Cardinals Clip Away Again

Back again, how is everyone doing?

Oh, what a weekend it has been. I was planning on writing this Sunday but that didn't work out now did it. Alright so lets pick up the remote and rewind back. Thursday was our last practice of the fall season. (Last one ever for seniors Dan Caufield and Tucker Glass) Going through everything and preparing for a game which is a big indicator on how we will transition into our upcoming season. On Friday along with having no classes, I slept late, ate a good breakfast, and then headed over to coaches office to finally achieve something that most of the guys on the team know I have been attempting to complete since freshman year. If you didn't think of it already then you probably don't know the issue and I will explain.

Since freshman year I have been trying to make a successful, "our generation" oriented, warm up tape for pre-games. ( It would be so much cooler if our pre-games were packed with screaming fans, but hey we do what we can). I say "our generation oriented" because we have had warm up music before, but for those of you who have sat in those stands, or along that wall, or even on the field, know that 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor doesn't go well with 45 guys trying to get a little more pumped for a game, and does not fall into our generation of music preference. To make a long story short, Coach Pedrick and I spent 4 hours scanning our iTunes up and down, probably a total of 10,000 songs between our two computers, looking for good songs that would reach the approval of Coach Cavanagh. Please don't let me get any further into that. Basically try to think of all the songs that your sons listen too on their iPods, and then eliminate those that have or use profanity, and now think how many are left. My point... Nevertheless our persistence paid off and we created a 25 minute mix that is not half bad and did the job.

After that, I returned home and got ready to head over to Therapy to lose all my hair, awesome. It was interesting seeing a place usually populated by many of us at night, during the day. I guess you pick up on the 'finer things'. As a team I must say we did great with raising money, and I think we raised over $6,000 which is just awesome, seriously boys great job. I am confident to say that over the past three years, we as a group have raised over $15,000. The turnout at Therapy I think was the biggest I have seen in all three years having participated in it. I am going to have to say the best picture which is also in the video is that of Danny Caufield, who definitely had the longest hair on the team at that point, something we call 'Lax Bro Flow' or 'Rage'.

Alright so moving onto the game. The weather was not ideal as we battled through periods of substantial rain, which just causes slight imperfections in everyones game. McGill came out and put the first goal in the net but we responded and it was neck and neck for most of the game with no team taking more than a 3 point lead. 11-11, end of regulation time as the game will now go into overtime. Junior mid-fielder Nick Travers, scored a goal which was not only the game winner but it was his 5th goal of the night. Sick game Nick. Following the uproar of our sideline as we charged the field; Nick avoids all of us and takes a head first slide right across the face-off X to really rub it all in. Just Dirty Birds flying low protecting the nest, thats all! Following the game we all enjoyed another excellent tailgate provided by our awesome parents led by Veronica Kramer who really does such a great job following in the footsteps of Donna, Mike Glynn's mother. We thank you all so much.

Alright so finishing up, I must not forget about Saturday's Alumni Game. Oh it is just comical. So we show up, most of us soar from the night before, getting loose, as old faces filter in 1 by 1. Pre-game turned into greetings with handshakes, hugs, jokes, and laughs. Most of the freshman sat there getting the scouting report on guys to worry about. To give the old guys credit, I think they actually scored the first goal, and then it all went downhill for them from there. 20-4 was the final, and by the time the 3rd quarter was over, half of their team was fighting for a seat along the benches. How ironic how times change, 2 years ago these guys were sweating, bleeding, and fighting to keep away from that bench, and now its a battle for the same seat, on the same bench...

Alright well I think that is it for now. The blogs now will be about team news, sports, current events and such because we are in off season. We focus on lifting, school work, and enjoying college. I hope to get more followers going into the season, or at least comments on the blog, to my twitter, or on my videos. During the season I will be using Twitter to instantly report SUNYAC scores, as well as our team information like scores, stats, and things we might be doing. I will be uploading pictures of our gear soon that I am customizing, along with our new helmets that are in. Stay tuned to your emails for more information about that.

Cheers to the 2011 fall ball season!

- Mike

"Just Win, Baby!"-Al Davis/"You May Be Gone, But Your Legacy Will Live On Forever"-Steve Jobs

Well hello everyone! I understand that my absence has been quite a while, but I assure you I am alive, well, and still 100% committed to this blog. Currently I am home for this much needed Columbus Day break. School and fall ball have been nothing less of a hand full for all of us.
Just some current events...

I am sure everyone has heard by now about the passing of Apple's CEO and co-founder, Steve Jobs. I would like to pay my respects and honor this truly amazing innovator of my generation. I am a huge Apple product fan and I always will be, because of his brilliant ideas and visions.


Also I must pay respects to Al Davis, the general manger and owner of the NFL Oakland Raiders. Al Davis will always be the face of the Oakland Raiders, and has done so much for that franchise. With Davis in control, the Raiders became one of the most successful teams in all of professional sports. From 1967 to 1985 the team won 13 division championships, one AFL championship (1967), three Super Bowls (XL, XV, XVIII), and made 15 playoff appearances.

Alright so moving on, the guys have been working extremely hard in preparing for this weeks game vs McGill University. The coaches are working on putting all the the pieces together, while we are working on our condition, strength, stick skills, and camaraderie. So yeah, this week is the week. Our final evaluation and test to see if we can put it all together to get a strong win and put the right foot forward going into the season. The past two years in my career have conjured quite some battles with McGill. For those new to the program, my freshman year, they came here and really stuck it to us, no excuses. Last year we came out with a lot more emotion and fire and really stuck it to them, but as for as the 'no excuses' part, that was not the case. McGill claimed that they were not properly "equipped" with their full team. You know what they say, "excuses are like @$$h0le$, everyone has one and they all stink!" This year should be a real thriller, we really hope to get at them.

To give us an even greater incentive, prior to the game all the guys will be participating in our 3rd annual St. Baldrick's "Shaving Your Way to Conquer Kid's Cancer" event at Therapy Sports Lounge in downtown Plattsburgh. Yes that is correct, all the guys with their girlie locks will soon be rocking a bald-e. For the game we will be rocking awesome custom made St. Baldrick's jerseys that I will show you all in the next video coming up. The next video will also consist of highlights from the mountain, McGill game, and the alumni game. Okay, so while I am on the topic of videos... due to a minor unemployment hiatus, I am now back on track in finishing this highlight tape, I promise.

Ha, so the alumni game, yes yes. The time has come for the old alumni guys to come up and really try and mess our day up. I have already heard about them talking smack and that their attack unit, consisting of Norchi and Luke will be unstoppable. We shall see if they have an answer for our attack unit. It is always fun, and this weekend should really be a good time.

Alright well I hope you all enjoyed the update, and the blog will not go unattended for long times, I assure it. So now, some food for thought. I told you I am home for Columbus Day break, but who was Columbus, was he the glorified hero we all think he is? Some of you might not care or might know the real answer but, as an education major we debate if we should teach our kids the "truth" of our history. No need to go into further details, just a funny clip from one of my favorite shows on TV about the subject, The Office. Just stick it out to the end (2:00 mins).



Well I hope to see all the new parent faces Friday for a much anticipated tailgate and hope that we get a large showing for what should be a great weekend.

-Mike

-if any suggestions for songs please comment. I can say with much certainty that DeFran and I do not have the same likings of music, but I am open to much of anything.

Virtue is like a rich stone,-best plain set.

Well, first week of practice is over and what a past three days it has been. The team started Thursday bright and early, 6 AM to be exact. Coach Cavanagh and new assistant, Coach Pedrick, had us in the gym doing plyometrics, broad jumps, sprints, and just about everything that will make your legs feel like complete Jello. A huge difference from Sean T's Insanity! Later that night we had 8 pm practice, where all of us were trying to earn keep on the 45 man roster.

After Saturday's morning practice, and with some cuts haven been made, the team showed improvement in the hour long scrimmage. Chemistry, fundamentals, style of play, and tempo are still things being worked on, but this year feels different. It feels like the team is closer, everyone is committed, and there is a new feeling lurking around.

Sunday was the annual Buddy Walk. All the guys participated as we do every year, and it was great. The Buddy Walk, is a walk to raise money and awareness for the North Country Down Syndrome Association. Down Syndrome is really on a rise, and raising money for research is crucial.
Before I head out, I want to congratulate MIT football on their season opener win at Becker College. They need to bounce back this week after a disappointing loss at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, but lets keep it up boys.

I leave you with Saturday's HBO controversial knockout highlight from- Mayweather vs Ortiz - comment and tell me what you think!

"Protect yourself at all times!"

Enjoy, Mike. Follow me on Twitter and YouTube for updated news and videos on the team!

Its Plattsburgh! Not Pittsburgh! It might be in the middle of nowhere, but it exists!

Okay so I promise this blog wont drag a tear from your eye. I am sitting in my house with the guys after getting back from the library all day. Just caught the end of the Steelers - Ravens game, and whew what a physical game like always. Now I am on the verge of vomiting because the Giants and Redskins are playing and it makes me legitimately sick. Fellow readers, I am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, OK. Say what you want about Tony Romo and all your other comments but I don't want to hear it. On a day filled with so many tears and emotions, I really hope the amazing sport of football can bring an up beat feeling to the people of New York. (I guess this is a win-win tonight)

(Rob Ryan Defensive, left, coordinator of the Cowboys--Rex Ryan, right, head coach of the NY Jets) -stick to coaching guys

Other than doing school work in the library, I was also working on a short video of this weekends 2nd annual bed race. We took 2nd again this year, loosing to the mens basketball team. It still really is an amazing event where so many people from the community come out to support. The Battle at Plattsburgh re-enactment was also yesterday, and boy do some these people know how to make a costume. Can I digress real quick on something that is really annoying me. So writing on this blog and as well as Microsoft Word. Bill Gates and the creator of this blog must not have ever heard of the city of Plattsburgh, because every time I write it, I get the red squiggly line underneath indicating a spelling error. When I go to check it, the only results for fixing it is 'Pittsburgh'. NO NO NO! So where was I?
Okay well please enjoy the short video. Like I said I think it is important showing the parents and followers some of the neat things we do up here. I also want to just say that the highlight tape is coming soon, I promise. It is deceiving how much time it takes to watch all the film. I do apologize but it will be worth it. Practice starts this Thursday and I think everyone is very excited. I probably will have a blog up sometime later this week. I am starving so I am going to end this. What's for dinner Mom?! -oh I have to cook :(

-Mike

Mrs. O'Connor's 5th Grade Class...

Hello Everyone, as you all know on this day 10 years ago, America and the beautiful city of New York were attacked. Attacked in a brutal and cower way that almost know one could have expected. A day that looked to be absolutely perfect, turned upside down, in moments. I was 10 years old at the time, sitting in my 5th grade classroom when the news struck. I guess it is one of those events that you will literally not forget one detail about. I remember the look on Mrs. O'Connor's face when the principal whispered it into her ear. Baffled, stunned, and alarmed, her reaction was speechless. I knew something was wrong. I remember the rest of the day at home, watching the news with my mom and brother, just being terrified. The smoke actually covering our town. In the late afternoon we gathered for a candle ceremony to pray for the men and women of our fire department whose lives were still unknown.

Terror attacks on the greatest city and country in the world. Could it be possible? Firefighters, policeman, and civilians all working endlessly to save the lives of anyone that could remain in the ashes, smoke, and metal. It was a true indication of the strength of our country. I praise all the heroes that this country truly does have. Starting from the men and women on board United Airlines Flight 93, who led a passenger revolt that disrupted plains the terrorist might of had. To all the firefighters, policeman, hospital workers, and civilians who either risked their life or lost their life, to protect, honor and defend this beautiful country. Among those civilians, Wells Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player was one of those true heroes. I am putting this video up, don't scan threw it, watch it. It is a beautiful story that is very emotional and will certainly bring tears to your eyes. This is to remember not just Wells, but everyone who has their own story on 9/11. This country knows how much of a hero you are!

-What would you do in the last hour of your life?


-this is a very emotional blog for me, and I apologize because it probably wasn't my best written one. It is tough when your body has chills and your eyes are filled with tears. I apologize.

-Mike


-present day New York City skyline. Still the greatest city in the world, and just as beautiful as ever!

Work Hard, Party Harder

How is it going everyone? First off, I want to thank Mrs. DeFran for complimenting my first blog. Thank You! So the end of summer has officially passed, Labor Day. (I know what you science majors are thinking, the end to summer is officially the September equinox or the 21st. Just bare with me!) With that said, the weather here couldn't have reflected that any better. It has been 60 degrees and raining on and off with a consistent bitter cold wind. The nights have been nothing but chilly and require one to wear a sweatshirt without option. Oh Plattsburgh, how you don't seem to amaze me! Classes are going well, and it just seems like the work never ends, but that's a good thing, right? We have been playing pickup games while hitting the gym and studying in the library. (I am currently writing this in our team mandatory study hall hour)

During my spare time I have been keeping up with the Quick Silver Pro Surf Tour in Long Beach, NY. For those of you that don't know and aren't really familiar with surfing, it is basically all of the best surfers in the world gathered in Long Beach competing for the biggest cash prize reward the sports ever seen. ($ 1,000,000) Oh wouldn't that be nice. It is an awesome event, not only for the sport but for Long Island as well. Surfing is definitely not well known in northern New York, I suppose its the equivalent to hunting up here.


Coach Cavanagh has been working extremely hard to tie together all of the lose ends that resulted from the coaching switch. With ongoing support from the captains,myself, and some other guys, we are currently working on setting up our annual St. Baldricks event. We are also designing equipment and gear that we will be wearing this year. With all of this on our plate, we find it mandatory to make time to give back to our community. Additionally, this Saturday is the 2nd annual Plattsburgh Rotary Bed Race which we will be participating in. For those who don't know, last year we lost to the hockey team taking 2nd and 3rd. We are certainly out for revenge!

Alright, I am going to head out now. I have to work ahead in my classes because this Monday I am traveling down with some guys to Albany to see Avicii perform at The Armory. I am very excited therefore I must get this work done so I can party hard, hence the title of this blog. I will catch up with you guys after this Saturday to tell you about the bed race and how it went and also talk about the start of the 2011-2012 NFL season! Lets go COWBOYS!

I leave you with the answer to the question I know some of you have... Who's Avicii?

-Enjoy, Mike Santi

Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is...

Hello everyone, the time has come for a new editor/writer of the Cardinals Men's Lacrosse blog which as most of you know was originally started by alumni Dan DeFrancesco. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mike Santisteban, and I have volunteered to take over with the intent of keeping this blog going strong.
Okay well I suppose this is the part where I tell you more about my self, sort of a brag session I guess? Like I said, my name is Mike and I am a junior now here at Plattsburgh State. I am majoring in elementary education with a concentration in fine arts. I am from Lawrence, Long Island, New York. I must specify because unlike Dan, I am a huge Long Island fan and I would not want to be mistaken for living anywhere else (just kidding people). I am the son of Joel and Linda Santisteban, both two wonderful parents that I love very much (feel like I am obligated to give them a shout out, so I did). I have an older sister, Lisa, who is also an education major and has just graduated from Queens College and has been employed in the fine Brooklyn area. I also have a younger brother Joel, who is a sophomore football and lacrosse player at M.I.T, some ask constantly if I am jealous, and I laugh and say, "No I am not, are you jealous?"
In high school I was typically not the best student but I aimed to change that aspect of myself, and I think I have certainly done so. I have been on the Student Dean's List (3.5 GPA or above) every semester here, as well as All SUNYAC Academic and the Commissioner's List 2 times as well. On the field I am a FOSHO, more commonly known as a FOGO (face-off-get-off), but here at Plattsburgh we do things a little unorthodox. I have worked under Coach Ryan Cavanagh as well as played and trained under alumni fosho Ryan Price. I have seen ups and downs on and off the field but I know my teammates have my back like I have theirs to get through anything. My 2 years so far at Plattsburgh have been awesome, I currently just moved off campus with 4 of probably the best guys I know, and who I have basically lived with for both 2 years in the dorms. (Tommy Kilderry aka Kildo, Kevin Pickering aka Pick, and Johnny VanWinkle aka Minnesota).
Moving things along as some of you guys may know, as a way to sort of expose and expand this program, I have created some videos on YouTube that I started last year (Dirty Bird Productions), sort of documenting this whole experience for fans and parents. I just guessed we wont have really much after we graduate but memories, so might as well make these memories viewable and lasting (maybe one day down the road show my kids, like my dad still insists on showing me his high school football tapes). My YouTube name is MJSLAX12, so you can just type that in on YouTube to see the list, or else just stay tuned here because any video I create will be posted on this blog as well. Please feel free to comment and critique anything that you would like to 1.see, 2.not see, 3. anything at all! My email is msant003@mail.plattsburgh.edu, if you would like to comment by writing an email I am open for that as well. I love constructive criticism, as an artist it has kind of been instilled in me, and I believe it will make things better for future films and what.

I am very excited to be writing and filming, as well as playing and studying. Please bare with me if I don't blog for some time, I promise it wont be very long at all, as I am sure my dad will be on my case. Without further ado I present the first video of this fall. I hope you all enjoy.

-Mike