Club lacrosse gearing up for conference tournament
With the season in full swing, the Central Michigan’s mens club lacrosse team looks to prepare for the Mid-American Conference tournament later this month in Kalamazoo.
CMU, just one of 10 teams competing in Division 1 of the Central Collegiate Athletic Association, is recouping from a tough loss against Division II Grand Valley last Saturday, 18-14.
“I was pleased with the effort, we came out slow the first half but looked great in the second,” said team captain Brad Dickerson.
The MAC tournament takes place Oct. 16 at Western Michigan University. Coming off a great second half, CMU hopes to continue their strong play into the tournament.
Among the other MAC schools include Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Ball State and Miami.
“Western will be a tough game, but if we win that one I think we can win the whole thing,” Dickerson said.
Heading into the tournament, the team looks to veterans Jeff Wood and Justin Schaufler to help lead in the absence of a coach.
“We don’t have a coach right now, but we coach ourselves,” Wood said. “If someone comes late to practice we still let them know about it.”
CMU is eager to get into league play and expects to be successful.
Wood said the team has played against the other MAC schools before and looks forward to matching up with them again.
“We have beaten most of these teams, so as a team we know what to expect coming into the season,” he said.
CMU is loaded with young talent and looks to show it off in this tournament. Freshmen Jack Grady, the only first-year player to start for the team in years, and Evan Davis are hoping to establish their presence.
There are many young players on there roster so, for most, this will be the time to earn there playing time, Dickerson said.
“The young guys are looking great, a lot of good competition is out there,” he said.
