Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Paul Rabil’s April Fools’ joke: When you’re the most popular lacrosse player in the world and co-founder of a professional league, you get to fathom a funny-named team with a gastrointestinal theme, create merchandise and bring much-needed levity to a world bereft of sports.
All new State of the League with @PaulRabil goes in depth on the formation of @PLLBeans.
— PremierLacrosse (@PremierLacrosse) April 1, 2020
Team branding
Why "Beans?"
What this means for the league pic.twitter.com/EY1qcwsoiP
The Premier Lacrosse League went all-in on the social media campaign that brought to life, for one day at least, Beans LC.
“Droppin’ bombs” was its motto. Jake Froccaro, Jarrod Neumann, Trevor Baptiste and Ryder Garnsey (acquired from Redwoods LC in exchange for a bucket of kidney beans) represented the “black and pinto,” Peter Dante (of Adam Sandler films fame) was the head coach and Mike Chanenchuk’s grandma was apparently very concerned about the state of the league.
My grandma just texted me. She’s concerned with the beans. @PremierLacrosse pic.twitter.com/QgPh7NviD5
— Mike Chanenchuk (@M_Channy) April 1, 2020
“We wanted to bring some levity today during these very challenging times,” Rabil tweeted at the end of the day. “A laugh and a smile usually help me when I’m down. Hoping everyone stays healthy and safe.”
Bravo, PLL.
We wanted to bring some levity today during these very challenging times. A laugh and a smile usually help me when I’m down. Hoping everyone stays healthy and safe. Happy April Fools @PLLBeans pic.twitter.com/QyCg63WLcc
— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) April 2, 2020
2. Inside Lacrosse released the Maverik Division I All-American teams from the abbreviated season. Syracuse led all schools with five players that made the first-, second- or third-team lists, which are compiled based on the voting of lacrosse media.
3. The domino effect of the NCAA Division I Council’s decision to issue a widespread waiver of eligibility to student-athletes whose season ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic has college coaches preparing for a longer period of uncertainty.
4. “There was love, man.” U.S. U19 men’s team coach Nick Myers shared his disappointment that Team USA will not get a chance to display that chemistry for the world this summer. With or without Ireland, though, a theme of gratitude emerged in the days after World Lacrosse announced the games were off, for now.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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An ode to Grant Ament, by College Crosse’s Jake Nazar.
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Five lacrosse-related issues raised by the NCAA’s coronavirus eligibility ruling.
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In-tight finishing drills from coach Spencer Ford of MLL’s Philadelphia Barrage.
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Georgetown’s Jake Carraway and Ohio State’s Tre Leclair declared on Instagram that they’re returning as fifth-year seniors next spring, as did Ohio State’s Ryan Terefenko. Hat tip to Lacrosse Bucket.
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Monmouth’s Nicole Ceraso also intends to come back. Eleven points shy of the school scoring record, she has unfinished business.
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The NCAA has extended the recruiting dead period through May 31.
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NLL teams’ playlists are now on Spotify.
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Takeaways from Michelle Tumolo’s appearance on “Overtime” with Paul Carcaterra.
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How US Lacrosse’s TryLax program is helping to grow the game in Tidewater, Va.
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How college women’s lacrosse coaches with kids are parenting during the pandemic.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
North Carolina’s Parker Alexander played a glorious April Fools’ Day prank on his teammates and roommates. (Warning: It’s not for the weak of stomach.)
No one is safe. April Fools, Carolina men's lacrosse style #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/DBdxNeQbuH
— UNC Men's Lacrosse (@UNCMensLacrosse) April 1, 2020
Stony Brook’s Ally Kennedy discussed her decision to come back in 2021 and the upcoming HEADStrong Foundation Last Shift virtual 5K fundraiser with the America East Network.
.@StonyBrookWLAX's @ally_kennedyx joins @AE_Schwartz for an #AEConnects conversation about her 2020 #AEWLAX season, earning All-American honors and raising money in the #LastShift2020 campaign from the @HEADstrongFnd. pic.twitter.com/CvKNQAChqM
— America East (@AmericaEast) April 2, 2020
Come for Johns Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala’s take on the new norm for college lacrosse coaches and players during the COVID-19 isolation. Stay for the beard envy.
Let's talk about Petro's wonderful beard for a second here. https://t.co/K04TStAn1l
— Chris Jastrzembski (@Chris_Jast) April 2, 2020
WHAT’S ON TAP
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Life After Lax with portrait artist Blake Jamieson.
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A profile of the sensational Rosenzweig sisters, Gabby of Penn and Livy of Loyola.