Guerrero leading Lehigh with his own style
10/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
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His teammates say he is the most laid-back personality on the team. His coaches refer to his unassuming and relaxed style. Maybe it is the California upbringing that allows Evan Guerrero, a senior on the Lehigh Men's Lacrosse team, to stay so untroubled no matter the pressures. Or perhaps he is just used to it having spent most of his childhood near the high-intensity pits at his father's Indy 500 races. Whatever the reason, don't let his calmness fool you because behind Guerrero's collected demeanor and relaxed stroll is a fierce competitor ready to do whatever it takes to lead his teammates to excellence.
And he surely leads by example. Last season Guerrero was an All-Patriot League Selection and started all 15 games as a junior and sophomore. Guerrero is just as successful off the field. He has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll twice and maintains a 3.6 GPA.
After just a few minutes spent with Guerrero it is apparent that his goals are set, and they are set high - both for himself and for his team. And in those same few minutes it is clear that there is a competitive fire driving Guerrero to set such lofty goals. Guerrero is studying biology and will be applying to medical school after graduation where he intends on staying involved in sports by becoming an orthopedic surgeon. As a Mountain Hawk lacrosse veteran, Guerrero plans on seeing his team to an NCAA tournament appearance while putting into motion a tradition of excellence for the lacrosse program. "We want to be the team looked to as doing everything right: leading on the field, in the classroom and around the community," Guerrero explains.
Guerrero's plan of action for maintaining such a tradition for the lacrosse program is by setting the example of what is expected. Head Coach Kevin Cassese says that Guerrero leads by example in all aspects of life: on the field, in the classroom and in the community. "He is emerging as a top team leader," Cassese says.
And teammates agree that the example Guerrero demonstrates is one of leadership. "Evan sets a great example because he is not one of those guys who is going to talk a lot and tell people how to do something. He is going to go out there and show his teammates how to do it," explained senior teammate Kyle Gentile. Actions speak louder than words for this defensive leader.
He may be laid back and calm in nature, however, Cassese says Guerrero has made his presence known for his entire career. It is a presence Gentile remembers seeing in Guerrero's first start of his freshman season, which in his mind set the tone of what to expect from his teammate for the next three years. "Evan was given the chance to start late in the season against Villanova. He stepped up and made several huge plays on defense late in the game. It was this string of plays that helped bring some of the momentum back to our side."
This coming season Guerrero will be looked at to lead the Mountain Hawks defense. Defensive Coach Taylor Wray has full confidence in his senior leader. "He is one of the greatest competitors on the field. He is very spirited and his passion to win is better than anyone." Wray also believes that the same qualities that make Guerrero a great teammate will one day make him a fine doctor. "When it gets tough you look for that in a doctor, a clear mind and utmost confidence," Wray said.
Confidence is key in achieving the goals that Guerrero mentioned, like beating Navy, Bucknell and Colgate for this first time in his Lehigh career, or having a Patriot League title. Those who play alongside Guerrero know that he expects only the best from himself and from his team. Sophomore Blaise Fullen notices and admires this work ethic and leadership. "Whether it is on the field, in the weight room, or in the classroom, Evan leads by example. He is a great teammate and I look forward to doing big things with him and the rest of the team in 2010," Fullen said.
Although league play doesn't begin until the spring, Guerrero says the team is working as hard as ever to prepare and train. Everything is looking good in the weight room and in conditioning, according to Guerrero, who is helping push the team to be as ready as possible for the upcoming season.
Story written by Maxie McCoy '09
