Season Outlook:
Sophomore Season Sways Saints
Like a palm tree pushed over in a hurricane, the 2010 Saints approach a formidable horizon. “The thing is,” said head coach, Luke Griemsman (2nd season), “we have a sophomore dominated team but we have experience. The guys are learning, progressing, and getting time.”
Aquinas College, in the last year, has decided to rebuild a fieldhouse, add a women’s lacrosse team, and shoot for an education unsurpassed in these economic times. What could possibly lie ahead for the men’s lacrosse program? Here is a positional outlook:
Attack
Without a graduating attack starter there could only be convention and concoction for the upcoming offense. Eric Emens (Grand Haven, Mich.) Mike Matych (Grand Haven, Mich.) and Matt Schelter (Lansing, Mich.) hope to begin this season like last. Emens returns with a new mind for the goal. Matych has grown from last season and is looking at his future through the back of the net. Schelter has begun to balance for greatness on and off the field.
The concoction is stirred after that. Sophomores Nate McCorry (Mattawan, Mich.) and Tyler Rosema (Grand Haven, Mich.) along with freshman Scott Brown (Grosse Pointe, Mich) and sophomore Andrew Iaquinta (Livonia, Mich.) could provide a shot when needed. McCorry was an ironman on the midfield and attack in his freshman debut. Rosema arrives with a drive beyond the games before him. Brown brings a smooth field sense, while Iaquinta brings a home run attitude. “The coaches are working really hard to make everyone on our team a complete player,” admits Griemsman, “there is a drive on this team to get ahead. We will not fall flat.”
Midfield
The midfield and team are again led by fifth-year senior, Doug Seites (Kent City, Mich.). His growth with the program will surely place him as a founding father of Aquinas lacrosse. Griemsman says, “Doug has been vital to our success as a program. I was so excited when Doug made the decision to come back for one more year. I love working with a leader and athlete like him and I am for sure looking forward to seeing him thrive in his last year of play.”
Matt Schousen (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Jacob Jeffers (Grandville, Mich.) and Jordan Matheny (Howell, Mich.) will provide the needed lift when the winds blow strong. Schousen enters his third year as a Saint laxer. “Matt came through the East Grand Rapids program,” says Griemsman, “he was never a star on those teams, but he has stuck with it and has gotten better each season. I have a feeling he is going to get right in the middle of things this year.” Jeffers continues exactly where he left off in 2009, an excellent face off midfielder who can play both sides of the field. Matheny brings leadership, hustle, and intensity to the field and defense.
Newcomers Brown and John Moeggenberg (Bay City, Mich.) will be backed up nicely by the fluid play of McCorry and Rosema. “I am really excited to see quality lacrosse players join our program, Moeggenberg looked awesome in the fall and preseason,” admits Griemsman, “it makes you realize that there is a sunny future for our team.” The final player to possibly contribute in the midfield line up is sophomore newcomer, and former basketball player, Terrell McCloud (Upper Darby, Penn.). McCloud comes with an unmatched athleticism, his growth this year on the lacrosse field will be key.
Defense
The Maroon and White bulwark this year may be the defensive unit. Led by sophomore, James Burkhardt (New Baltimore, Mich.) and freshmen Doug Michielsen (Zeeland, Mich.) and Connor Sutton (Commerce Twp., Mich.) the defense has improved steadily over the year and should be airtight by the season. “Burkhardt is a guy with incredible field sense, knowledge, strength and leadership. It is comforting to know that he is heading up this unit.” Griemsman said, “Michielsen has improved steadily over the winter and preseason. Sutton is a relentless defender with great skills and footwork.”
The defense will be backed up nicely by two veterans not new to the rigors of a lacrosse season. Junior Brett Barnes (Taylor, Mich.) and Senior Ben Kruid (Holland, Mich.) bring experience as both are carryovers from the Saints club program. Barnes continues to be a great support and Kruid returns this year to offer his. “I was really happy to have Kruid offer his experience, knowledge, and leadership to the team this year,” Griemsman said. “Both of these guys lead by example.”
Goalie
Senior transfer Greg Savage (Caledonia, Mich.) will undoubtedly be one of the biggest reasons the 2010 Saints can weather the season. The departure of last years All-CCLA Division 2 Goalie of the Year, Nick Avendt, left a big hole in the Saint’s net. “When we found out Greg was at school and had experience, we felt lucky,” Griemsman said, “but when we met him and saw his drive, leadership, and play we were ecstatic! It is one of those things that you feel fortunate to happen.” Newcomer Joe Cracchiolo (New Baltimore, Mich.) is filling the backup role nicely and should gain some valuable experience in his freshman year.
The Schedule
The Aquinas Lacrosse team continues its growth as a lacrosse program by heading over the mountains and into the Carolinas for its’ inaugural spring break trip. “We start with three tough out of conference games. We are heading into SELC (South East Lacrosse Conference) territory. Traveling to and playing at Appalachian State, Southern Virginia, and Coastal Carolina should be great for the early season growth of the team,” says Griemsman.
The Saints return home for six straight home games as they host Saginaw Valley on March 21, league new comer Indiana Tech on March 27, divisional rival Calvin on March 30, and powerful Grand Valley on April 1. After Easter break they also play Ferris on April 8 and Northern Michigan on April 10. The Saints then get into the heart of its’ divisional schedule going on the road to challenge Hope on April 14, returning to host Oakland on April 17 and traveling to Dearborn on April 24. |
