TOWSON, Md. - Following Towson's 2-1 double overtime victory over Mount St. Mary's Tuesday, men's head coach Frank Olszewski sat down with TowsonTigers.com to discuss his team early in the season.
Question 1: Through the opening
portion of the season, your defense has been a major strength. How important is
it to have a tough defensive mentality when taking the field with your team?
This has been an emphasis
since day one. In order to be successful, we must be that team that cannot be
broken down and that other teams do not want to play against. That
mentality pulls you through tight games. It is a consistency that we
strive for each day and what champions must bring to the table.
Question 2: You have a wealth of
young talent on your roster, which includes 10 newcomers. How would you
describe their impact on the team thus far?
They have been great to
work with. They are learning each day what it takes to play at this level. They
add to the daily competitive environment in how they go about their
business, and their no-nonsense approach gives them that edge.
Question 3: After two games, what do you feel your team most needs
to improve on?
We are constantly
searching to find the right attacking and defending options and balance that with each other. It is always easier to destroy than to create.
This process of creating develops over time, as you learn both your
own strengths and limitations and those of your teammates. Although individual
talent and quality is always helpful, it becomes less relevant. In other words,
the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Question 4: What has impressed you
most with your team in the early going?
The group is focused and
are really hungry for success.
Question 5: You next match-up with
Albany Saturday after beating them last year, 4-1. What can your team expect
from the Great Danes this year in a road environment?
A new year means new teams. They
have been promoting this game in their community, so there should be a great
crowd and atmosphere.