CALDWELL, Idaho – The rise of the College of Idaho is particularly impressive for me.

I lived in Mountain Home, Idaho, for three years – my wife was stationed at the eponymous Air Force Base – and I was a lacrosse official for the Boise-area high school league during that time.

Stand up, Treasure Valley Lacrosse League!

At the time, COI was known as Albertson College – named for a supermarket magnate who was a big donor – but then since reverted back to its original name.

D-II Round 1: College of Charleston at College of Idaho | https://t.co/VAk8iryNEE #mcla20
— MCLA Tournament '20 (@MCLA_Tournament) March 19, 2020

It’s more impressive that Matt Gier has embraced the TVLL to fill his roster with a ton of quality kids.

Offensively, Trevor Manu, Casey Davis and Cade Brown can score points and Dami Ahaye can lock you up. And they're all from the Boise area.

It’s a troublesome group.

“Last year was just the tip of the iceberg,” said Gier*. “This year, we see the whole iceberg.”

Charleston is an up-and-coming crew that will walk into an Idaho crew with the knowledge that the SELC is the top dog.

Miler Barbour has put the Cougars on the map aided by senior attackman Connor Chamberlain and junior attackman Ben Jackson. Throw in sophomore attackman Brody Dickson and you’ve got a formidable front line.

“I love this team,” said Barbour*. “They just compete.”

[*- The coach didn’t really say this. This is all made up. It’s fake]