(Photo: MCLA Lax All Stars)
The Upper Midwest Lacrosse Conference is a competitive contest year in and year out, but it’s been Minn-Duluth running this ship for a while. The Bulldogs have taken every single conference title since the MCLA’s conception in 2006, dating back to the days of the conference being called the UMLL. Minnesota will be looking to change that this year, though. Here’s a look at how the chips might fall in 2015, with an extensive look at the conference as part of our Taking a Look series focusing on each conference in the MCLA.
~WCSN lacrosse editor Trey Lanthier
Looking back at 2014
Minnesota-Duluth dominated the UMLC last season as they swept the competition in their division. This year, UMD is expected to come out swinging in the UMLC yet again.
Minn-Duluth took home the conference title before advancing to the MCLA championships last season. The Bulldogs’ chief rivals, the Minnesota Gophers, closely trailed Minn-Duluth since they too breezed through conference play with their lone divisional loss to UMD. Overall, the conference was smooth sailing for the top three; however, teams like Wis-Madison Iowa and St. Cloud State scraped by with losing records. The bottom of the conference came away from the 2014 season battered.
Looking ahead to 2015 (2014 results in parentheses)
University of Minnesota-Duluth (9-5, 5-0 UMLC)
Minn-Duluth dominated conference play last year and took home the title. They’ve had a strong program since 2010 with head coach Sam Litman, and the team has gotten progressively better through the years. Although Minn-Duluth is losing a key midfielder in Justin Vossen, the team did not lose too many seniors. With their abundance of returning talent, Minn-Duluth is in line to gain another UMLC champion title, although the Bulldogs’ sights are set on winning it all. Before they can get there, though, it’ll be an every-week struggle in the UMLC. It’s Minn-Duluth’s conference to lose.
University of Minnesota (9-5, 4-1 UMLC)
Minnesota had nearly as much success as Minn-Duluth last year, minus the pair of losses to Minn-Duluth, the second coming in the conference championship. A big fall, during which Minnesota won their first-ever Big 10 fall tournament with a perfect record. According to Head Coach Rich Limpert, the team has made major adjustments including cutting its roster down to forty players. In addition, Minnesota is also benefitting from the transfer of junior Erik Gage, who comes to the Gophers from UMLC rival Minn-Duluth.
Minnesota State University-Mankato (8-3, 3-2 UMLC)
MSU-Mankato had a rough end to last season with a loss to Minnesota in the first round of the UMLC Tournament after finishing regular season play at 8-3. In addition, Mankato has lost their two key Attacks—Michael Koprucki and Josh Osen. As of now, the team has not named a head coach for the 2015 season, but this will be their third head coach in five seasons. Mankato has leadership rebuilding to do which is key for any team.
Saint Cloud State University (1-10, 0-5 UMLC)
St. Cloud went winless in the regular season last year, but things looked up for them in the UMLC Tournament when they defeated Iowa State to avenge a season-opening loss to the same Cyclones. For the 2015 season, they have also made a change in leadership with a new head coach, Nicholas Kirick, who expects the team to finish with at the very least a .500 record. Overall, this is a fairly young team. St. Cloud should be expecting to be on the uptick this season, but contending with the best in the conference might be a challenge.
Iowa State University (4-7, 1-4 UMLC)
Iowa State finished the season 4-7, capping off the year with a postseason loss to St. Cloud. While the team does have superstar Ted Ramert, one attackman can’t do all of the work for the team. Their record last year was a product from stifling losses or crippling wins, and for ISU to turn things around in 2014 that trend will need to be reversed.
All-Conference Watch
Attack: Ted Ramert, Iowa State
Despite coming from a team with a 4-7 record, Ramert is a force to be reckoned with in the slot of attack. His youth will be a big factor as well, as his powerful 2014 campaign came as only a freshman. He led his team with 32 goals and 14 assists for the season. Ramert also led the team with points per game (4.182). Last season, the UMLC named Ramert the Offensive Player of the Year to go along with a Rookie of the Year award. It’s hard to imagine him going under anyone’s radars, but he has a chance to do something special this year.
Midfield: Logan Lindberg, Minn-Duluth
Overshadowed by senior midfielders Justin Vossen and Matt Murphy last season, Logan Lindberg from Minn-Duluth still managed to get his fair share of plays during his freshman and sophomore seasons. With Vossen and Murphy gone, Lindberg now has a chance to shine in the team spotlight and the conference spotlight. UMLC named Lindberg an honorable mention midifielder last year, which foreshadows the improvement Lindberg can gain in order to make an impact in the coming season.
Defense: Steve Van Sloun, Minnesota
This senior defender from Minnesota has a well-rounded college career, which adds to his experience. He’s played 45 career games so far and his play has steadily improved over the seasons. Van Sloun capitalized on thirty ground balls last season, while snagging a spot on the First Team All-Conference Defense.
Goalie: Jared Klapperich, Minn-Duluth
The Bulldogs took home the UMLC title last year on the shoulders of outstanding goalie play. Jared Klapperich was a stalwart in net for Minn-Duluth last year with a save percentage of .645 for the season. Klapperich heads into his senior season looking to push the Bulldogs back into the national spotlight. He’s racked up 240 saves and has maintained a save percentage of .654% over his career at Duluth. Last year, he was named the First Team All-Conference goalie.
