Denver men’s lacrosse head coach Bill Tierney watched John Orsen develop as a college athlete, professional, and coach, all the while keeping a close eye. When the opportunity presented itself, Coach Tierney got Orsen on the phone and offered him a position as the University of Denver Pioneers’ defensive coordinator in September 2014. Continue reading From player to coach to teacher, John Orsen has come full circle
As a coach, establishing a rapport that is effective, trusting, innovative and compelling for players and other staff members is not a simple feat by any means. It takes chemistry and experience to even qualify for such position. Legendary men’s lacrosse coach Bill Tierney and Matt Brown were on opposite ends of the coaching spectrum when their paths collided at the University of Denver in June 2010. Canadian-born Brown was entering his third year on Denver’s sideline, while New York-native Tierney was in his 28th year of coaching. Continue reading Bill Tierney & Matt Brown: Success bred from opposition
Max Planning has always been a humble and optimistic player no matter what team he suited up for. With his days playing for the University of Denver Pioneers lacrosse program numbered, Planning embodies the program’s character values instilled by head coach Bill Tierney as he excels as an integral component solidifying the team’s cohesion. Continue reading Max Planning: Denver’s “captain without the ‘C’”
The stage is set for the clash of Division l lacrosse’s two western-most teams once more in the 2017 season. Fittingly, the duel will take place in the Lacrosse Capital of the West as the fifth-seeded University of Denver (DU) Pioneers host the Air Force (AFA) Falcons in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. Continue reading Denver Men’s Lacrosse’s road to Boston begins with a high-flying familiar foe
When you look at Connor Cannizzaro and Ethan Walker, you’d be forgiven if you give a double-take. The manner in which the two present themselves, their dialect, and their physical appearance translate to the field. If it weren’t for their jerseys, No. 40 worn by Cannizzaro and No. 57 sported by Walker, it’d be nearly impossible to tell them apart thanks to their nearly identical playing styles. Continue reading Brotherhood on the attack: Connor Cannizzaro and Ethan Walker share a unique bond
Voluntarily subjecting one’s body to a solid rubber ball, facing shots that reach over 100 miles per hour, while wearing the only additional protection of a throat and chest protector, all to protect a six-foot by six-foot and seven-foot deep cage, requires a uniquely-oriented individual. Continue reading Between the pipes, Pioneers are Ready for deep postseason run
Pace is defined as the rate of movement or progress. Fittingly enough, it is the surname of the University of Denver Pioneers’ meticulous senior midfielder Tyler Pace. Pace has been an integral component of Denver lacrosse’s lineup throughout his career for the Crimson and Gold. Continue reading Senior leadership & on-field IQ Pace the Pioneers down the stretch
Separating friendship from team allegiance can be difficult for some, but it’s nothing new for freshmen winger Liam Finlay of the University of Denver Pioneers and North Dakota Fighting Hawks star center Tyson Jost. While Jost and Finlay didn’t begin playing together until 2011-2012 in bantam at the Pursuit of Excellence Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia, they have known each other since they were 8 or 9-years old where they met at a hockey tournament. Continue reading Friendship forged through rivalry, Liam Finlay & Tyson Jost remain close
With tonight’s (March 3) 4-2 victory over the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (UNO), the University of Denver Pioneers secured their first Penrose Cup as the NCHC Regular Season Champions. Traveling to Baxter Arena, the Pioneers extended their winning streak to ten games. Continue reading Pioneers Clinch Penrose Cup – Double up Mavericks 4-2
Creating a dominant, lethal defense, capable of shutting down opposing attacks with force and strategy is a science. The iterative process through trial and error to identity the balance between tenacity and tactic, University of Denver defensive coordinator John Orsen has created such.
Through a new system of “controlled aggressiveness” introduced this season, Orsen has revamped Denver’s defensive style of play. Continue reading “Controlled aggressiveness” guides Denver’s top defensive line
