One out of every then MLB General Managers is a UMass graduate. That’s three out of thirty GMs. That has to be one of the more incredible accomplishments for the University of Massachusetts of late.
The Minutemen have started the 2013 regular season the way in which all of the 2012 regular season went — with a win.
A quick reminder; last year’s lacrosse squad was undefeated and ranked #1 in the nation, but was ultimately defeated in the opening round of the NCAA tourney.
On Sunday, at a snowy Garber, the UMass Minutemen put together a solid performance and came away with a win against Army.
Next up; the Tar Heels of UNC. The game will take place in Atlanta, actually. With another win — it would be a huge way to open the season for UMass. The knock on the team last year was in regards to the “easier” schedule which the team enjoyed in 2012. A win against a perennially good team like the Tar Heels can’t hurt.
After a disappointing loss at Charlotte, the Minutemen have stepped up their game. First, the game URI a pounding to the tune of a 28-point defeat. Last night, the team continued their strong play against a more formidable St. Joe’s team. Saturday night’s game in front of a large student section ended in a 22-point win for UMass.
I call the last two wins big only due to the margin of victory. The Minutemen should have won those games. Next up are two truly big games for the Minutemen — a Valentine’s Day night showdown at VCU and a home game against rival Temple on Saturday evening.
A huge shoutout to the students that packed the Mullins Center despite Saturday night’s snow. It’s clear that the team appreciates it. And this time they responded.
After making it all the way to #1 in the national in 2012, UMass is receiving high praise to start 2013. First the squad was ranked #9 by Inside Lacrosse’s coaches poll.
UMass men’s lacrosse received two additional preseason top-25 rankings today. The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) and Nike/Inside Lacrosse Media polls ranked the Minutemen 12th and 13th respectively
Rivals 3-star linemen Antonio Harris has committed to the Minutemen. Another big offensive linemen is just what the doctor ordered.
“I went up there this weekend and UMass. blew my mind,” Harris told the Washington Post. “Last year they had a rough year in their first year [in the Football Bowl Subdivision.] They need people, and I want to be part of what they’re building. I saw other people committing, and I figured I’d better hurry up.”
[via ESPN]
The Boston College Eagles won the same amount of games against 1A opponents as the UMass Minutemen in 2012. Things in Chestnut Hill are not exactly looking great. Now there head coach of four seasons is gone. If ever there was a chance for an upstart local program to gain ground — it’s now.
Boston College makes the trip down 95 to Gillette to open the 2014 season on August 30th.
So you are saying there’s a chance…
For starters, I am thankful that the football program got that first win out of the way. That is actually a bigger deal than you may realize. Sure the win means nothing in the long run, bBut it takes that money off the team’s collective back. Additionally, it takes ammo away from the negative mudslingers. So, thank you, Akron.
Football at the University of Massachusetts is steering the ship. As it is at 9 out of 10 major universities.
UMass Nation should be thankful that the administration finally pulled the trigger on the FBS move. Time was running out. In what it is now an endless conference carousel, the university can be a much more attractive package as it pertains to future super conferences.