THE JOURNAL NEWS: Kaufmann part of interesting time at Bryant

By Mike Dougherty
Journal News
March 18, 2009

Over the last four seasons, Bryan Kaufmann has played an unexpected role in a story line that's captivated the world of college lacrosse.

He's part of the new beginning at Bryant University.

The former Mahopac standout began to collect accolades when exiled Duke coach Mike Pressler signed on with a program that was preparing to launch into the Division I ranks. It was a fresh start for everyone involved. Pressler was forced out in the spring of 2006 when an exotic dancer claimed she was raped during a party thrown by the Blue Devils lacrosse team.

"When Coach first came here, he didn't want us to pay much attention to the story," Kaufmann said. "It was such a big deal, it was hard not to. He kept us informed of everything that was happening, and now it's kind of cool being part of the story and watching it evolve."

Pressler had a 153-82 record in 16 seasons with the Blue Devils.

Three players were exonerated a year later by the state attorney general in North Carolina when the allegations were deemed to have been fabricated.

"Certainly, my former situation brought attention to Bryant," said Pressler, who reached a settlement with Duke out of court. "We're in year three now, and fortunately, that situation is behind us. The good thing for the program here is we're talking lacrosse, now. All the other stuff is well behind us and we can focus on what we do."

This story also contains a measure of intrigue.

After getting to the Division II Final Four, the Bulldogs took a step forward, moving up to Division I, where they are playing a very ambitious schedule.

"Coach did a really good job getting us the best competition available," said Kaufmann, who has 14 goals and five assists this season. "It might have been our year to win a Division II championship, but we're playing the best teams, and we definitely are not regretting it one bit."

Bryant has spent two years prepping for this jump.

"When the Roman numeral changed from II to I, the kids already understood the commitment they would have to make outside the different things we do on a daily basis to challenge and compete at the highest level," Pressler said. "When you have teams like Virginia, Army, Loyola and Maryland on your schedule, that gets your attention. Our guys are smart guys. They knew the preparation had to be at an all-time high in order to compete at the highest level."

James Devine was part of the school's first Division I recruiting class.

"It's been an experience, but having guys like BK has made the transition easier," the former Clarkstown South star said. "When most people talk about Division I lacrosse, they focus on the speed of the game. More of it is the knowledge of the game, developing more of a lacrosse IQ."

The Bulldogs are 4-4 - which is considered a good start - after Sunday's 13-6 loss at Maryland. Staying competitive against nationally ranked opponents will help propel the program and widen the recruiting base. They lost to Virginia 10-4, to Army 11-5 and Loyola 15-11, so there hasn't been an embarrassing moment.

The wins have come against Sacred Heart, Dartmouth, Wagner and Mount St. Mary's.

"Even the first game, against Virginia, we played throughout and challenged them, so it gave us confidence," said Devine, a defensive midfielder. "Then we had a three-game winning streak, which gave us more confidence early in the season."

The addition of Zack Greer, a former Duke standout, has provided instant credibility.

He still had one year of eligibility after becoming the NCAA's all-time leading goal scorer and enrolled in graduate school at Bryant to reunite with Pressler.

"It's one thing to hear a coach's perspective, but Zack has been there, and it's great to hear things from a player," said Kaufmann, a team co-captain who is set to graduate with a degree in accounting in the coming weeks and has a job at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Boston waiting. "He's got a lot of insight and experience, so it's great picking his brain. He knows what it takes to beat these teams."

Pressler speaks highly of Kaufmann and Devine.

"Bryan has always been so reliable," he said. "You can always count on him to be there when you need him the most. James, we think so highly of him, and by his sophomore year, I think you're going to see him in the lineup in some way, shape or form."

It's pretty clear staying on topic is no longer an issue.

"Time's a great healer," Pressler said. "We hung on to the truth. The world knows what happened. It's two years later, and for me to be coaching at a great university that's committed to being at the highest level, what else could you ask for?"

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