Princeton was dominant yesterday. They recovered from a 3-0 deficit in the first 3 minutes to frustrate ND with a zone defense and outstanding goalie play. Princeton was the dominant lacrosse power in the late 90's. Princeton has several current advantages in recruiting:
# 1 Academic Rating
2. Alumni network post graduation
3. Generous need based aid that becomes more valuable than a lacrosse scholarship
There were 28,000 at Scott Stadium for the final in Charlottesville despite a rainy weekend. Attendance actually peaked in the early 2000's when large NFL stadiums attracted crowds of about 40,000. TV coverage of lacrosse has increased and attendance has declined with the NCAA trying a return to a college venue this year.
Lacrosse has spread across the nation, with the traditional powers now attracting players from Chicago, Texas , California, Colorado etc. The eye to hand coordination required to excel at lacrosse is extraordinary, combining that with the physicality of the game makes it attractive to young men. Elite players can shoot shots at greater than 100mph with either hand, close quarter passes occur at 75mph so lacrosse has a lot to offer elite athletes that may not be tall or big enough to play BB or FB
Although NU would have been a great school to become the Midwest's lacrosse power, however, it does not have the alumni base or institutional support to even finance its' existing sports much less adding lacrosse. ND has become the Midwest's lacrosse power, a position that NU could have had
