No Time to Relax – Men’s lacrosse hopes leadership translates into wins

The Albion men’s lacrosse team starts their season today at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

The Brits are entering their third year as a varsity program and are coming off of a 2-11 record. Despite this Albion looks to improve in all facets of the game this year.

The Brits were burdened by injury last season, which made it hard to develop chemistry.

“Last year we had plenty of good talent on our team but with injuries and other things it was hard for us to get it together on the field,” said Ashok Selby, Northville sophomore.  “I put in a lot of work this off season and I look to play more of a leadership role to try and help the team be more of a unit.”

Last season, the men’s lacrosse team brought in 19 first year students, eight of them being All-State in high school.

“I expect that this year we will come together more as a team and really play well together,” said junior captain Jamie Kehoe, Clinton Township.  “In terms of wins I think that getting a .500 win percentage would be a huge accomplishment and is a realistic goal.”

In his sophomore season, Kehoe had 9 goals to go along with a team high 12 assists and was second in overall points with 21.  This year he aims to improve his statistics as well as be a leader on and off the field.

“I’m more of a lead by example kind of player,” said Kehoe.  “As a young program, its important for me to be positive towards the other players and to be a leader, especially towards the freshman.”

This year the men’s lacrosse team could be an automatic qualifier into the NCAA tournament. The winner of their conference, the Midwest Lacrosse Conference, gets an automatic bid.  Next season the Brits will compete in the MIAA conference, which also receives an automatic bid.

“We have a lot more guys who are willing to work this season and that means more than any individual talent,” said Selby.

The Britons hope to turn their goal of entering the NCAA tournament this season into a reality. With strong a recruiting class and experienced leaders, it seems to be a goal well within reach.