SYRACUSE — Kenny Nims is getting another kind of title from the Syracuse University men's lacrosse team.
The university's athletic communications office confirmed Tuesday that Nims, a Watertown native, will be a captain for the defending champion Orange during the 2009 season. The Watertown High School product is SU's top returning scorer from a squad that won an NCAA record 10th national title last spring.
"It's a huge honor to be named captain, considering it was voted on by the teammates," said Nims in a telephone interview Tuesday night. "It was a goal of mine, and I'm really happy to get it."
SU head coach John Desko announced that Nims is one of four captains. The other selections are also seniors: midfielders Matt Abbott and Pat Perritt, as well as defensive midfielder Spencer Van Schaack.
As a junior, Nims started all 18 games for Syracuse. He tallied career highs in goals (34) and assists (24), and received All-America honorable mention. He contributed two goals in the Orange's 13-10 victory over Johns Hopkins in the national championship game last May. It was SU's first NCAA crown since 2004.
The Orange must replace nine seniors, including All-American attacker and Tewaaraton Trophy winner, Mike Leveille. Nims and his classmates aren't feeling the onus of providing ample leadership for a targeted team.
"Mostly, it's just trying to be myself," Nims said. "We'll be taking what last year's captains and seniors taught us. We just want to emulate them and pick up where they left off."
Nims said a month of fall practices will culminate with a three-way scrimmage Saturday at Stony Brook University. The Orange faces the host SeaWolves and Bucknell University.
Nims isn't the only local product left on SU's roster. Former Watertown teammate Greg Niewieroski graduated last spring, but he'll use his final year of eligibility this season after redshirting in 2006. Niewieroski started at attack in all 18 games and collected a career-high 23 goals and five assists.
"After last year, finally getting it done and winning it all, coming back makes us want to win again," Nims said. "To leave here with two national titles would be unbelievable."