April 9, 2008

 

 

OFF THE FIELD WITH ZACH ELYACHAR

 

Junior defenseman Zach Elyachar (Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands) joined the Wolverines during a transitional period for the Michigan defense.  The Wolverines had just graduated five seniors who comprised the most talented defensive corps in U-M history. 

Three years later, Elyachar and his crew of defenders are putting their own stamp on the Michigan defensive legacy.  Through 10 games, the Wolverine defense is allowing only 4.81 goals per game and is allowing opponents to score on the man-up only 15% of the time (7-46).  In this Off the Field feature, Elyachar discusses attending Michigan as an out-of-state student, what he learned from his predecessors and the keys to this year's success.

Growing up outside of Michigan, were you a fan of the University at all as a youngster?  What were some of the things that attracted you to Michigan as a high-school student?

"Coming from the East Coast, I would say that the only college sports I followed were the Maryland Terps lacrosse and basketball teams. I didn't really become a Michigan fan until I took my first visit, and I loved it from the start. Highly competitive lacrosse and academics were my two biggest priorities when I was looking at schools, and after that, I was looking for a big school with quality sports and a good atmosphere, and Michigan fits all those categories. I really can't picture myself anywhere else. It didn't hurt that I took my visit on the day of the Michigan - Ohio State football game, either."

Discuss the process of becoming a part of the team.  Had you always planned on trying out?

"Like I said earlier, lacrosse was very important to me coming into college. At first it was tough because you're still trying to orientate yourself to college life and you already have a full schedule of practices to match your class work. But it was also great because it gave me an automatic group of people to hang out with and a great resource of upperclassmen to help out with anything I needed."

You saw time immediately as a freshman on a relatively young unit.  Discuss the transition from playing at the high school level and what it was like getting thrown into the fray so soon.

"Coming in my freshmen year, coach had told me that I would have a good opportunity to get some time because of the great 2005 class that had graduated the entire starting defense. It was awesome to get so much time as a freshman because it really allowed me to get better and learn while playing. I know everyone says this, but the biggest difference between high school and college level lacrosse is the speed. Growing up, I was never the fastest player (nicest way to put it) so in order to play I had to learn to think faster than the other players. That was definitely something that I had to do even more at this level."

Although your play styles are different, can you discuss what you learned from former captain Brad Ferriell during your first two seasons. 

"Brad has had a huge influence on my game. He really helped me out over the past two seasons, and sort of took me under his wing my freshman and his junior year. Because we play such different games, I would say that the biggest thing I learned from Brad was how to communicate and how to lead. At the end of last season he told me that I really had to step up into a leadership role if I wanted to become a better asset to the team, and I think I have."

Earning the chance to start all but one game last season, discuss how your preparation and focus evolved from your freshman year.

"I don't think that I changed the way I prepared between those first two years. I always prepared myself like I was starting, even my freshman year when I was fourth on the depth chart, and I think that really helped me because I was always ready to go when I was needed."

Discuss some of the differences between last year's defensive scheme and this season's.  How has the ability to change your defense at any point contributed to the unit's success?

"Last year we really tried to be a takeaway defense. We wanted to get the ball back to our offense as soon as we could. This year, Scott [Morrison] has really changed our attitude and identity as a defense. It doesn't matter what the other team is trying to do, we aren't going to let them get inside, we force the outside shots, and we know Graham (or any of the talented freshmen goalies) will make the save. Over the past two seasons we have been known as an offensively driven team. And despite the fact that our offense is the best it has been over the past three years, I really feel like we are now a defensively driven team. Battling our offense every day in practice has made both units better."

As one of the stalwarts on the man-down unit, discuss how a kill can have such a positive momentum swing for a team.  What are the keys to the man-down success this year? 

"Killing a man-down opportunity is a great feeling for us as a defense. Those are times when an offense expects to have an advantage, and they expect to score. But just like our regular defense, we don't let anything get in side, we communicate, we rotate hard, and we force the outside shots. It doesn't hurt to pick off a pass or two either."

What are the keys to a defensive unit working together successfully with a goaltender?  Was there any "learning period" this fall when working with Graham?

"Being on the same page as your goalie is essential for any defense to succeed. Though Kauf was a great player, goalie was one position we all knew we didn't need to worry about. Graham has stepped up big time this year as a starter. He's really one of the major reasons we can play the way we do, and why we do it so well. Knowing he's back there making great saves is pretty calming as a defenseman. And the freshmen goalies are all very good and have pushed him to an even higher level."

You've been a part of two post-season runs.  What are some of the lessons you will take down the stretch this season?

"Never be satisfied with your level of play or a ranking, because you can always improve. This year, the only thing we're thinking about is getting better everyday. A national championship is our goal this year and we'll only get it if we keep improving. It doesn't matter that we're number one right now - it only matters if we're number one on May 17th."

Although it's still early, any post-collegiate plans?

"I have an internship this year with Citigroup in their Global Markets Division, and I hope to end up somewhere in the financial district after next year. This is a great opportunity for me this summer and I know I'll learn a lot and get some great experience."

 

 

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