The athletic department, along with many students at William Peace University, have been waiting patiently for the new lacrosse team to start its first season.
The lacrosse team first scrimmage was held in mid-September. The team officially starts their season in January, and their first game will be Feb. 10 against Montreat College.
The Lacrosse team has been hard at work putting in hours on and off the field.
“I am very excited to enter this historic first season of Lacrosse at WPU,” said Head Coach Nate Bates. “The student athletes that we brought in are outstanding people and will represent our university well. I have already seen a glimpse into our potential and I couldn’t be more pleased in the hard work and dedication I have seen so far.”
As far as goals, Bates wants to promote a positive community impact and a good membership in the campus community of Peace.
He wants the team to understand the importance of work ethic on and off the field, and encourages players to fight to compete and win. Bates states the team overall is headed in the direction to having a great season. Bates believes in family bonding, and plans this season to be a season where the players understand that concept.
Walker Rice, a sophomore who plays midfield, hopes for success in the team’s first season.
“My all time goal is for the team to win conference,” he said.
Tanner Brown, also a junior who plays midfield, wants to set the bar for this season and also seasons to come.
“This will certainly be a season for the record books,” he said.
Austin Abourjilie, a freshman who is an attackman, said as a goal he desires for him and his teammates to grow closer as a team.