Trinity 2010

2009 Recap: Yes they were boring and ran at a pace that wouldn't scare a tortoise, but they only lost one game all year by more than three goals (Wesleyan). Still 2009 left something to be desired, especially with losses to Amherst and Colby and a first round exit from the NESCAC tournament at the hands of Bowdoin. Senior Graham Fadden was a pleasant surprise in goal, garnering second team all-NESCAC honors on a team that featured no defensive standouts. On offense, Trinity had the only offense that ran its plays through one player (Harper Cullen) more than Wesleyan did with Follansbee. Cullen did an admirable job shouldering a heavy load, gouging opposing teams despite an utter lack of other offensive talent with the exception of a few mediocre role players.

2010 Trend: Upward

What's hot: Harper Cullen is back and ready to make it rain more than Pacman Jones at a strip club. There is little mystery to the Trinity offense, prescribing iso after iso to Cullen. Unless Coach Finley managed to conjure up a decent sidekick for the third best offensive player in the NESCAC last year (after Stone and Hessler), I would expect more of the same strategy. This isn't necessarily a bad thing and given the weakened sate of Middlebury, Wesleyan and Williams, it could land Trinity in a position to make a surprise run for a NESCAC championship.

What's not: Losing Fadden after such a strong season hurts and it will most likely fall to sophomore Pete Johnson to fill those shoes. Johnson was a great high school goalie, but the transition to college lacrosse can be a challenge for gaolies in particular. Trinity had better hope he acclimated himself last year or else stall ball is going to fail miserably because they won't be able to keep opponents from capitalizing on a higher percentage of possessions. Trinity also needs to find someone to replace the very solid Connor Wells, whose proficiency at the X furthered the success of stall ball.

What we should be talking about: Who the hell is intimidated by a Bantam (or half the other NESCAC mascots for that matter); The fact that you better not walk outside the wrought-iron fences when visiting Trinity; The fact that the captain of the Trinity soccer team is an accomplished rapper; No seriously; And yes, he's white; Whether Harper Cullen ever gets mistaken for Cullen Harper