Mountain Hawks put finishing touches on fall season
11/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
After Lehigh qualified for its first Patriot League Tournament in school history last season, Wakely and his coaching staff were anxious to get back after it, but also want to move on following the success of 2005, focusing solely on this year’s team. “We took the necessary steps to help develop team camaraderie, blending the freshmen in with their new teammates, as well as challenging the upperclassmen to take on more of a leadership role, both on and off of the field,” explains Wakely.
He continues, “We continued to work closely with the strength and conditioning staff, trying to improve the team’s explosion, speed, quickness and overall strength. That combined with everything else we had been working on was all put to the test on October 8, when we welcomed
This was the third year that Lehigh has hosted the event, and despite being played under less than perfect weather conditions, the Mountain Hawks made the most of the opportunity. “On a day that the
Wakely continues, “No team really felt as though it executed with its best effort out there under the tough circumstances. But, we did our best; a lot of guys received playing time, a lot of guys did execute well and a lot of the freshmen were able to get their feet wet, figuratively and literally. This was the first time our new guys experienced Division-I lacrosse against someone other than ourselves, and I think they handled it well.”
Following the fall scrimmage day, Lehigh hosted its annual Alumni Weekend on October 14 and 15, which was held in conjunction with the university’s Young Alumni Day. Lehigh welcomed back 60 alums, first at a banquet on Friday evening, and then on the turf at Ulrich for the alumni game early Saturday morning.
“We are fortunate to have a powerful alumni connection here at Lehigh,” explained Wakely. “I have heard of many alumni games being canceled due to a lack of alumni participation – our alums were more concerned with playing time as their sideline was deeper than our current team.” Wakely continues, “The good news is our alums do not need to be in top physical condition to have an effective performance.”
Following the alumni game, the current Mountain Hawks got the chance to socialize with former alums. “Stories were exchanged, while current student-athletes mingled with former student-athletes and valuable networking was conducted,” Wakely said. To wrap up the event, Lehigh gave out post-game awards. The “offensive MVP” of the alumni team was Jeff Jenkins, while the “defensive MVP” award went to Rich Margolis. The inaugural “44 Club” member, Mike Rabinovitz (‘’02) received the “best conditioned” award, while Jimmy Baran (’05) and Tony Lowe (’03) took home the “furthest traveled” award, coming back to
Lehigh will continue its push towards the 2006 campaign, lifting, running and conditioning throughout the coming months. Following the winter break, the Mountain Hawks will be back outside conducting practices and gearing up for the start of the new season.
Lehigh begins its 2006 season on Saturday, February 18, when the Mountain Hawks welcome the Blue Hens of Delaware to town. That game is scheduled for a 2:00 start from the Ulrich Sports Complex.
Photos Copryright , Walt Young (2005).
