The 2009 Texas Lacrosse season has the potential to be the best in program history. A rookie class chock-full of talented recruits will build on the foundation established by the 2005-2006 rookie class, who hope to make their final season their best yet.

Sophomores William Lawson and Stefan Knipp opted for warmer weather following their freshman campaigns, transferring from the University of Denver and Bryant University, respectively. Lawson’s speed will open up the offense at midfield, while Knipp will make an impact as both a long-stick midfielder and close defender. This year’s freshman class includes a slew of THSLL all-state and all-district players., highlighted by Highland Park native Jonny McKnight, who opted for MCLA ball at Texas over scholarship offers from multiple top-tier Division-1 NCAA programs.

The Longhorns’ game schedule won’t make for an easy trip to nationals. Eighteen games long, before conference and league tournaments, 2009 is sure to test team durability.

Preseason #3 Arizona State will travel to Austin, looking to take one from the Horns on their home field, as will #23 Boston University, Illinois, Santa Clara, and Minnesota-Mankato.

Road trips don’t get any easier, as Texas will take the field against Georgia Tech and Northeastern as part of a trip to honor Tyler Cross, a teammate who passed in 2006. The Northeastern game will be played at the Lovett School of Atlanta, Cross and senior goalie Towers Wilen’s alma mater.

Despite the sunny San Diego weather, Spring Break won’t be much of a day at the beach. Opponents #2 Chapman, San Diego, and San Diego State will play hosts. A win over the Aztecs will make for three straight in as many years for the Longhorns, who beat SDSU on the road in 2007 and squeaked out a 2-goal, come-from-behind home victory in 2008. LSA play has the team lining up against rivals Texas State, SMU and Texas Tech, as well as 17th ranked Texas A&M, among others. The Aggies will host the Horns on their varsity soccer field, a first in the storied rivalry. “This year definitely has the team more excited than others before,” said senior midfielder Paul McCloud. “The talent, attitude and work ethic we have on this year’s roster have us moving towards our biggest year yet,” commented team President Evans Swann.

Plagued by the inability to finish close games in years past, the 2009 edition Longhorns have pledged to turn it around, starting in practice. Says coach Noah Fink: “The coaching staff’s been focusing on pushing players to make every play count. We’re letting drills run longer and ground ball battles play out completely, and the team fight has been very impressive. Fourth quarter burnout can’t prevent us from winning this season. If we can achieve our fullest this year, there’s not one team in the country I’ll be afraid to line up against. We’re going to make a splash this year, and we’re the only team that can stop us.”