At 4-4 and midway through the 2005 season, the University of California, Berkeley Men’s Lacrosse Team finds themselves at a crossroads. The offense, which features six rookie or freshman starters, has shown both instances of explosiveness and ineptitude. The defense is intimidating and deep; laden with veterans, the defense may be the best in the nation. With only two seniors and nearly half the team comprising of freshmen, inexperience and inconsistency have plagued the Golden Bears this season. Of the four losses this season, three of them were by one point and the fourth against the defending National Champions, UC Santa Barbra. Despite enormous potential and displays of offensive firepower, the Bears inexperience has led to slow starts and failure to close out games. The first game against UCLA, unbeknownst to the team, was a perfect example of how the first half of the season would go. In a 4-3 loss, the defense showed why it was considered one of the best going into the season and the offense showed it’s inexperience as they were unable to find the back of the net. The Bears won their next game against USC despite only six goals, thanks to a stalwart defensive effort that yielded only three goals. In a loss to UC Santa Barbra, the Bears started slow and fell far behind. However, in the second half, they showed off what they were capable of by shutting down the Gauchos and winning the second half.

Against Dominican, the Golden Bears offense came alive for the first time this season and put up a firework display that featured 17 goals and many freshmen scoring their first collegiate goal or point. The offensive momentum continued into the next game against Nevada-Reno with six goals coming in the first quarter. Despite the win, the Bears failed to continue the offensive barrage the rest of the game and held on for a 9-4 win. The offensive skid continued onto the next game against the University of Washington where the Bears quickly fell behind 7-2. Although the Bears managed to tie the game up at 8-8, the Bears could not completely overcome their pitiful first half and failed to close out the game with a win.

The Bears came back flying the next week against division rival, Santa Clara, but again lost by a single point; this time failing to secure the lead and put away their opponent. However, showing off the veteran ability to shake off a bitter loss, the Bears came back to crush Claremont 10-4. The win was an important one as the Bears managed to avenge an embarrassing loss from last season and finish the midseason strong. However, more importantly, the California Golden Bears were beginning to show the intensity and edge of a veteran group.

The Bears hope to continue their ascent and growth as they kick off the 2 nd half of the season with what may be the most important game of the year. The Golden Bears have a chance to knock off division rival and #15 CAL Poly San Louis Obispo. On the borderline of greatness, a win will finally put the Bears over the hump and into the national spotlight.

However, though the game was a great draw and an opportunity for many former teammates to reunite, rehash old stories, and enjoy the community of Cal Lacrosse, the real focus of this weekend was on the other side of the midline- Cal’s 2005 Men’s Lacrosse Team. With over 40 players dressed on the sidelines, all eager to jump into the fray, the hard work of head coach Steve Dini and his fantastic assistants, Toby Costello, Taylor Gill and John Towsend,was very evident. In fact the entire weekend- from the pre-football game tailgate on Kleeberger field (Go Bears!! 45-28 over UCLA) with a large lacrosse tent and presence, to the extremely organized and competitive alumni game and reception on Sunday- was a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm that Coach Dini and his staff have for Cal Lacrosse. With there continued presence it is inevitable that Cal will continue climbing the latter back to the top of USLIA competition, where it rightfully belongs.

As proud alumni, we can only hope that this fabulous weekend continues to grow each year, and the great community that is Cal Lacrosse continues their support of the greatest university in the world’s greatest sport. Be sure to be at the first home game, February 4 th against the defending champion UCSB Gauchos, and more importantly, Go Bears!!!!

January 21, 2004

In front of a home crowd of 400 the 2004 Cal Bears opened their season with a come from behind win against the St. Mary's Gaels. With only 16 players suited for the game the Bears battled back from 3-1 deficit to beat the Gaels 7-5. The bears controlled the ball for over 40 min. of play. The first WCLL and Bears goal of the 2004 season came from Jr. Dan Dardon (1G) who was wide open on crease in the opening minutes of the game. For next 38 minutes the Bears would not score another goal. St.Mary's was lead by Jr. Attackmen Peter Burns (3G,1A) who had 2 goals in the first and 1 in 3rd quarter. Cal was lead by Sr. Toby Sevier (3G) who's 3 goals in the last 2 quarters lead the way for the bears come back. The Bears next contest will be against defending WCLL Champions UCSB in Santa Barbara next week.

Close to 30 alumni joined the 2003-2004 bears for the end of Fall Ball Classic featuring the Alumni against the current team.

This Fall marked a beginning of a new era for the young Cal Bears. New Head Coach Stephen Dini, the former Chico State Head Coach and new Assistant Coach, San Francisco native Toby Costello a graduate of Div III Lynchburg College, join returning Assistant Coach Taylor Gill.

The potent combination of coaching experience on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field, and the enthusiasm of the players should make for an outstanding 2004 season.

Under the new Staff the Bears were extremely active this Fall playing in three tournaments. The Bears started Fall Ball at the Chico tournament in early October where they faced off against NDNU the new varsity Div.II team in the Bay Area. They also played St. Mary's and the University of Oregon. The next week the Bears had a long but fun bus trip to Las Vegas where they played in the "Best of the West Tournament". The Bears saw action against defending USLIA National Champions Colorado State, BYU, U of Texas and Arizona State. The Bears next Fall test came in the mud and rain at Sonoma State University where the Bears beat Santa Clara, tied Chico State and lost to SSU.

But the Biggest test of Fall Ball came at the Hands of the Alumni. The Cal Alumni team that the bears faced this past weekend was by far the best opponent that they had faced all Fall. The Alumni boasted 18 former WCLL All Stars and 12 former USLIA All Americans. There were also 8 players from the 1998 USLIA National Championship team to help out just in case the Alumni didn't have enough fire power.

All the experience in the world didn't seem to matter as the young Bears or " Cubs" as the alumni referred to them got on the board early in the game and kept the alumni in a defensive stalemate for the first 5 minutes of the game. But once the rust wore off, the Alumni started to shine. Lead by spectacular goals and relentless defense the Alumni took full advantage of the 20 minute quarters to show the "Cubs" who was master of the turf.

The Alumni were surprised when at the end of the game they learned that only 12 of the players were returners from the 2003 squad and that 16 of the 28 players on this years team were "Rookies". Coach Dini also excited the Alumni when he told them of the new direction that the Cal team was going. He graciously invited all the Alumni who could attend to come to the December 6th Lacrosse Advisory Board meeting at the RSF to discuss the future of Cal lacrosse.

All in all the weekend was a huge success. The alumni and players had a great time connecting and bridging the gap from the past to the present. The Alumni were successful in raising money for the team and a good time was had by all.

To see pictures from the game please click on this link

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 13, 2003

Berkeley, Ca. – Stephen L. Dini was hired as the new Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at University of California, Berkeley. Dini, an Orinda, Ca, native and 1989 graduate of the Dunn High School, was the coach at California State University, Chico for the past three years.

Dini replaces coach Michael Demeo, who moved east to pursue other coaching opportunities. Coach Dini, who had resigned from Chico, and moved back to the Bay Area earlier this summer was delighted at the opportunity to coach at Cal. “This is a job that doesn’t come up that often. I am truly thrilled to be working for the #1 public University in the Nation” said Dini. Dini will be only the 4th coach in Cal’s close to 40 year history.

Before taking the coaching reigns at Cal, Dini was instrumental in rebuilding the Chico State Wildcat lacrosse program. In three short years he took them to their first WCLL Division A playoffs and to their first USLIA National Championship. Dini compiled a record of 31-21 at Chico State from 2001-2003. Prior to Chico, Dini served as the Head Coach for Marin Catholic High School. Leading them to an impressive record of 22-7 in two years time. In his career as a lacrosse coach, Dini has quickly become one of Northern California’s most sought after coaches and instructors. He is the founder of Nor-Cal box lacrosse, Director of USA WEST Lacrosse, former President of the NCJLA, former Head Coach of Southern Marin lacrosse club and founder of Nor-Cal U13, U15, U17 & U19 All-Stars.

Over the past 10 years Dini has taken teams at all levels to every major tournament in the country and the world. Most recently he has traveled to China, Japan and Australia in 2002 and this summer he lead his teams to Germany and Prague.

Dini played collegiate lacrosse at both Colorado State University (90, 91 & 92) and at Chico State (93) where he received a BA in Speech Communication in 1994.