Wakely announces captains for 2005 season
12/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Wakely continues, “I am happy with the three returning captains we have (Andrew Lucas, Jeff King and Mike Norelli), and now to add Greg and Jim to that group, we have a great set of captains leading us this season.”
Wakely discusses the emergence of the two newest captains: “It really became obvious over the course of our fall season that these two guys were emerging leaders, be that on the field, in the weight room and in our conditioning drills, and that held true during the open forum as they were elected.”
Wakely says that the captains are chosen based on several very important criteria. “We (coaches and players) look for the characteristics of an effective captain when selecting players to step into that role and then try and find the young men that fit those characteristics. We want young men that demonstrate academic excellence and can then make a positive impact in games; as well as serving as mentors to our freshmen and also those who go out into the community and make a difference with their services.”
Lucas is a four-year starter for the Mountain Hawks and one of two returning All-Patriot League selections from a year ago. He is the leader of the team on the offensive end of the field following a junior season in which he was tied for second on the team with 13 goals and led the Mountain Hawks with 69 shots. The
“Andrew has been our leader since his freshman year,” explains Wakely. “Our team has always responded well to him. He has been more effective this year as he is starting to enjoy the responsibility of leadership much more.”
King, who joined Lucas on the 2004 All-Patriot League Team, is a tremendous athlete who led the team with 72 groundballs a season ago in his first at the defenseman position. The 6-3 architecture major also finished fifth in all of the Patriot League with an average of 4.50 groundballs per contest. King is the Mountain Hawks leader on the defensive end of the field, and is the team’s “field general” as Wakely likes to call him. “The team reacts to Jeff’s intensity as much as any team that I have ever coached. Jeff is among the best leaders by example that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching.”
Norelli has been hampered by injury over the past few seasons, but was still honored as the team’s Coaches Award winner last year. Wakely describes the mechanical engineering major as “the heart and soul of this team.” Norelli looks to return to the field in this his senior season and add to his career totals of 24 games played and 50 groundballs.
Gabal, yet another senior, has seen time in 27 games over his first three seasons, including seven last year, while scooping up 47 groundballs during his career. “Jim possesses an exuberant personality that connects well with everyone on the team,” explains Wakely. “He missed half of last year with an ankle injury, but when healthy, he’ll be expected to deliver big performances in big games.”
Morin, a finance major, saw time in 13 games last year, starting eight of those games, and accumulated six goals, 11 assists, 17 points and 17 groundballs. The
These five young men will look to carry on the tradition that comes with being named a Lehigh lacrosse captain. Coach Wakely, his staff and the entire team have put much thought and consideration into the selection of these captains and will expect great things from them all season long.
