Christian Cook July 30, 2002

MLL Season Becomes Increasingly Physically and Mentally Taxing as Season Progresses

We’re approaching the final stretch of regular season games of the 2002 MLL season. I have to admit that the season has gone by very quickly in some respects and more slowly in others. As the season progresses, personally I find it more and more difficult to focus mentally on our games – something experienced by athletes in any sport. Mental acuity and focus is very psychologically taxing and after 10 games athletes tend to breakdown both physically and in their mental preparation. With that in mind, the exploits of perennial all-stars like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and the like become increasingly impressive.

I find every game to be extremely intellectually taxing. Defensemen cannot afford to make any mistakes – one mistake and we lose a game by a goal. Therefore, playing the likes of Ryan Powell, Michael Watson, Mark Millon and Casey Powell week in and week out is EXTREMELY difficult mentally. These players are the best in the world and they are going to get their goals. One can play a perfect game against these players and they will still find a way to put the ball in the back of the net. No longer does holding a player scoreless immediately indicate a great game – because very few if any of these players will be held scoreless.

Other factors come into play for defensemen in the MLL. Picking up ground balls, leading breaks, communicating and playing team defense are all equally if not more important than simply playing your man. The offensive players in this league play at such a high level that each defensive player must really play at 120% to have a chance. That challenge is why I play the game. We play to compete and compete we must.

We of the New Jersey Pride are going to need to focus during our next four games to put ourselves in position to make the playoffs. We truly hold our destiny in our hands – and need to perform at a high level during the next four VERY difficult games. We play a tough, talented Boston team that is “on-the-ropes” this Thursday (AWAY) followed by Long Island next weekend (AWAY) before returning home to play Rochester and Baltimore. All of these teams are extremely difficult to beat – regardless of what their record says. Every team in this league can win big games and has players that can make plays – that is what makes this league so special.

Personally I am looking forward to our game against Boston in a big way. This past weekend was a tough weekend and a tough loss to Rochester. It is important to get back in the saddle quickly and a short week is exactly what our team needs!

Christian Cook, New Jersey Pride Defensman,#37, Rides Rochester's Ryan Powell on July 28, 2002