transferring mid-year from Division I Robert Morris, Elmer posted a modest three points. His second year yielded 32 more. But it wasn’t until Elmer moved to attack as a junior that he found stability. “Once we settled in and said, ‘He’s our lefthanded attackman,’ it probably took some of that yo-yo effect out of that brain,” Colfer said. “It wasn’t, ‘Where am I going to play this game or this week?’ The fact that he was put in one spot, stayed in that spot, practiced in that spot and really developed some chemistry with the players he was playing with was important.” Elmer’s rise also illustrates the classic dilemma facing many coaches, especially at the Division III level. Elmer is from Reinhold, Pa., located in Berks County — roughly northwest of Philadelphia and a still-developing lacrosse area. While he’s one of the best players to ever come out of the region, it was difficult to project how that would translate in college. “Is he the best of a subpar area?
We kind of had an idea, but we weren’t sure that his upside was first team All-American
and player-of-the-year
potential,” Colfer said. “We knew he was good, but not potentially that good.” Elmer admitted Berks County is still
finding its lacrosse legs, but quickly pointed out that there are truisms that transcend any hometown. “Anyone who is willing to put in the
work can achieve what they want,” he said. “That’s what it comes down to.” According to Colfer, Elmer is one of the
three best athletes who have ever come through the Cabrini program. Colfer called Elmer “freaky.” Elmer wakes up early three days a week to take the 6 a.m. train into downtown Philadelphia for his physical therapy internship at a children’s hospital and performs extended shooting drills in the offseason. It’s unlikely Elmer will be able to match
his production statistically from last year. While he produced against all of the top teams, including six goals and six assists in the Cavaliers’ two NCAA tournament games, he undoubtedly will get extra attention this spring. So be it. “We have that mentality where
everyone is a scorer and everyone can assist the ball,” Elmer said. Said Colfer: “Corey is a consummate
team player. He just leads with hard work and doesn’t tell anybody about it.” Everybody already knows. LM
A Publication of US Lacrosse
Best BETS
Turnbull Award (Most Outstanding Attackman)
COREY ELMER, CABRINI
Elmer’s ability to set up his teammates as well as score allowed him to notch at least five points in 13 of the team’s 19 games.
Stiles Award
(Most Outstanding Defenseman) CALLUM ROBINSON, STEVENSON
Kyle Holechek might be the emotional leader of the rugged Stevenson back line, but it’s Robinson who possesses the most tools. The 6-foor-4 Aussie led the team in caused turnovers and was fourth in ground balls while possessing sublime transition skills (3g, 2a).
Kelly Award (Most Outstanding Goalie)
ALEX TAYLOR, SALISBURY
The Sea Gulls had their ups and downs last spring, but Taylor was a constant, allowing fewer than six goals per game with a 61.5 save percentage. He’s got all the traditional goalie skills, but he also has a heightened sense on when to leave his crease for stray ground balls or hard-earned clears.
First-Team All-Americans A Cole Bailey, Tufts, Jr. A Brian Cannon, Dickinson, Sr. A Corey Elmer, Cabrini, Sr. M Kyle Aquin, RIT, Jr. M Joe Slavik, Cortland, Sr. M Matt Rakoczy, Cortland, So. FO Drew Simoneau, Nazareth, Jr. LSM Austin Campbell, Denison, Sr. D Jon Gill, Lynchburg, Sr. D Kyle Holechek, Stevenson, Sr. D Callum Robinson, Stevenson, Jr. G Alex Taylor, Salisbury, Sr.
Bracket Buster DENISON
The Big Red was ravaged by injuries last season and lost to Ohio Wesleyan — a team it handled comfortably on the road during the regular season — in the NCAC final at home. Denison now is healthy and loaded at all the key positions to make a high seed’s life miserable, just like in 2009 when it stunned Roanoke.
Iroquois Nationals Award (Most Outstanding Player)
COREY ELMER, CABRINI
The senior attackman had the most prolific campaign of any Cabrini player in history last year when he posted his 112 points.
Breakout Player PHIL POTTER, ALBRIGHT
Potter (37g, 43a) should break onto the national scene, with Albright (15-4) playing several NCAA tournament contenders and the junior attackman facing high-end defenses.
Sleeper Team CLARKSON
The Golden Knights get lost in RIT’s long shadow, but they were a whisper away from being in the NCAA tournament. Clarkson had RIT on the ropes in the Liberty final before losing 10-9 in overtime. Several important pieces, like Corey Herrington (19g, 27a) and J.D. St. Croix (20 CTs), return.
February 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 79
McCall Award (Most Outstanding Midfielder)
KYLE AQUIN, RIT
It’s not always easy to distinguish oneself amidst all the offensive talent on RIT, but Aquin managed to do it last year, capped off by his seven-goal outburst against Stevenson in the NCAA championship game. The Tigers will once again be loaded on the front end and Aquin, a junior, will once again get plenty of open looks in front of the cage.
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