You can go home again. Or is it: You can’t go home again? That literary reference has always lurked beyond my depth.
A small group of college kids won’t have it either way. They much prefer the former.
Four lacrosse players from Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., return to their Colorado roots for a matchup tomorrow with the University of Denver. It’s the first-ever trip to Colorado for the Colgate program, and a heckuva homecoming for senior captains Andrew Jarolimek (Arapahoe High School), Brian Robinson (Colorado Academy) and Peter Whitcomb (George Washington) as well as freshman Spencer Cooperman (Cherry Creek).
What lures a crop of prep-lacrosse standouts in Denver to the middle of nowhere — er, I mean New York — to play college ball?
For one, good education. With approximately 2,750 undergraduates, Colgate is ranked 15th in this year’s U.S. News & World Report list of America’s top liberal-arts colleges.
 |
| Courtesy / Colgate Univ. |
| Colgate goalie Andrew Jarolimek: “I’m excited for my former lacrosse coaches who will be in attendance. They coached a number of us that will be playing, and it’s going to be rewarding for them to see what has become of their hard work and dedication.” |
And two, good lacrosse. Despite its relatively small enrollment, Colgate competes at the Division I level within the Patriot League, which leads the NCAA in D-I graduation rates among student-athletes. And according to this week’s Inside Lacrosse media poll, Colgate ranks 25th in the country.
“The academics are incredible here, and my coach at Creek had mentioned to me that this program was a good program with a great coach,” said Cooperman of his decision to go east. “He had sent a player here before, so he knew the coach. And it went from there.
“The fact that there were some Coloradoans on the team was a big plus. They’re all real good guys and real good lacrosse players, too.”
Asked what he missed about Denver, Cooperman quickly quipped, “The sun.”
Rays aren’t all the fellas will get reacquainted with this weekend.
“I am really looking forward to playing in my hometown,” said Jarolimek, Colgate’s goaltender, “so my friends and family who have not had the opportunity to watch me play in many years finally get their chance.
|
NCAA LACROSSE
|
|
|
“I am also looking forward to the opportunity to compete against some old high-school rivals and summer-lacrosse teammates. Finally, I’m excited for my former lacrosse coaches who will be in attendance. They coached a number of us that will be playing, and it’s going to be rewarding for them to see what has become of their hard work and dedication.”
The homecoming reunion also turns out to be a true test for the Colgate team. DU is ranked 15th following a victory over then-No. 13 North Carolina, so the 1:30 p.m. game at Peter Barton Stadium will not only be a chance to bask in the warmth of some sun, family and friends, but also some glory.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to prove something to the lacrosse world,” said Cooperman. “We feel — we know — that we’re a great team. We’re excited about the opportunity to prove that this weekend.”
An online exclusive that runs each Friday, examines the memorable, less visible and lighthearted aspects of Colorado’s sports landscape. DenverPost.com sports producer Bryan Boyle can be reached at bboyle@denverpost.com.
From the columns
“As color, culture and economics of neighborhoods across America continue to transform, high school sports are often impacted in brutal manners. Manual High provides a wrenching example.”
From the mailbags
“I still think it was a shame the Avs let Forsberg go. He’s a one-of-a-kind player who should have retired an Av. And I still think the Avs will really miss him in the playoffs. Against Detroit, a guy like him is what the Avs have sorely lacked.”
From the message boards
“Growing up in San Diego as a Charger fan I used to hate Elway because the Chargers would get the Broncos in a 3rd and long situation and Elway would some how get the first down. Big Ben reminds me of that Elway.” — haciendadad
From the online exclusives
March means spring training, and both the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues are under way. The Colorado Rockies are stationed at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, hoping to improve upon last year’s last-place finish in the NL West. Click on the image to visit an interactive feature detailing offseason changes and expectations for all 30 MLB teams.
A look back
 |
| Post / John Leyba |
|
In this photo shot May 18, 2005, Cherry Creek’s Spencer Cooperman is upended by Golden’s Ryan Powell in the semifinal round of the boys state lacrosse playoffs at All-City Stadium. Cherry Creek went on to win the state title by defeating Kent Denver in the finals. |
