Collegiate athletics are yearlong commitments. Conditioning and weight lifting in the off-season is followed by preseason, conference play and hopefully playoffs. Soccer, football, swimming, basketball and field hockey have all had their seasons and are currently preparing for next year. However, after months of anticipation and training during the fall and winter, the men’s lacrosse team is eager to attack the spring season with a new and improved squad.

After going 3-11 with an 0-5 record in conference play in the ‘04-’05 season, the Yeomen know they are approaching ever closer to something special and hope to greatly improve this season, with all but one player returning from last season. As sophomore defender Timmons Erickson said, “Though our record was 3-11, it didn’t show our growth last year. I think the team found it a successful season.”

The team is working very hard toward their opening game at Wheeling Jesuit on Wednesday, March 8. According to first-year midfielder Jesse Kane, the team has been practicing all aspects of their game during their six sessions throughout each week. “We have done lots of six-on-six scrimmaging lately. We also have been doing a lot of agility and quickness drills and we’ve been working toward applying the fundamentals to actual game play.”

Oberlin is led by an experienced group of players. Seniors Will Jaffee, Jared Pickard, Andrew Crosby and junior Max Braun captain this talented group. Jaffee and junior Bryan Harfenist lead an experienced offensive group. Last year Jaffee came in second in the league with total points, notching 28 goals and 22 assists, while Harfenist came second in total goals with 30, averaging a little more than two a game. Pickard, the team’s starting goalie, was third last year in save percentage, grabbing 162 saves along the way.

According to Erickson, the team is heading into the season with high spirits and the belief that this team can take giant steps forward. “This year the team looks much stronger than last. We graduated one senior and have brought in five freshmen. We are hoping to get a few strong victories both outside and within the conference,” Erickson said.

Kane feels the team can win conference games with their strong defense and experienced attack. “Our defense is really good with Kojo (Erik Kojola), Max and Timmons. Also, Will and Brian help lead our attack, with Ian Dias providing strong support.” Kane also wants to improve the team’s reputation as a whole and the group’s all-around skills.

With a strong and versatile first-year class, the core of the team remaining and the desire to improve, the Oberlin men’s lacrosse team will look to pose a real threat in their six-team conference. Kane is excited as he can see things starting to come together. “We have a great group of guys. Things are really looking positive for the team chemistry and skill.”