Lehigh University Athletics
Seniors reflect on careers in advance of Saturday’s Senior Day vs. Cornell
4/13/2018 10:20:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse, Features
Senior Day Saturday Game Preview
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh men's lacrosse senior class is small in size, but large in impact. These five seniors have helped the Mountain Hawks qualify for their eighth straight Patriot League Tournament this season, earning a top-four seed for the first time since 2014. This class includes a fifth-year senior, student-athletes who have bounced back from injury, and individuals who have embraced a role on the scout team to help make their teammates better. This class embodies the importance of being a selfless teammate and thriving within your role.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day Game between No. 17/18 Lehigh and No. 9/11 Cornell (2:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network), Lehighsports.com caught up with the five seniors as they reflect on their time donning the Brown and White.
#21 Brady Thompson – Midfield – Bowie, Md. – Finance
Thompson is well-regarded by his teammates as someone who helps make everyone around him better. Thompson has been a key member of the scout team, pushing his teammates every single day at practice. Thompson owns a goal and assist in his career, scoring his first-career goal last Saturday against Loyola while tallying an assist in the 2016 season opener. In the classroom, Thompson owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0 and has garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award for a semester GPA over 3.2.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BT: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point isn't any moment in particular. My favorite memories are made day in and day out when I get to the locker room and am able to be with the guys. Being able to bond with the guys every day and putting in all the tough work and having shared adversity with 46 guys who are striving to accomplish a common mission is what I will miss the most.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BT: I would like to be remembered as blue collar guy who brings his lunch pail to work every day whatever circumstances and just gets after it. Something that I have prided myself on since I have been here is just my physical and mental toughness with whatever challenges that present themselves and being able to set an example for the guys. I hope that my voice and motivation will be remembered most. Being able to speak consistently with a purposeful, thought out message to motivate and inspire the guys to strive to be the best they can be. Lastly, I want to be remember as a great friend. I hopefully have had the opportunity to have a positive impact on each of the guys, one way or another, and let them know despite graduating, I would still drop anything I am doing to help any one of them out.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BT: My relationship with the seniors is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. We have had a lot of ups and downs, lost a few members and have made a lot of incredible memories over the past four years, but through it all, we have stayed a close-knit group. They helped me keep my priorities in order all the while pushing me to become the best version of myself on a daily basis. After the season and graduation, it will be weird not seeing the boys every day, but I intend on keeping a close relationship with this group.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BT: It has been a wild ride for sure. Starting to play this game in the third grade and now after 13 years of playing, seeing my career come to an end makes me wonder where all that time went. I will be forever grateful where this sport has taken me, the lessons I have learned and the great people I have met, who helped me along the way to achieve a dream I have had at a very young age. While my career hasn't panned out how I expected, I am beyond grateful that I have been able to live out my dream that came to fruition through all the hard work and dedication I put into this sport over the years.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BT: This ties into my favorite memories, but just being around the boys. Having been able to build a unique relationship with so many guys throughout my four years here is something that is truly special. Each player, past and present, has had a unique impact on my life, which is something I will cherish the rest of my life. Being part of the Lehigh Lacrosse family is second to none and I will miss not being surrounded by the greatest group of guys that have helped me better shape who I am as a person. It's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BT: I have accepted a job in Philadelphia as a financial advisor with McAdam Financial.
#22 Ian Strain – Midfield – Springfield, Pa. – Finance and Marketing
A fifth-year senior, Strain has continued to make his mark on the Mountain Hawks' program. Also a second-year captain, the Springfield, Pa. native owns a goal, seven assists and 11 groundballs on the season. Strain entered the season with 39 career points behind 25 goals and 14 assists, posting 22 points as a junior and 14 as a sophomore. He currently owns 86 career groundballs and 16 caused turnovers as a two-way midfielder who has made his mark at both ends of the field over his career. Currently pursuing a double major in finance and marketing, Strain owns a GPA over 3.0 and has earned a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
IS: My favorite memory was beating Army in their home stadium this season. We hadn't won there in a long time and was great to get that win.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
IS: I would like to be remembered as somebody who gave everything they had to his teammates and the program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
IS: They are a great group of guys, on and off the field. There are not many of us, but it is an extremely close-knit group who cares deeply about the team.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
IS: It is sad to know that my career is almost over, but I know that our team's biggest moments are yet to come. So I am looking forward to our chance to leave a legacy.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
IS: I am going to miss the boys. There is no group of people like us and I have relished every minute I have gotten to spend with them.
What are your postgraduate plans?
IS: I will be going into a financial sales position at SEI in Oaks, Pennsylvania starting in June.
#25 John Mehok – Attack/Midfield – West Chester, Pa. – Marketing
An assistant captain, Mehok has emerged as an offensive threat for the Mountain Hawks, standing fifth on the team with 14 points in 2018 (11 goals, three assists). His highlight came against Colgate when he posted career highs in goals (4) and points (5) to help the Mountain Hawks to an important and hard-fought 10-7 victory. With Lehigh trailing 7-6 late in the third quarter, Mehok scored the game-tying goal and then capped off a 4-0 Mountain Hawks' run to end the game with his fourth goal and fifth point of the afternoon. Mehok began the season with three points in consecutive games, returning from back-to-back season-ending injuries in impressive fashion. In the classroom, Mehok has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JM: My favorite lacrosse memory is beating Army this year and celebrating with Coach Cassese and the boys in the locker room afterwards. It was awesome to see everyone's hard work throughout the week pay off in the upset win.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JM: I want to be remembered as a great teammate and leader. I hope my teammates continue some of the traditions I started like "Firefly Friday" and "Super-Funny-Friday" (Looking at you Mickey, Ike, & Klose). But most importantly, I want to be remembered as a good friend, who put his teammates before himself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JM: We've been through a lot as a class, but my relationship with my fellow classmates is nothing short of a brotherhood. I know these guys would be my brothers for life and I look forward to making more memories down the road. But I must say, since our senior class is so small, I look at the junior class as a part of our senior class too and I would like to give the RatPack a shout out as well because I'll miss those guys just as much.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JM: Crazy, I can't believe my career is almost over. I remember being a freshman like it was yesterday and I can't believe Senior Day is already here. I definitely want to thank my brothers and sister for their unconditional support throughout the years and my parents for being the best possible role models I could ask for.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JM: Without a doubt I'll miss each and every one of my teammates the most. In general, I'll miss the daily grind (besides conditioning) and the locker room camaraderie with all the guys. Also, shout out to my stretching line. I'll miss stretching with you guys like six times a day!
What are your postgraduate plans?
JM: I plan on working in the medical device industry as a sales representative.
#36 J.J. Foley – Defense – Kings Park, N.Y. – Finance
Foley has contributed from day one as a Mountain Hawk, fighting back from injury to make a significant impact over the last two seasons. As a freshman, Foley started all 16 games with five starts, posting seven groundballs and four caused turnovers. After getting into just one game as a sophomore due to injury, Foley came back to record four groundballs and two caused turnovers in all 14 games last season, primarily at man-down defense. This year, Foley has continued to play on man-down while seeing increased time at long-stick midfield as well. He owns seven groundballs and two caused turnovers this year, highlighted by two groundballs and a caused turnover against both Holy Cross and Loyola. In the classroom, Foley owns a strong 3.27 GPA in finance. On multiple occasions, he's been named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for semester GPAs over 3.6 and 3.2, respectively.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JF: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point was probably the opening game of junior year against NJIT. Before this game, I missed the previous 18 months of lacrosse because of a spine injury. So, just being able to step on the field again for game day after being sidelined for that amount of time was a great feeling that I never thought I would have again. It felt great having people come up to me after the game and tell me it's great to see me back out there.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JF: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working player, who also had fun while doing it. I would like my teammates to remember me as always having a smile on my face. I would like our senior class to be remembered as a small group, but a group who has left a big mark on this program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JF: As a senior class that finished with four people and one fifth-year, we were a very tight-knit group. Over the past four years, we have been through a lot of ups and downs together. These guys became my best friends and brothers, who I have made lifelong bonds with.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JF: Going into Senior Day, I definitely have a lot of emotions going through my mind. It definitely is a sad feeling knowing that after this season, my athletic career will be over and I have to leave a program that has been my family for the past four years. However, I am proud about all the work I have put in over the past 17 years to get me to this point and knowing that I have given it my all. I am happy with the group of guys that I have met over the last couple of years and especially the group I get to spend my last season with. I couldn't have asked for better teammates to have around me for my Senior Day.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JF: What I think I'm going to miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse is just being with the team. Every day, no matter what the situation is, you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face at one point or another. Whether it be people making jokes in the stretching line, chirping other teammates during drills or stories told on long bus trips, we always found a way to make a good time out of any situation.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JF: As of now, I am not sure what my postgraduate plans entail. I am in the middle of choosing between different career paths and depending on my choice, I could move to anywhere in the country. As for this summer, I plan on traveling and backpacking in Europe for a couple weeks, then coming home and enjoying the summer.
#45 Nolan Apers – Midfield/Attack – Oakville, Ontario – Finance
Apers has left his best for last, currently owning career highs in goals (4) and points (6) as a mainstay in Lehigh's midfield. One of his several highlights came at No. 18/19 Hofstra when he scored consecutive goals in the fourth quarter as part of Lehigh's 5-0 run to end the game, helping the Mountain Hawks to their second road victory over a nationally-ranked opponent this season. Apers also scored in the other ranked win, at Army, while netting a goal in the season opener vs. NJIT as well. An assistant captain, Apers posted eight points over his first three seasons, but has impact has gone far beyond any statistics. In the classroom, Apers owns a GPA over 3.0 in finance and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for a semester GPA over 3.2.
What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NA: My favorite moment in my career up to this point was our win against Hofstra this year. It is my favorite memory because it was a wet, Tuesday night and required the team to produce a tough win. Our offense had a buzz around us and playing that game felt extremely special and fun. We took it to what was supposed to be one of the best defenses and the best goalie in the nation (scoring 13 goals as a team).
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NA: I would like to be remembered as a teammate that was reliable, accountable and someone who others could lean on for advice or a good friendship. Along with my fellow seniors, I would like to leave a legacy of helping Lehigh Lacrosse get to the next level and provide the platform for the team to continue turning the page to new program heights in the coming years.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NA: Our class is different than most other classes that come through a typical college lacrosse program. Our class began with 12 people and by senior year, we were down to four of the originals and one fifth-year senior. The relationship is like having brothers, as cliché as that sounds, but it is true. We spend almost every meal together, hang out every night together and have built bonds that will last forever. Being such a small group allows us, as a class, to be as tight as possible, and we rely on each other every day.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NA: The feeling is bittersweet. The bitter comes from the end of my career and the want to just keep playing this sport with this group of people, and the sweet comes from the start of a new chapter in my life. The only thoughts that have been going through my mind was questioning what I and we must do to keep this special group together and play into May. I am not looking too far into the future and am trying to focus on the game as just another game.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
NA: The part I will miss most is the team atmosphere and seeing the guys every day. I have made many friendships and bonds through the hard work and the fun had with this program. Moving home to Ontario, and being far away from these people, will be what I miss the most.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NA: Currently, I am planning on moving home to Ontario. I have not found a job yet, but am still looking for career opportunities in Toronto in the finance and real estate industries.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh men's lacrosse senior class is small in size, but large in impact. These five seniors have helped the Mountain Hawks qualify for their eighth straight Patriot League Tournament this season, earning a top-four seed for the first time since 2014. This class includes a fifth-year senior, student-athletes who have bounced back from injury, and individuals who have embraced a role on the scout team to help make their teammates better. This class embodies the importance of being a selfless teammate and thriving within your role.
In advance of Saturday's Senior Day Game between No. 17/18 Lehigh and No. 9/11 Cornell (2:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network), Lehighsports.com caught up with the five seniors as they reflect on their time donning the Brown and White.
#21 Brady Thompson – Midfield – Bowie, Md. – Finance
Thompson is well-regarded by his teammates as someone who helps make everyone around him better. Thompson has been a key member of the scout team, pushing his teammates every single day at practice. Thompson owns a goal and assist in his career, scoring his first-career goal last Saturday against Loyola while tallying an assist in the 2016 season opener. In the classroom, Thompson owns a cumulative GPA over 3.0 and has garnered the Faculty Athletics Council Award for a semester GPA over 3.2.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
BT: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point isn't any moment in particular. My favorite memories are made day in and day out when I get to the locker room and am able to be with the guys. Being able to bond with the guys every day and putting in all the tough work and having shared adversity with 46 guys who are striving to accomplish a common mission is what I will miss the most.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
BT: I would like to be remembered as blue collar guy who brings his lunch pail to work every day whatever circumstances and just gets after it. Something that I have prided myself on since I have been here is just my physical and mental toughness with whatever challenges that present themselves and being able to set an example for the guys. I hope that my voice and motivation will be remembered most. Being able to speak consistently with a purposeful, thought out message to motivate and inspire the guys to strive to be the best they can be. Lastly, I want to be remember as a great friend. I hopefully have had the opportunity to have a positive impact on each of the guys, one way or another, and let them know despite graduating, I would still drop anything I am doing to help any one of them out.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
BT: My relationship with the seniors is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life. We have had a lot of ups and downs, lost a few members and have made a lot of incredible memories over the past four years, but through it all, we have stayed a close-knit group. They helped me keep my priorities in order all the while pushing me to become the best version of myself on a daily basis. After the season and graduation, it will be weird not seeing the boys every day, but I intend on keeping a close relationship with this group.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
BT: It has been a wild ride for sure. Starting to play this game in the third grade and now after 13 years of playing, seeing my career come to an end makes me wonder where all that time went. I will be forever grateful where this sport has taken me, the lessons I have learned and the great people I have met, who helped me along the way to achieve a dream I have had at a very young age. While my career hasn't panned out how I expected, I am beyond grateful that I have been able to live out my dream that came to fruition through all the hard work and dedication I put into this sport over the years.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
BT: This ties into my favorite memories, but just being around the boys. Having been able to build a unique relationship with so many guys throughout my four years here is something that is truly special. Each player, past and present, has had a unique impact on my life, which is something I will cherish the rest of my life. Being part of the Lehigh Lacrosse family is second to none and I will miss not being surrounded by the greatest group of guys that have helped me better shape who I am as a person. It's something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What are your postgraduate plans?
BT: I have accepted a job in Philadelphia as a financial advisor with McAdam Financial.
#22 Ian Strain – Midfield – Springfield, Pa. – Finance and Marketing
A fifth-year senior, Strain has continued to make his mark on the Mountain Hawks' program. Also a second-year captain, the Springfield, Pa. native owns a goal, seven assists and 11 groundballs on the season. Strain entered the season with 39 career points behind 25 goals and 14 assists, posting 22 points as a junior and 14 as a sophomore. He currently owns 86 career groundballs and 16 caused turnovers as a two-way midfielder who has made his mark at both ends of the field over his career. Currently pursuing a double major in finance and marketing, Strain owns a GPA over 3.0 and has earned a spot on the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
IS: My favorite memory was beating Army in their home stadium this season. We hadn't won there in a long time and was great to get that win.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
IS: I would like to be remembered as somebody who gave everything they had to his teammates and the program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
IS: They are a great group of guys, on and off the field. There are not many of us, but it is an extremely close-knit group who cares deeply about the team.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
IS: It is sad to know that my career is almost over, but I know that our team's biggest moments are yet to come. So I am looking forward to our chance to leave a legacy.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
IS: I am going to miss the boys. There is no group of people like us and I have relished every minute I have gotten to spend with them.
What are your postgraduate plans?
IS: I will be going into a financial sales position at SEI in Oaks, Pennsylvania starting in June.
#25 John Mehok – Attack/Midfield – West Chester, Pa. – Marketing
An assistant captain, Mehok has emerged as an offensive threat for the Mountain Hawks, standing fifth on the team with 14 points in 2018 (11 goals, three assists). His highlight came against Colgate when he posted career highs in goals (4) and points (5) to help the Mountain Hawks to an important and hard-fought 10-7 victory. With Lehigh trailing 7-6 late in the third quarter, Mehok scored the game-tying goal and then capped off a 4-0 Mountain Hawks' run to end the game with his fourth goal and fifth point of the afternoon. Mehok began the season with three points in consecutive games, returning from back-to-back season-ending injuries in impressive fashion. In the classroom, Mehok has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in his career.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JM: My favorite lacrosse memory is beating Army this year and celebrating with Coach Cassese and the boys in the locker room afterwards. It was awesome to see everyone's hard work throughout the week pay off in the upset win.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JM: I want to be remembered as a great teammate and leader. I hope my teammates continue some of the traditions I started like "Firefly Friday" and "Super-Funny-Friday" (Looking at you Mickey, Ike, & Klose). But most importantly, I want to be remembered as a good friend, who put his teammates before himself.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JM: We've been through a lot as a class, but my relationship with my fellow classmates is nothing short of a brotherhood. I know these guys would be my brothers for life and I look forward to making more memories down the road. But I must say, since our senior class is so small, I look at the junior class as a part of our senior class too and I would like to give the RatPack a shout out as well because I'll miss those guys just as much.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JM: Crazy, I can't believe my career is almost over. I remember being a freshman like it was yesterday and I can't believe Senior Day is already here. I definitely want to thank my brothers and sister for their unconditional support throughout the years and my parents for being the best possible role models I could ask for.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JM: Without a doubt I'll miss each and every one of my teammates the most. In general, I'll miss the daily grind (besides conditioning) and the locker room camaraderie with all the guys. Also, shout out to my stretching line. I'll miss stretching with you guys like six times a day!
What are your postgraduate plans?
JM: I plan on working in the medical device industry as a sales representative.
#36 J.J. Foley – Defense – Kings Park, N.Y. – Finance
Foley has contributed from day one as a Mountain Hawk, fighting back from injury to make a significant impact over the last two seasons. As a freshman, Foley started all 16 games with five starts, posting seven groundballs and four caused turnovers. After getting into just one game as a sophomore due to injury, Foley came back to record four groundballs and two caused turnovers in all 14 games last season, primarily at man-down defense. This year, Foley has continued to play on man-down while seeing increased time at long-stick midfield as well. He owns seven groundballs and two caused turnovers this year, highlighted by two groundballs and a caused turnover against both Holy Cross and Loyola. In the classroom, Foley owns a strong 3.27 GPA in finance. On multiple occasions, he's been named to the Dean's List and Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for semester GPAs over 3.6 and 3.2, respectively.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
JF: My favorite Lehigh Lacrosse memory up until this point was probably the opening game of junior year against NJIT. Before this game, I missed the previous 18 months of lacrosse because of a spine injury. So, just being able to step on the field again for game day after being sidelined for that amount of time was a great feeling that I never thought I would have again. It felt great having people come up to me after the game and tell me it's great to see me back out there.
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
JF: I would like to be remembered as a hard-working player, who also had fun while doing it. I would like my teammates to remember me as always having a smile on my face. I would like our senior class to be remembered as a small group, but a group who has left a big mark on this program.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
JF: As a senior class that finished with four people and one fifth-year, we were a very tight-knit group. Over the past four years, we have been through a lot of ups and downs together. These guys became my best friends and brothers, who I have made lifelong bonds with.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
JF: Going into Senior Day, I definitely have a lot of emotions going through my mind. It definitely is a sad feeling knowing that after this season, my athletic career will be over and I have to leave a program that has been my family for the past four years. However, I am proud about all the work I have put in over the past 17 years to get me to this point and knowing that I have given it my all. I am happy with the group of guys that I have met over the last couple of years and especially the group I get to spend my last season with. I couldn't have asked for better teammates to have around me for my Senior Day.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
JF: What I think I'm going to miss most about Lehigh Lacrosse is just being with the team. Every day, no matter what the situation is, you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face at one point or another. Whether it be people making jokes in the stretching line, chirping other teammates during drills or stories told on long bus trips, we always found a way to make a good time out of any situation.
What are your postgraduate plans?
JF: As of now, I am not sure what my postgraduate plans entail. I am in the middle of choosing between different career paths and depending on my choice, I could move to anywhere in the country. As for this summer, I plan on traveling and backpacking in Europe for a couple weeks, then coming home and enjoying the summer.
#45 Nolan Apers – Midfield/Attack – Oakville, Ontario – Finance
Apers has left his best for last, currently owning career highs in goals (4) and points (6) as a mainstay in Lehigh's midfield. One of his several highlights came at No. 18/19 Hofstra when he scored consecutive goals in the fourth quarter as part of Lehigh's 5-0 run to end the game, helping the Mountain Hawks to their second road victory over a nationally-ranked opponent this season. Apers also scored in the other ranked win, at Army, while netting a goal in the season opener vs. NJIT as well. An assistant captain, Apers posted eight points over his first three seasons, but has impact has gone far beyond any statistics. In the classroom, Apers owns a GPA over 3.0 in finance and has been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll for a semester GPA over 3.2.What's your favorite Lehigh Men's Lacrosse memory up until this point?
NA: My favorite moment in my career up to this point was our win against Hofstra this year. It is my favorite memory because it was a wet, Tuesday night and required the team to produce a tough win. Our offense had a buzz around us and playing that game felt extremely special and fun. We took it to what was supposed to be one of the best defenses and the best goalie in the nation (scoring 13 goals as a team).
How would you like to be remembered? What legacy would you like to leave at Lehigh?
NA: I would like to be remembered as a teammate that was reliable, accountable and someone who others could lean on for advice or a good friendship. Along with my fellow seniors, I would like to leave a legacy of helping Lehigh Lacrosse get to the next level and provide the platform for the team to continue turning the page to new program heights in the coming years.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NA: Our class is different than most other classes that come through a typical college lacrosse program. Our class began with 12 people and by senior year, we were down to four of the originals and one fifth-year senior. The relationship is like having brothers, as cliché as that sounds, but it is true. We spend almost every meal together, hang out every night together and have built bonds that will last forever. Being such a small group allows us, as a class, to be as tight as possible, and we rely on each other every day.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
NA: The feeling is bittersweet. The bitter comes from the end of my career and the want to just keep playing this sport with this group of people, and the sweet comes from the start of a new chapter in my life. The only thoughts that have been going through my mind was questioning what I and we must do to keep this special group together and play into May. I am not looking too far into the future and am trying to focus on the game as just another game.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Men's Lacrosse?
NA: The part I will miss most is the team atmosphere and seeing the guys every day. I have made many friendships and bonds through the hard work and the fun had with this program. Moving home to Ontario, and being far away from these people, will be what I miss the most.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NA: Currently, I am planning on moving home to Ontario. I have not found a job yet, but am still looking for career opportunities in Toronto in the finance and real estate industries.
Players Mentioned
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