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Lacrosse Starts Hopeful Season

The men’s lacrosse team have a new competitive advantage to their team this year, a strong recruiting class comprised of many freshman and transfer students. “We could have as many as five new guys starting this season, “ said head men’s lacrosse coach Joey Wilmot. “That’s a big change in dynamics, when half of your starters are guys that weren’t on the team the previous season.” Captain Josh Bailey ‘15 added, “It will be interesting to see how the team will work together and how they will succeed with a lot more talent on the team this season.”

Screen Shot 2016-03-03 at 8.39.11 PMTheir first game is March 5 against Theil College in Greenville, Pa. The Highlanders are looking to improve their record and overall team performance from last season. The team is still developing as it is only the fifth season it has been an official sport at Houghton. During the off-season, the returning players worked hard to improve their lacrosse skills with conditioning, weight lifting, and practicing with fellow teammates. Captain Paul Chapman ’17 said, “The team is a great group of guys who work hard and persevere to honor God on and off the field.”

In regard to coaching style Wilmot had this to say, “We will be using offensive and defensive midfielders for the first time this year and we have a completely new offensive playbook.” The coaching staff is confident the new system will impact the team’s performance as the season progresses. There will also be role changes due to the many recruits joining the team. “These recruits will be looked toward to step up and help out the team on the field” said Chapman. “5 of our new players will likely take on starting roles including between the pipes as a goalie who will be directing our defense.”

Since entering the Empire 8 conference, the team has faced some tough competitors, but the coaching staff believes these recruits can make a big impact on the team. This season, one of the team’s goals include being one of the top 10 “most improved” teams in the country. Another one of their goals is to win an award in their region of the Empire 8 conference that as a team best exemplifies good sportsmanship. “We have a great group of guys here on the team,” said Wilmot. “High quality individuals that are eager to learn the sport, but more importantly use the sport as a foundation to minister.”