March 27, 2008

OFF THE FIELD WITH BREKAN KOHLITZ

In his final year as a member of the University of Michigan Men's Lacrosse team, it's clear that senior captain Brekan Kohlitz (St. Claire Shores, Mich./Notre Dame Harper Woods)  has one thing on his mind - winning a National Championship.

A three-year starter for the Wolverines, the faceoff specialist has become a force in the MCLA, earning All-American honors in both his sophomore and junior campaigns.  A man on a mission in '08, Kohlitz discusses getting a chance to don the Maize and Blue, perfecting his craft at the faceoff "X", and in the process, hands out plenty of kudos in this Off the Field segment.

Growing up in the state of Michigan, were you a University of Michigan fan during childhood?  How did that make the prospect of playing for Michigan that much better? 

"I have always been a Michigan fan, whether it is hockey or football, I've always loved the maize and blue.  However, nothing can describe the feeling of when you first put on that Winged Helmet.  When I first strapped up I was on cloud nine.  I think that I still don't even realize how truly awesome it is."

Discuss the process of becoming a part of the team.  Had you always planned on trying out?  When did you first realize the level of play at this level was quite a bit different than at the high school level?

"Headed into college I knew I either was going to play some level of hockey or lacrosse.  I had been an athlete all my life and planned on continuing to play sports.  Trying out was quite intimidating for me.  I was the best player on my high school team and going into tryouts I had no skills that stood out other than my faceoff ability.  Lucky for me Trevor Broad and coach noticed my potential at the "X" and gave me a shot.  Immediately I realized how much more advanced this level of play was."

Your first year was Trevor Broad's senior season.  What did you learn from him on the field, and what did you learn from him about the preparation it takes to be a successful FOGO?

"I have to give Trevor a lot of credit, but other guys like Thomas Groenke and Lawrence Okwali, that have been on the team have also played a big role into my skills.  Trevor taught me how important pre-practice drills are and the vitality of taking as many draws as possible.  Groenke and Larry helped me out with me form by analyzing what I would do.  All in all, it's just all about hard work and knowing that you have the ability to be the best."

Discuss your relationship with your fellow faceoff specialist on the team, David Reinhard.  What is like to have another quality faceoff man to work with on a daily basis?

"I think Rhino really hates me because of the absolute punishing I give him everyday in practice.  As a faceoff guy I can be a pretty big head case and I do a lot of talking before we faceoff.  Having Rhino is an absolute blessing though. He could easily be a starter on any other team than here.  Having him take draws with me every practice is great because I'm always getting better.  Also I get a lot of help from some of the guys that are injured.  Hodari even came up with a drill that I now do every day."

Do you remember at what point during your sophomore season things started to really click?

"You know I just think from the beginning of that season when I had earned the starting position things started to click.  Knowing that I had to be counted on was huge for me and I loved the challenge.  I've always had confidence in my faceoff abilities and being able to showcase them game in and game out was awesome.  For me, a big changing point was more during junior year when coach demanded that I went forward with my draws and learn more about plunging.  Now, that's pretty much all I do."

Success on faceoffs can be measured pretty easily by simply looking at wins and losses.  However, there are a number of elements that go into getting those wins.  Discuss the key factors for success on your end, along with the efforts from the wings.

"I mean all I really have to say is "thank you Bobby (Morales) and (Peter) Krauss." This year these guys have been amazing and have been eating up any ground ball that I can't get.  Bobby and I have been doing this for three years together now and we have some kind of esp out there.  I don't even tell him where I'm going with the ball, he just knows.  Having that kind of relationship with a wingman is unreal.  Also I have been lucky to have other hard nosed players on my wing like Martusiewicz and it's just great when you can count on them to get the gbs that you can't."

Discuss the differences in your preparation this year as a senior captain compared to years previous.  In what ways do you try to pass on your work ethic to the younger players?

"I don't really look at my preparation much differently than years past.  I mean more than the others years I demand more out of myself and know I need to perform.  I like to lead by example and being a dominating force on faceoffs enables me a lot of leadership abilities.  As I have earned All-American honors in the past I try and let the younger guys know that those awards are meaningless unless you're wearing the championship ring on your finger."

Has the finality of your career, and all of the "lasts" that will occur during this, your final season, crept into your mind at all?     

"All I can think about is winning a national championship."

Discuss your post-collegiate plans.

"Well, I mean ideally I'd love to take faceoffs in the pros but that's kind of a long shot.  Other than that, I am actually a year behind because I was an engineer as a freshman and transferred out of that program so I have another year left.  I will try and help out on faceoffs while I am still around."

• Complete list of Off the Field interviews on the Features Page

Contact: Joe Hennessy (734) 276-8493, jjhennes@umich.edu