wordplay: JJ
image: Pete Eklund
Just as their name implies, the Denver Outlaws are an unruly bunch of Old Western-style thieves that aren’t to be trusted. After all, since their induction into Major League Lacrosse in 2006, these Denver desperados have been stealing all the glory, limelight and lucre of the lacrosse circuit, to be sure. And these bandits seemingly won’t back down until they’ve lassoed themselves a national title.
Why heck, just over a month ago, during their second annual July 4 home game, the Outlaws set a MLL attendance record (breaking the one set the previous Independence Day, also by the Outlaws), by drawing more than 20,000 fans to Mile High at Invesco Field. And that was on a Friday night when there were plenty of other things to do. Sure, there were plenty of “fans” there to watch the obligatory propaganda-soaked fireworks display, but due in large part to the success of the Outlaws lacrosse outfit (in just their third season in the league) and the growing popularity of the game (as old as the Native American culture that created it) there were plenty of people at Invesco that were invested more in the game than in any hokey Americana traditions afterward. That has much to do with the Outlaws’ relentless pursuit of talent and head coach Brian Reese’s keen knowledge concerning the game of nets and balls…and nets (along with six years of professional playing experience). The proof is in the production: The Outlaws are in the top five in nearly every offensive and defensive category, lead the Major League Lacrosse circuit in shot percentage (.343), and are third in shots on goal percentage (.688).
Now the Outlaws look to take back the West (and the MLL’s Western Division) in a game that has been traditionally embraced by East Coasters. One look at the Mammoth’s counterparts (meaning Denver’s professional INDOOR team that set the precedent for the sport in the Mile High City) reveals that virtually all of these Outlaws are Yankees at heart, hailing from places such as Johns Hopkins University,Princeton and the University of Maryland.
“I see a lot of growth down there because of the weather,” said second-year acquisition and Johns Hopkins grad, defenseman Jesse Schwartzman, in a May interview on the team’s official website before relocating from the East to the West. “It is huge in Denver and continuing to grow out there.”
As it well should. Denver’s a town that’s always stood with open arms to new franchises – especially those that offer the possibility of a new D-Town dynasty (think Colorado Avalanche or Denver’s other professional lacrosse squad, the mighty Mammoth).
The fact is any legitimate championship is relative to popularity and interest, which in turn creates revenue and recognition. And it just so happens that the Outlaws are legitimate contenders, thanks to the good graces of a head coach and willing investors.
“They are such a strong team because it is run like a pro organization,” said the very observant Schwartzman in May, before he really knew how true that statement was. “They really want it to be a pro organization. The coaching staff and the players are great, the owners take care of us, and the fans are great too.”
And just imagine how great, and grateful, fans will be if these Outlaws put Denver’s lacrosse organization on the map for good.
August 4th @ Invesco Field
DenverOutlaws.com |