by Sarah Anderson
SPORTS EDITOR
Coachless, composed mostly of upperclassmen, facing increasing fees and recently defeated, the Whitman men’s lacrosse team could be seen as floundering. But contrary to initial appearances, this team, currently led by three senior captains, has its act together. When asked about the validity of a rumor purporting an overall waning in support for the team, members of the team didn’t get defensive. They were simply puzzled. Senior co-captain Chris Juergens wonders why anyone would think the team is losing support, explaining that the team has been “looking good this year.”
Due to health complications, the team lost their long-time coach Professor David Schmitz this past fall. While the team would like to find a full-time coach, right now they are coached by Whitman ’00 grad Pete Lewicki during games. Outside of game days, the team’s three captains have been successfully leading practices. Juergens is pleased with what he has been seeing at these practices, especially since “the team is the most physical team at Whitman since I’ve been here.”
The team played their first game on Saturday, Feb. 10. According to sophomore David Ogle, this extra physicality got the team into a “little penalty trouble.” While Whitman lost 7-16 to Gonzaga, they showed strength and promise, all while missing three key players who were sick and unable to play. This last weekend the team beat Idaho 9-8 and WSU 9-3. The team’s first-year players have played well, including Bidman Lee who scored three goals in the fist game. Games usually attract large crowds. Ogle anticipates even larger crowds (complete with Beta house couches) throughout the season as the weather warms up.
Though mostly upperclassmen make up the team this year, active recruiting is not yet a concern. However, while recruiting may not be a problem, the administration may have to charge the team significantly more for referee fees, potentially increasing each member’s fees by 250 percent. Fortunately for the team, their old coach, Professor Schmitz, has been trying to get additional financial help for the team.
Meanwhile, the team is gearing up for the season. Players anticipate an upcoming weekend when the team will play against UPS, with whom Whitman has a special rivalry. As Ogle said, “We always want to win that game.”
