Men's Lacrosse
Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers

Bourne Enterprise:
March 13, 2009

Keeping It Close To Home Works Well For Linn Brothers

By Dan Crowley, Bourne Enterprise Sports Editor

BOURNE- Brothers Brendan and Ryan Linn played high school lacrosse at Bourne High, where both were four-season veterans. When they decided to play college lacrosse they didn't have to leave town. In fact, all the brothers had to do was cross the Cape Cod Canal to Buzzards Bay.

This spring the Linns return to the lacrosse field with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Buccaneers.

Brendan, a first class cadet at MMA, will take the field for his fourth season as a defenseman, while younger brother Ryan, a third class cadet, will be on the field for his second season.

"We have a great facility and a great group of guys," Brendan said. "I love playing on the turf field and I've had the chance to play with some really good teammates here."

For the brothers a home game means more as friends and family drop by Commander Ellis Field to watch them play.

"There are some kids from the high school that come over for the games," Brendan explained, "but our mother is still our number-one fan."

Last season the Buccaneers finished the year with a record of 4-8 under Coach Barry Joyce. Both brothers saw action in all 12 games, with Brendan starting nine and Ryan getting the start in six. Ryan, a midfielder, finished his freshman season with five goals and two assists.

The Linns picked up the fundamentals of the game with Bourne Youth Lacrosse and in high school playing for the Canalmen. However, they admitted that taking the step from high school lacrosse to the Division III college level is a big one.

"Here the players are bigger, faster, and more aggressive," Brendan pointed out. "The college game is more refined, the players are smoother, and the game more challenging."

"I agree," Ryan added, "and you better be in shape when the season starts or it is very easy to get hurt."

Both are marine engineering majors at MMA. This winter Brendan spent at sea aboard the TSS Kennedy.

"We pretty much work out year-round," Brendan explained. "We play in the Cape Cod Men's Summer Lacrosse League and we lift (weights) in the fall. I was able to use the facilities on the ship this winter, but there isn't a lot of time. You're pretty busy when you're on the ship."

While his brother was at sea, Ryan spent time at the local gym working out getting ready for the lacrosse season.

Playing youth and high school lacrosse certainly accounted for learning the fundamentals; however, both brothers admit that their recent summer league play and the help of friend Justin Domingos, the son of MMA Hall of Fame football Coach Joe Domingos, have opened their eyes.

"Working with our high school coaches, Coach (Tom) Bushy, (Mike) McNeill and Coach (Jerome) Fay really made a difference in understanding the game," Ryan noted. "Those guys and what we do here have really helped."

"But it was summer league that really made the difference," Brendan continued. "Justin opened our eyes. I understand the game so much better now. Things make sense. Coach Fay taught me a lot about positioning and most of the important things about defense, but in the summer leagues where it's more relaxed, Justin taught me a lot."

"Just watching him play," Ryan added of Domingos, "made a big difference."

Playing any sport at Massachusetts Maritime requires an added level of commitment.

"This isn't an easy school with our regimental responsibilities," Ryan noted. "Our days begin early and are long. By the end of the week you're exhausted. I spoke with a friend on the phone the other day who was just getting out of bed. At that point half of my day was done."

"It is a heavy workload," Brendan added, "especially in your senior year. I have my Coast Guard exams in May, which require a lot of studying in addition to everything else. You learn to set your priorities and get your work done."

Both all-star high school players for Bourne High, the Linn brothers are looking forward to a strong season this spring with the Bucs.

"We lost a couple of key players from last year's team," Brendan explained, "but we've got some good freshmen. Some of them I know from the ship. Once they get their stick skills together and adjust to the speed, they'll be good players. We need to get everyone on the same page early. I think we have a lot of potential this year as a team. Once we get it together, I can see us having a very good season."

"We did pick up some new players that look good," Ryan noted. "But unlike other schools, some of our guys are still out on the ship when those others teams are playing."

The Buccaneers open their spring campaign Sunday when they host SUNY Cobleskill (0-2) at noon.

"It's our first game of the season and our home opener," Ryan said. "We're going to go out there and play."

"Expect to see some intensity," Brendan added. "We'll come out fast and play some serious lacrosse. We want this one."