With a 4-1 record, the men’s lacrosse team is confident in their abilities as they head into their final two games before the playoffs.
The men’s team beat Central Washington 11-10 on Saturday, April 11 in Ellensburg, Wash. They will play at home on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 against rivals Western Washington and Pacific Lutheran. If the team wins all three games, they are guaranteed a first-round bye straight to the Final Four where they lost last year. If they win two of the three games, the team will be in the playoffs.
Players attribute some of their success to Head Coach David Schmitz, who grew up in Long Island, N.Y –– the lacrosse capital of the United States. Schmitz has been playing lacrosse since high school and has been coaching since 1985.
“I like the speed and the combination of skills, physical but also mental,” said Schmitz.
Senior David Ogle, one of the team captains, acknowledges Schmitz’s capability as a coach.
“He knows what he is doing and he cares for the team far more than anyone can imagine. It seems like he is far more invested in the team than us at times,” said Ogle.
Schmitz, on the other hand, attributes the team’s success to their chemistry.
“Players come from different fraternities and many are independents, but there is no division. They come together very well. They are very supportive,” said Schmitz. “We do get players that have absolutely no experience and the experienced players really help them.”
Junior Bidnam Lee, an attackman on the team, attributes good senior leadership and great team dynamics to the success and camaraderie of the team. Team captains include seniors Matt Duncan, Kevin Wilson and David Ogle.
When asked about his favorite aspect of lacrosse, Lee said, “the biggest reason is just that it is such a team sport. To do well on the team you have to trust the other guys on the team as much as you trust yourself.”
Ogle, who plans to play in a city league after graduation, was initially attracted to the ‘fast-paced’ nature of the game.
“Lacrosse is a good combination of a lot of different sports. It is similar to basketball in its offensive movement and it’s a contact sport like hockey,” said Ogle. “I play midfield, so I play both offense and defense. I am invested in both.”
Schmitz is looking forward to the home games next weekend and eventually, the playoffs.
“So far we’ve done well. We can do better, but we’ve done well,” he said. “We started slow which is to be expected, but the team has been working hard and getting a better understanding of what we are trying to do.”
Guided by Schmitz and the senior captains, the men’s lacrosse team is highly optimistic about the approaching games, expecting to fare well in the playoffs.
Regardless of last year’s success, Schmitz realizes the importance of living in the present.
“I don’t believe in rebuilding years; I believe in championships,” said Schmitz. “The fun comes from challenging ourselves. I believe that we should be in the Final Four. It’s a great opportunity to play for the championship and hopefully to play in nationals.”
