Tigers, Blue Jays, Pink Gorillas, and Air Guitar

Johnny Unitas stadium on the campus of Towson University had it all today. Johns Hopkins kicked off the 2011 season by making the 15 minute drive north on Charles Street to Towson University. This was the season opener for both teams and they couldn't have asked for a much better day for the occasion. With the exception of the 30 MPH winds, Baltimore weather in February doesn't get a whole lot better.

IL Pink Gorilla

"Doc and the Kids"

The game played out much the way many expected, with the visiting Blue Jays edging out a less talented Towson team. Also as expected, the game lacked any kind of exciting transition. Both teams seemed content to play 6 on 6 in a methodical offense. This made for a pretty boring game to be honest. A facebook friend commented, tongue-in-cheek that this game was "the worst lacrosse game ever" and  "I've seen better grandmasters games..." There were a few surprises, however.

Wharton Ripping the First Goal of '11

Guida and Hodgson

A couple of freshmen were especially impressive. For JHU, Rob Guida (M) and Jack Reilly (D) looked smooth. Both got the start at their respective positions. For Towson, Andrew Hodgson looked super shifty and he ran on the first midfield for the Tigers. At time Hodgson looked like the only Tiger midfielder looking to dodge until late in the game when Pat Britton got into the act.

Another surprise was how quiet the Hopkins midfield was. The Blue Jays' attack carried the offense. The highly regarded duo of Ranagan and Greeley, both sophomores midfielders, showed flashes today, but neither appeared to force the issue a whole lot. With their size and skill, these guys should be killing it. Neither really looked to take it to Towson. I don't know if this is Petro's iron fist or if they're deferring to the attack. We'll see if this changes.

What's up with the numbers on the Hopkins side of the ball. At times they looked more the part of a hockey team.

It was a little surprising to see non-traditional lax numbers on the team that is lacrosse tradition. 77, 92, and 88 all made an appearance on the Hopkins side of the ball.

"The Shred"

The final surprise, or should I say treat, was the half-time festivities. The Guinness Book of World Records was on hand to see the record for largest air guitar ensemble fall courtesy of the lax faithful on-hand. Washington, DC Air Guitar Champion, Lance "The Shred" Kasten was on hand to lead the crowd, and lead the fans he did! As his nickname suggests, this guy can flat out shred. Mix one part 50 year-old rocker, a six pack of 5 Hour Energy, and some Pat Benatar and you got The Shred.



Like I said earlier, the game itself wasn't anything to get excited about unless you're a Hopkins fan, but the weather combined with the other sights and sounds (minus the Hopkins band....just awful) made for a good day at the ball game.

More pics to be posted on 24SevenLax.com on Facebook.