best Christmas gift I ever received  would probably be my xbox 360, it keeps me occupied.

Luke Armour

Fav Celbrity:  Cornel West - Great thinker, and speaker. He has great style and writes great books.
 
Best gift? 7th Grade - Princeton lacrosse sweatshirt compliments of Jesse Hubbard.

RISE UP BOYS will be back after Christmas!