Well into its off-season training the Pepperdine men’s club lacrosse team is preparing for its 26th season. Players have been meeting for two hours every Wednesday and Thursday to retain fundamental skills and scrimmage in preparation for their 16-week spring season of 10 games that include possible playoffs and nationals.
The men’s lacrosse team is a student-run organization that takes part in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL). The Waves compete in the Southern Lacrosse Conference (SLC) with Division II club teams Biola University Cal State Fullerton California Lutheran University California State University-Long Beach Concordia University Irvine Occidental College and University of California-Irvine.
In this division all teams are eligible for an automatic qualifier to the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) championships.
The Waves held Cal State-Fullerton under three goals in last year’s 2009 MCLA Division II National Championship Tournament ending the season with a record of 4-5 with a 4-2 division record.
Men’s club lacrosse remains largely self-sufficient in the promotion of its program as it struggles with a limit on resources lack of commitment and absence of management. The squad recruits participants from various levels of experience. Club lacrosse works to ensure that all are welcome to join regardless of athletic ability.
Players assist in advertising the sport to students around campus through Facebook links or word of mouth.
Senior captain Pierce Brown says once a player first experiences the game they “usually don’t quit.”
The collaborative effort of senior captains Brown Caleb Sommers Zach Bloom and Carter Sapp contribute toward most team matters of organization while initiating a sense of camaraderie between the players. Under their leadership the team captains promote a learning atmosphere bringing the team closer together through teamwork.
“The team changes so often and the amount of dedication is always shifting said Brown. The tone of practice changes a lot because we have several guys that weren’t here last year that are here now.”
Every year the team faces a significant loss in the number of sophomore players who participate in Pepperdine’s study abroad program while at the same time welcomes many new freshman players who make up a majority of the team. The level of uncertainly presents a significant challenge.
Brown who won honorable mention on the Division II 2009 All America Team starts his second year on the team. Beginning lacrosse in the 8th grade Brown competed on a national competitive team in high school as well as playing football and soccer.
“Lacrosse is a mix of specialty skills of golf and the athletic team work of soccer Brown said.
Brown, a defenseman, found comfort in Pepperdine’s club lacrosse to work as a diversion from school and social networking after finding out about the team from a friend.
Former Syracuse goalie Jay Pfiefer joins program this year as head coach. Winner of two NCAA championships, Pfiefer’s knowledge over lacrosse and commitment to the game provide the Waves with an incredible advantage in team strategizing and level of play.
Many players participate in other activities outside of lacrosse, creating an atmosphere that contains a melting pot of personalities said Brown. It is interesting to see the personality that comes out once a player has a stick in their hands.”
Club participants vary in levels of experience and skill but many are beginners. The team’s improvement is based off an individual’s commitment to the team and dedication toward gaining knowledge to learn about the sport.
The loss of the starting midfield line this year means some extra hard work and determination will be needed as the team begins its season spring semester.
