MEN: SMU to Host Third-Annual Patriot Cup on March 21

From Press Releases

College Lacrosse returns to Dallas on Saturday March 21st for the third-annual Patriot Cup.

This year’s event will feature NCAA quarterfinalist Notre Dame and the United States Air Force Academy in a five-game slate at SMU’s Ford Stadium. The Wounded Warrior Project is again the beneficiary of proceeds from the event.

Tom Fitzsimmons, President of the North Texas Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse and Patriot Cup committee chair, is excited with the Day's match-ups, which include Notre Dame vs. the University of Vermont at noon, followed by Air Force vs. Bucknell.

“This level of play emphasizes Texas as a top lacrosse venue,” Fitzsimmons said.

Notre Dame is coming off an NCAA Division I quarterfinal appearance and a Great Western Lacrosse League title in 2008. The Fighting Irish return several key starters from last season, as they prepare for another run at the title. Colt Power, former standout goalie for Episcopal School of Dallas and WSL's 2007 Texas Player of the Year, is on the Irish roster.

Always-competitive Vermont had the toughest schedule in its program history last season, playing three top-five teams along the way (No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Virginia and No. 5 UMBC). The Catamounts play in the challenging America East conference that placed two teams in the 2007 NCAA Division I quarterfinals.

Rounding out the Division I teams is the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Falcons, led by returning all-conference honorees Griffin Nevitt and Dan Gnazzo, look to continue their rebuilding effort in 2009. The Falcons’ roster also includes two Dallas area players, Ridge Flick and Jack Murtha.

Led by Preseason All-Americans Austin Winter and Billy Haire, Bucknell returns eight starters from the 2008 team that finished 10-5 and advanced to the Patriot League championship game. The Bison are one of four Patriot League teams in the preseason national rankings, making for what should be another intense conference race and postseason tournament.

In addition to the NCAA Division I games, the SMU MCLA Division I lacrosse team will play Texas A&M in the nightcap. Four top high school teams are also scheduled to play on the turf at Ford Stadium on Saturday.

Tickets are available on the Patriot Cup website at www.PatriotCup.com or by e-mailing patriotcup@gmail.com.