Why was Virginia LSM Will Rock suspended. How does this affect UVA’s defensive depth. What other interesting news is coming out of the Virginia lacrosse program. How are college lacrosse players transitioning to other sports after graduation.
Virginia Defender Will Rock’s Suspension: What Happened?
In a surprising turn of events, the Virginia Cavaliers men’s lacrosse team has suspended long-stick midfielder (LSM) Will Rock. The details surrounding the suspension remain unclear, but this development has significant implications for the team’s defensive lineup.
Will Rock, known for his exceptional defensive skills and ability to create turnovers, has been a key player for the Cavaliers. His absence from the team’s online roster suggests that this suspension may not be a short-term issue.
Impact on UVA’s Defensive Depth
The suspension of Will Rock comes at a particularly challenging time for the Virginia lacrosse program. With defenseman Cade Saustad already sidelined due to injury, the team’s defensive depth is now severely tested.
- Reduced options at the long-stick midfielder position
- Increased pressure on remaining defensive players
- Potential tactical adjustments needed to compensate for the loss
This situation raises important questions about how the team will adapt. Can UVA’s defensive unit maintain its effectiveness without two key players? The coaching staff will need to be creative in their approach to filling these gaps.
Navigating the Challenges: UVA’s Defensive Strategy
With the loss of Will Rock and Cade Saustad, Virginia’s defensive coordinator faces a significant challenge. The team may need to rely more heavily on their remaining experienced defenders while also providing opportunities for younger players to step up.
Possible strategies to address this defensive shortage could include:
- Shifting midfielders to defensive roles
- Implementing more zone defense to reduce individual matchup pressures
- Increasing defensive communication and coordination
- Emphasizing team defense concepts to compensate for individual losses
The Broader Context: Discipline in College Lacrosse
Will Rock’s suspension brings attention to the broader issue of discipline in college lacrosse. How do teams balance maintaining high standards of conduct with the need to field competitive teams? This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with being a student-athlete at a high-profile program like Virginia.
Coaches and athletic departments must navigate these situations carefully, considering both the individual player’s development and the team’s overall success. It’s a delicate balance that requires clear communication and consistent enforcement of team rules and values.
Beyond Lacrosse: UVA Athletes Exploring New Horizons
Interestingly, Will Rock’s suspension isn’t the only news coming out of the Virginia lacrosse program. In a development reminiscent of former Johns Hopkins star Pat Spencer, another UVA player is reportedly planning to transition to a different sport after completing his lacrosse eligibility.
This trend of multi-sport athletes at the collegiate level raises intriguing questions about the versatility and athleticism of lacrosse players. Are we seeing a new era of cross-sport pollination in college athletics?
The Pat Spencer Effect
Pat Spencer’s transition from lacrosse to basketball at Northwestern set a precedent for lacrosse players exploring opportunities in other sports. This move demonstrated the transferable athletic skills that top-tier lacrosse players possess.
Key factors in these transitions include:
- Exceptional overall athleticism
- Mental toughness and competitive drive
- Ability to quickly learn new skills and strategies
- Desire to maximize athletic opportunities during college years
The Evolution of Recruiting in College Lacrosse
The news of a Virginia lacrosse player potentially transitioning to another sport after graduation brings to mind a quote from former UVA coach Dom Starsia: “I recruit goalies, attackmen, and D-1AA football players.”
This approach to recruiting highlights the changing landscape of college lacrosse. Coaches are increasingly looking for well-rounded athletes who can contribute in multiple ways to their programs. The ability to attract multi-sport athletes can provide a competitive edge in building a diverse and talented roster.
Benefits of Multi-Sport Athletes in Lacrosse
Recruiting athletes with experience in other sports can bring several advantages to a lacrosse program:
- Diverse skill sets that translate well to lacrosse
- Mental toughness developed through varied competitive experiences
- Reduced risk of burnout from year-round specialization
- Potential for creative, unconventional approaches to the game
The Future of College Lacrosse: Adapting to Change
The events surrounding Will Rock’s suspension and the news of another player’s potential sport transition highlight the dynamic nature of college lacrosse. Programs must be prepared to adapt to unexpected changes, whether they come in the form of disciplinary actions, injuries, or players pursuing diverse athletic interests.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, coaches and administrators will need to remain flexible and innovative in their approach to team building and player development. This may include:
- Emphasizing versatility in recruiting
- Developing comprehensive support systems for student-athletes
- Fostering a culture that encourages personal growth alongside athletic achievement
- Staying open to unconventional paths for player development and team success
Lessons from Virginia: Building Resilience in Lacrosse Programs
The challenges faced by the Virginia lacrosse program in light of Will Rock’s suspension offer valuable lessons for other teams across the country. How can programs build resilience and depth to weather unexpected setbacks?
Key strategies for building a resilient lacrosse program include:
- Developing a deep roster with versatile players
- Implementing strong leadership and team culture
- Emphasizing adaptability in tactical approaches
- Fostering open communication between coaches, players, and administration
By focusing on these areas, teams can better prepare themselves to handle adversity and maintain competitive performance even when faced with unexpected challenges.
The Role of Team Culture in Managing Adversity
A strong team culture can be crucial in helping players and coaches navigate difficult situations like suspensions or injuries. This culture should emphasize:
- Accountability and personal responsibility
- Support for teammates facing challenges
- A focus on collective goals over individual achievements
- Resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles
By fostering these values, programs can create an environment where players are prepared to step up when needed and support one another through challenging times.
The Bigger Picture: Balancing Athletics and Personal Growth
The situation with Will Rock and the news of another player exploring opportunities in different sports underscore the complex nature of collegiate athletics. How can programs support the personal growth and diverse interests of their athletes while maintaining competitive teams?
This balance requires a holistic approach to student-athlete development, including:
- Encouraging academic excellence alongside athletic achievement
- Providing mentorship and career guidance
- Supporting athletes in exploring diverse interests and opportunities
- Maintaining clear expectations for conduct and team commitment
By taking this comprehensive approach, lacrosse programs can foster an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field, preparing them for success in their future endeavors.
The Evolution of the Student-Athlete Experience
As college athletics continue to evolve, so too does the concept of the student-athlete experience. Programs that can adapt to these changes and provide a well-rounded environment for their players are likely to see benefits in recruitment, retention, and overall team success.
Key aspects of this evolving experience include:
- Increased focus on mental health and well-being
- Opportunities for personal branding and entrepreneurship
- Emphasis on transferable skills that benefit athletes beyond their playing careers
- Greater flexibility in allowing athletes to explore diverse interests
By embracing these aspects, lacrosse programs can create an environment that attracts top talent and prepares athletes for success both during their college careers and beyond.
Conclusion: Lessons from Virginia’s Challenges
The suspension of Will Rock and the broader developments within the Virginia lacrosse program offer valuable insights into the complexities of managing a top-tier collegiate lacrosse team. From navigating disciplinary issues to supporting athletes in their diverse pursuits, coaches and administrators face a multifaceted challenge in today’s athletic landscape.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, programs that can adapt to these challenges while maintaining a strong team culture and commitment to player development are likely to thrive. The situation at Virginia serves as both a cautionary tale and an opportunity for reflection for lacrosse programs across the country.
Ultimately, the success of a lacrosse program extends far beyond wins and losses on the field. It’s about creating an environment where athletes can grow, learn, and prepare for their futures while competing at the highest levels of their sport. The challenges faced by Virginia this season may well serve as a catalyst for positive change and innovation in how collegiate lacrosse programs approach player development and team building in the years to come.
Virginia LSM Will Rock suspended
OrangeXtreme
The Mayor of Dewitt
#1
JeremyCuse
Living Legend
#2
OrangeXtreme said:
Expand.
..
..UVA doesn’t have a ton of depth at pole as Saustad is already out. If he’s out a while (already off the online roster apparently) could be a big blow to UVA.
creatorsgam
Guest
#3
Parents big fans of Queen, eh?
Powellfan
All American
#4
More interesting UVA news –
OrangeXtreme
The Mayor of Dewitt
#5
Powellfan said:
More interesting UVA news –
Expand.
..He’s doing a Pat Spencer.
4 years of LAX followed by 1 year of something else.
Hoo’s That
Living Legend
#6
Powellfan said:
More interesting UVA news –
Expand…
“I recruit goalies, attackmen, and D-1AA football players.” – Dom Starsia (before the early recruiting binge)
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Head Rock Lacrosse – Head Rock Lacrosse, Inc.
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Accelerate your muscle memory development and improve your wrist strength for shooting, throwing fakes, cradling, dodging and more by adding the Head Rock to your routine.
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Having no straps, strings, screws or multiple parts to manage, the molded, one-piece Head Rock slides on and off from the butt end and is secured by your shooting, cradling and dodging motions
Other training aides add weight to the shaft, the throat or the sidewalls.
This approach just gives you a heavy lacrosse stick. The Head Rock weight is suspended where the ball sits in the pocket creating the same rocking momentum of the stick as if handling a ball. Achieve maximum, focused reps with the Head Rock.
This article is recreated from the 1987 United States Lacrosse Coaches Association Clinic that I attended during my time at Radford University. M…
Classic Coaches Corner
lacrosse training
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This preseason article appeared in The Tartan February 15, 1990. We had high expectations for the 1990 season with 20 freshman competing for spots. I went all in on recruiting, sending handwritten letters to any and all prospects, including Steve Govett.
Radford University
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The Head Rock was developed with the main purpose of working your non-dom shooting motion with weighted, dry-reps. After coaching for many years, b…
lacrosse training
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The article below by Tony Cullen appeared in a 1987 Lacrosse magazine. I’m not sure which because I tore out the page and kept in in a safe place….
Classic Coaches Corner
lacrosse training
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You read that right.
Radford University in Southwest Virginia had a Division 1 program back in the day. In 1986 I was named Head Coach at the age…
Radford University
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There are currently over 2k Head Rocks in use. We made a good showing at Laxcon 2019 and have been enjoying enthusiastic response at tournaments.
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How to properly pump the press with a press roller
It is quite possible to get a beautiful relief of the press at home if you use a special simulator in the form of a wheel for this.
And how to do it and what exercises to pay attention to, we will tell today. The wheel for the press is suitable for everyone, you just need to choose according to your needs.
Abs Wheel Prep
Before talking about ab roller exercises, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to properly prepare for your workout.
First of all, it is important to choose the right wheel option. For beginners, a model with a wide, stable tread is suitable, but professionals can choose a trainer with a resistance system, as well as an option that can be used by both hands and feet.
The right choice of clothes for training is also important. It should be free, but not voluminous, not restrict movement. For more comfort, you can add a soft rug under the knee area or use knee pads.
How to use the Ab Wheel: Safety and Tips
In order to properly exercise with the Ab Wheel, you need to choose a suitable and comfortable place to exercise.
The main rule is not to bend too much in the lower back, which can lead to stretching of the spinal muscles and injury. When moving forward, the body should touch the floor.
Safety includes several points:
- Make sure that there are no contraindications to training with the wheel, diseases and more.
- Stretch and warm up beforehand to reduce the risk of injury.
- Perform exercises slowly and without jerks, with a minimum range of motion.
- Gradually increase the load, choosing to start with basic exercises with five repetitions.
During training, you should also watch your breathing, which should be even and calm. When tilting, you need to inhale, and when the wheel returns, exhale.
In order to get the most out of the exercise, the return movement of the wheel should be performed using the abdominal muscles, and not the muscles of the arms and back.
The Best Abs Wheel Exercises
When we figured out how to properly train with the ab roller, it’s worth moving on to exercises that will help create a dry, toned abs.
1. Plank
A standard exercise that is suitable even for beginners because it is easy to perform:
- Take the support while lying down, as in push-ups;
- Place your hands on the wheel handles in front of you;
- Tighten the muscles on the stomach and freeze in this position, forming an emphasis with the toes of the feet on the floor;
- Hold for about thirty seconds, then rest.
For greater efficiency, it is recommended to do several sets and then gradually increase the downtime to two minutes.
2. Roll from the knees
Another option that puts pressure not only on the abdominals, but also on the dorsal and tibial muscles:
- Get on your knees, holding the handles of the machine;
- Stretch out your arms, sliding your torso forward without touching the floor and keeping your back straight;
- Return to starting position.
It is important that the back remains not only straight, but that there is no “sagging” of the abdomen to the floor.
3. Frontal rolling
This exercise has a higher level of difficulty and can be performed using a narrow or vice versa wide stance:
- Set your feet shoulder-width apart, bending at the waist and holding the handles of the machine with your hands;
- Keep arms and back straight, rolling forward until body is extended horizontally towards the floor;
- Roll back towards the legs, bending at the waist and returning to the starting position.
Such rolling is quite complicated, and therefore it is worth reducing the number of approaches to six.
4. Fold
The exercise is aimed at working out the oblique muscles of the press, as well as stabilizers:
- Fix the steps on the roller pedals, stretching out into the bar, keeping the arms straight;
- Roll the wheel, moving the knees under the chest with a straight back;
- Straighten your knees, returning to the starting position.
You can achieve efficiency using up to ten sets of the exercise.
5. Peak
One of the fold options, but the legs are straight, like the back:
- Fix the feet on the pedals, then take the plank position with emphasis on straight arms;
- Roll the wheel up using the muscles of the back and hips;
- Return the roller to its original position, engaging the gluteal muscles.
And more efficiency can be achieved by using press rollers from our catalog!
“Getting to Know” with Nikita Gusev
Every Thursday during the regular season, NHL.com/ru publishes an interview under the heading “Getting Closer” to better introduce you to the main characters and legends of the NHL. We talk about what happens to them on the court, and about their life off the ice. Our goal is to add color to the portrait of those people whom the fans love so much.
In this issue, we get to know New Jersey Devils Russian forward Nikita Gusev, who moved to North America as one of the best players in the KHL and is now playing his first season in the NHL.
Nikita Gusev is unique in that back in the summer he was a rare hockey player in the world who visited three NHL clubs, but never played for them. At first, the rights to the striker were owned by Tampa, who selected him in the draft. But she was in no hurry to make a second Nikita Kucherov out of Gusev, offering him a bilateral contract … in the AHL. By that time, Gusev was already the hero of Russian hockey, he scored a saving goal at the Golden Olympics. And he knew his worth. He refused this option.
Then the Lightning traded the player to Vegas, where Gusev signed a one-year rookie contract and even got number 17. round cut with “San Jose”.
Gallan didn’t start Nikita, the Vegas were epicly knocked out of the playoffs when they led 3-0 in Game 7 but conceded four shorthanded goals in a row. In the offseason, Gusev signed a two-year, $9 million contract with New Jersey.
Video: NYR-NDD: Baddock and Gusev play two-for-one
This regular season was not easy for the Russian.
At the end of October, I even had to sit on the bench for a couple of games, when Nikita watched the New Jersey game from the box in the company of Patrik Elias, who, from the height of his experience, explained how a European would get comfortable in the NHL.
Then Gusev had 4 (3+1) points in nine matches. But over time, things got better. He has already given out two games in which he scored three points (0 +3) – away from the “Montreal” and “Chicago”. Now Nikita is third in the list of the club’s top scorers (8 + 20 = 28 in 45 matches), behind only Niko Hishir (12 + 17 = 29) and Kyle Palmieri (16+15=31). His link with Blake Coleman (19+8=27) and Travis Zayjak (6+13=19) pleases with balance. And not only Gusev adds, but also makes his partners better. The same Coleman is in the top 30 best snipers in the league.
Correspondent Anton Poltyrev spoke with Gusev after the match in Columbus.
[See also: “Getting to know” Yakov Trenin]
– Nikita, in your first NHL season, you at least get to see America ?
– Yes, we travel around the cities, we get to see something.
But I have been to the US before. Therefore, in principle, he knew what to expect. I don’t have specific plans for which city or state to travel to during the NHL All-Star break. We have been to so many places. But we will definitely go on vacation with the family to this window in the calendar. Sorry, there are no details here – I won’t tell you the place. It’s personal.
– They call you the king of tricks, you are amazing at shooting. What do you, as a big techie, think about lacrosse-style goals?
– Andrey Svechnikov scored twice, Filip Forsberg scored once. But in any case, this is a goal. The most important thing, I think – to throw the puck into the goal. And it doesn’t matter how it was done. Technically, this is a tricky one. It’s hard to hit a lacrosse goal when you don’t have much time. Perhaps soon such tricks will even be taught to children in hockey schools. But when you play in the NHL, it’s hard to do. You just don’t have room to maneuver. And when the defenders get used to this chip, they will not give the forwards a single chance.
– How did you settle in New Jersey? What are you filming? How far do you live?
– Everything is fine with us. We rent apartments in Jersey City. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the arena. Opposite me is Manhattan. Everything is convenient and very close… Yes, the closer to the center of New York, the more expensive. Housing is not cheap. And before that, I lived in a hotel near the arena for almost a month. Because I was looking for an apartment. Wanted to rent furnished. But there was none. I had to rent an empty one, and then buy furniture. The designer did not help us, we did everything ourselves.
– Let’s say New Jersey doesn’t have a game or practice. Describe your typical day.
– I’ll just be at home, spend time with my family. Let’s go for a walk somewhere. We also have a small child. Any series to watch? Not much time for that. I usually watch movies on the go. Of the latter, Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood made the most impression.
Strong thing!
Video: OTT-NDD: Gusev equalizes the majority score
– What kind of music do you listen to?
– Everything that plays around. In general, I don’t pay close attention to music, what plays before the match, and what – in my free time. I don’t care what sounds in the locker room. And I’m not a DJ there.
– What are your personal tasks for the season? Score 50 points?
– My personal tasks correspond to the team ones. It can’t be divided. And very simply: we want to win every match. Everything else will follow.
– How would you describe your experience in Vegas? You trained with the team in the playoffs, but you were not released for a single match.
– It helped me a lot. I looked at this kitchen from the inside. How who plays, who does what.
– Did you have to improve a lot in physics to play in the NHL? Do I need to build muscle for this league?
– If we talk about the training camp in general, then in the KHL you have been preparing for a month with the team.
