By: Rita LaValley, director of marketing/technology for OU, Campus Recreation
This past weekend, the Ohio University Men’s Club Lacrosse team earned the National College Lacrosse League (NCLL) Midwest Championship. The 'Cats played a total of six games, including in-state rival Ohio State, which they beat 8-6. Twenty 'Cats tallied points in the championship series, and as a team, outscored their opponents 62-9! The 'Cats have advanced to the NCLL Final Four and will play their semi-final game in Lynchburg, Va., Saturday May 3.
The Bobcats are currently ranked No. 1 in the country atop the 103 team NCLL. The starting line-up on defense consists of junior Zach Crusse, defenseman, and team president; senior Kyle Crosby, defenseman; junior Chris Elliott, defenseman; and sophomore Cory Nyeste, goalie. On offense are sophomore Colin Baker, attackman; junior Alex Adkins, attackman; senior Ben Miller, attackman; junior, Charlie Coe, midfielder; senior Ryan Hanson, midfielder; and junior Zak Gebler, midfielder. The remaining 30 players on the team consistently contribute off the bench.
“We want to be the best in the nation,” Coach Kevin Andrick says crediting the team’s success to its hard work and resources. The team practices five nights a week, for two hours each night.
“One key factor that separates this team from other teams in the NCLL is that our players buy into the “team concept," Andrick said. “We may not have the most talented team, but we play well as a team. There are no selfish players on this team, and no single player puts himself ahead of his teammates.”
Team resources include a video choreographer, parents and fans. Dr. Larry Nyeste volunteers as the videographer and has recorded every game for the last two seasons. These films provide the coach and players valuable insight into preparing for their opponents.
Most of the parents travel to every game in support of the team, no matter the location. “They cheer us on during the game, and afterwards, usually provide a meal for the team. This post-game interaction between parents and players has really helped bring the team together, very much like a family.”
And finally, the Bobcat fans! They fill the stands at Pruitt Field almost every game. “We played at Ohio State three weeks ago for the Midwest Conference Championship and Bobcat fans covered the west end of their field! I have never seen a following in club lacrosse like I have coaching at Ohio University. It has been a pretty awesome experience and playing in front of a large crowd definitely makes the lacrosse experience a lot more exciting.”
But this team’s success isn’t just about winning games, Andric says. “I strongly believe that giving these young men the power to lead on the lacrosse team will further their future professional careers as leaders." This team is a good example of “the promise” of Ohio University.
To the coach, team members, video choreographer, parents, and fans…..you already are the BEST in the nation! The university and Athens community will be cheering you on in the FINAL FOUR, May 3.
The opponent and game time for Saturday’s matchup has yet to be announced. For more information, check the team’s Web site at http://www.ohiou.edu/~mlacross/
Campus Recreation oversees the university's club sports teams.. For more information, contact Brad Whittaker, Club Sports Director,whittake@ohio.edu, 740-593-9906; or Kevin Andrick, coach, cscclax@hotmail.com, 614-361-2859; or Rita LaValley, director of marketing/technology, lavalley@ohio.edu, 740-593-9908.