By
Jeff Lund
Arizona Daily Wildcat
As if UA head coach Mickey-Miles Felton needed more proof that his team has talent, five of his players were nominated for the league's All-Star team last week.
On the offensive side, Charlie Mink and Eric Renner were named to the West Coast Lacrosse League All-Star team.
Mink led the WCLL in both points and goals, and was an obvious selection to the All-Star first team.
As a freshman, he led the league in the regular season with 4.5 goals per game and 1.25 assists. His 54 goals in 12 games were seven more than the next leading goal scorer in the conference. But despite the prolific scoring, Mink does not see his selection to the All-Star team as all that important.
"It is a big honor," Mink said. "But it is coming at the wrong time. I don't want to be distracted. The team is more important."
Fellow attacker Renner was selected to the All-Star first team for his unselfish play.
The junior was often on the assisting end of Mink's goals. Renner recorded 35 assists during the season, which was good for second in the league. Renner, who before this year was a goal scorer, recognized the offensive talent on the Laxcats attack squad and changed his style of play to help the team. It worked, and he is being rewarded for it.
"This year with guys like Josh (Morrison) and Charlie (Mink) I decided it would be better to go for assists," Renner said.
The hard work of Renner and Mink has made the Laxcat offense into one of the top in the WCLL and in the country. Mink credits his relationship with Renner and other members of the offense for both the team's and his own success.
"Eric and I are the reason each other are on the team," Mink said. "A lot of being successful is chemistry. An individual won't do that well."
To complement the offensive power, the Laxcat defense also stuck two players on the WCLL All-Star team.
Senior defenseman Jeff Cady and Tommy Christian led an experienced Laxcat defense during the regular season.
Cady, a three-time All-Star, said he feels good that his hard work has been recognized, but much like Mink, he is focused on a larger goal.
"I would give it up in a second," Cady said. "If it meant we could win the league finals. That is something that I haven't had."
Head coach Mickey-Miles Felton said Cady was an obvious choice to the WCLL team.
"Jeff Cady has been an integral part of the Laxcat defense all season," head coach Mickey-Miles Felton said. "He is well-respected around the league, and is arguably the best defenseman around. He has continued to prove his worth."
Cady, though battling ankle injuries, has still directed the Laxcat defense and given opposing teams' attackmen fits with his tough, aggressive style of play.
Complementing the work of Cady, Tommy Christian - who has played in the shadows of Cady in terms of promotion - is now getting the recognition he deserves.
"It is kinda neat," Christian said of his first All-Star selection. "It is nice to be voted on by other coaches."
Christian said the key to the suffocating Laxcat defense is feeding off and trusting his teammates, and he admires Cady's work ethic and skills.
"I can base the way I play on how (Cady) is playing," Christian said. "We can pick up on strengths and mistakes. We work well together. (Cady) is a hard worker. No one is more deserving than him."
Positioned between the offense and defense is midfielder Matt Wilkins. Wilkins, named to the WCLL second team despite a dismal season by his standards, said he feels good about the selection.
"I don't think I had that good of a season," Wilkins said. "But it is a positive thing for me."
Wilkins who was named to the All-USLIA team last year has made a name for himself this season with the Laxcats.
"He has created a lot," Felton said. "He doesn't have the stats, but everybody has to worry about him."
Wilkins said that at times he is in awe of what happens on either side of the field.
"It is amazing how Charlie and Eric have been able to put the ball in the net," Wilkins said. "With Jeff and Tommy playing such good defense, it makes us all play a little better."
The five All-Stars agree that their selections are a direct reflection on the quality of their teammates and of the program.
"The league has grown a lot," Renner said. "It is a lot more competitive. From top to bottom, the WCLL is one of the strongest leagues in the country. To have five All-Stars, it speaks a lot about the quality of players we have on the team."
Despite the attention the Laxcats are receiving, they believe nothing has changed. All-Stars or not, the team wants the title.
"Actions speak louder than words," Mink said. "We are very well-coached. Our selections say a lot about our program. We appreciate it - and it is an honor - but the mission is clear."
