A hard-nosed Upper Arlington Mens Lacrosse team completed a 2-game weekend sweep in Detroit to claim the Midwest Scholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association title, its first since 2004.

The Golden Bears knocked off in-state rival Western Reserve Academy 7-5 in the 'A' bracket final on Sunday to clinch the title in front of a racous crowd at Birmingham Seaholm High School.

Senior defenseman Max Schmidt was named the MSLCA Player of the Year. Sophomore attackman Alex Drake was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player. Drake scored
six goals over the two games, two in the title game. Senior Goalie Judson Hall was selected as the Defensive Most Valuable Player.

"We talked about this goal for our seniors," said 16-year UA Head Coach Ted Wolford. "The guys said they had been here before (runner-up) and didn't want to go home without the title."

The Bears advanced to the championship game by downing Brother Rice, 10-3 on Saturday on the Warriors home field, avenging their only regular season loss April 13th. "That loss really stuck in everyone's craw," said Wolford. "We didn't feel we played our best game in the first meeting and it was nice to show them we were a better team."

Golden Bear captains Scott Lathrop and Grant Devilbiss were also chosen first-team All-Midwest along with senior LSM Dan Crawford. 2nd team selections include junior attackman Adam Donahue and junior defenseman Grant Oliver. Junior midfielder Keith Olson, senior defenseman Daniel Gaines and junior LSM John Van DeWerken were named Honorable Mention All-Midwest.

The 16-1 Bears are expected to open the Ohio High School Lacrosse Association tournament on Thursday May 24th at home against the Toledo St. John's-Thomas Worthington winner. The game could be moved to Wednesday should St. John's advance and want to avoid a conflict with its graduation on Thursday.