By Eric Nelson, WCCO-TV

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Swarm lacrosse team plays at the Xcel Energy Center Saturday night, taking on Washington.

One reason there is optimism for the team in 2011 is one player: defenseman Joe Cinosky. He is an energetic player who plays a rough-and-tumble style of lacrosse.

“He’s a big, physical guy and he’s got a real good skill set for a big, physical guy,” said general manager Marty O’Neil. “He’s not just a big, meaty guy out out there enforcing.”

Cinosky’s resume is impressive. He won a gold medal playing for Team USA in the Lacrosse World Championships last summer in England. And he was on the Chesapeake, Va. team that won the 2010 Major League Lacrosse outdoor title.

“Being on Team USA definitely helped,” said Cinosky. “Being recognized as one of the best players that our country has to offer is huge for me.”

Joe is a New Jersey guy who now lives full-time in the snowy Twin Cities, and spends a lot of time selling the sport to the residents of Minnesota.

Cinosky also coaches the University of Minnesota lacrosse club team and the varsity squad at Mounds View High. He’s a busy guy with a lot on his plate.

“It’s tough. I think sometimes I wish I had a secretary to keep me kind of in order,” said Cinosky. “It’s good because I like staying busy and being active. It’s just hard. Sometimes, you try and find a place to work out and you still have to go teach at 10 o’clock. It’s definitely fun and something I hope to keep doing.”