April 17, 2008

By Zach Zagger Daily Orange

April 17, 2008

Syracuse, NY (UWIRE) -- Steve and Mike Ammann don't know much of lacrosse without one another. The senior Albany midfielders, and identical twins, have played next to one another in midfield since they picked up the sport together nearly 10 years ago.

In the words of Brian Kuczma, their high school lacrosse coach at Putnam Valley, the two are "about as identical as two people can possibly be."

"Honestly they're very rarely apart," Albany head coach Steve Marr said. "They're brothers, but they're like best friends too, you know it's kind of crazy, you're always seeing them going to and from places together."

Both Ammanns will visit the Carrier Dome Friday night when the Great Danes try to launch an upset big against No. 2 Syracuse (10-1). The Orange is currently riding an 8-game winning streak.

The Ammann duo will have a lot to say about whether Albany can mount a challenge Friday. Steve and Mike Ammann have played on the same team since they were in eighth grade. As a result, they have a connection on the field unlike with the rest of their teammates.

"It's actually funny, we have been playing sports for so long, basically since I can remember, there's no verbal communication, it's all non-verbal right now," Steve Ammann said. "I'll know where he is, and he'll know where I am, and it's actually helped our team a lot, that synergy when we are on the field together, we can make those plays or find each other for goals or assists."

That chemistry has shown up throughout this season. Steve is currently third on the team in points with 21 from 11 goals and 10 assists. Mike has six goals and six assists of his own. Both are team captains but have only managed to guide Albany to a 5-6 record this year.

"Whether Steve is dodging or not, I always know where he is and where to find him," Mike Ammann said. "Same thing with him, it's kind of like having a sixth sense almost from playing sports all these years. So it definitely benefits our team to have some communication without having to open up our mouths."