Author: Emily Phillips
Oxy Men’s Club Lacrosse is kicking their 2009 season into gear with new coaches, new talent and new passion for the game. After a disappointing season last spring, the Tigers hope to prove themselves to the rest of the South Division B Western Collegiate Lacrosse League.
The Tigers opened their season with a well-fought game against Concordia University at home. With the help of aggressive defender Duncan Marks (first-year), they were ahead at the half, but were unable to secure the win, losing 5-9.
“Everyone is improving personally, but we need to bring it together in games,” Marks said.
In this transition year, the team is focusing on fundamentals and working as a unit. The Tigers brought in a fleet of first-year lacrosse players, including goalie Nicholas True, who came out strong for the team right when they needed him. Oshoke Maici (first-year) and Shane Cumings (first-year) have also been key additions to the midfield and attack.
While many of them had never picked up a lacrosse stick before this fall, the youngsters have brought in a lot of enthusiasm for the game that has given the Tigers a “resurgence of team spirit,” Ben Falik (senior) said.
“The rookies are the core and absolute future of this team. I couldn’t be happier,” co-captain Andrew Leede (junior) said.
Along with the talent fresh out of high school, the Tigers are reaping the benefits of athletes Cameron Brahmst (senior) and Basile Trede (senior) who decided to try the hard-hitting sport in their last semester at Oxy.
“Being on a club team is a new experience for me,” Brahmst said. “I am really glad to meet a bunch of new first-years I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to hang out with otherwise.”
In addition to the enthusiasm of their fresh talent, the Men’s Lacrosse team is benefiting from the energy of their new coaching staff: long-time lacrosse players Michael Covino ’08 and Ozzie Baron ’08.
As former members of the team, the dynamic duo knows what the Tigers need to be successful. They have established a good work ethic and a serious commitment to the team that has been lacking in recent years. However, coaching at the opening game of the season in bright orange and khaki suits, Covino and Baron still realize that the guys are in it to have a good time.
“It’s great to have them, especially since they volunteer their time. They are doing it out of the bottom of their hearts,” co-captain Cameron Kerst (senior) said.
While the team is currently 0-3, their spirits are up at practice. “You can’t come out here and not have fun. Lacrosse is by far the most fun and addicting sport I’ve played. You don’t want to miss a practice,” Marks said.
Of his hopes for the season, Leede said he would “love to win a game at home. I want to show the boys what it’s like to win on Oxy’s turf.”
“I just want to leave the team better than I found it,” Kerst said. “It means a lot to me to play with some of my best friends my last year.”
The Men’s Lacrosse team hopes to win Saturday as they take on UC Irvine.
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