Lacrosse is thought by many to be one of the fastest growing sports in the United States today. In addition to its 400 programs in the NCAA, youth membership has more than tripled since 1999. Since the inception of the Seton Hill University (SHU) men’s and women’s lacrosse teams in 2003, the university has echoed that trend. SHU’s Rob Thomas, a senior, has helped his lacrosse teammates make the sport a successful program on campus.
“Each year we keep improving on the year before, last year was no different. We had beaten our rival St. Vincent and played a very competitive game against the number two team in DII [Division II],” said Thomas.
By Steve Meredith,
Staff Writer
Lacrosse is thought by many to be one of the fastest growing sports in the United States today. In addition to its 400 programs in the NCAA, youth membership has more than tripled since 1999. Since the inception of the Seton Hill University (SHU) men’s and women’s lacrosse teams in 2003, the university has echoed that trend. SHU’s Rob Thomas, a senior, has helped his lacrosse teammates make the sport a successful program on campus.
“Each year we keep improving on the year before, last year was no different. We had beaten our rival St. Vincent and played a very competitive game against the number two team in DII [Division II],” said Thomas.
Part of the team’s success is due to the fact that the younger players on the team have made statements early in their careers.
“We have a lot of freshmen that will make an impact in the years to come,” said Thomas.
The SHU lacrosse program has been so successful due to its family-like atmosphere, something which the players have responded well to.
“This team is extremely close on and off of the field. We consider ourselves a family. Each player brings his own dynamic to the team,” said Thomas.
So what does the lacrosse team do just before game time?
“Most of the players listen to their iPods, but I prefer to relax and focus on my responsibilities,” Thomas said.
That amount of focus has helped the SHU Lacrosse program start on a path to excellence, and with a tough schedule this upcoming season, the expectations could not get much higher.
“This year our schedule is extremely tough, facing six of the top ten teams. We have some very achievable goals and hope that playing better teams will in turn increase our level of play,” said Thomas.
What does Thomas feel about the future of SHU lacrosse?
“The upperclassmen are continuing to improve and will make a positive impact on the team,” Thomas said.