Author: Laurel Wroblicky

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SGA President: Katharine Lebrecque

With the new changes brought to SGA this fall, positions entail different responsibilities. Senior, Katharine Labrecque, serves as this year’s president, heading up the newly organized student government.

Labrecque has been involved in student government since her freshman year in high school. She served as secretary for four years and continued that role her first and sophomore year at Houghton for the class of 2015. Last year, she served as a senator for the political science department. This year she begins a different role, as president.

“There are a lot more responsibilities. It’s hard because I am overseeing the different officers, making sure they are carrying out their roles while also being supportive,” said Labrecque regarding the transition, “I like having a clear goal in mind and to write notes. But I do carry that into this role, I still take notes. And just being organized… that has been a strength.”

Her role is to oversee all of the executive council and to represent the student body: their needs and their voice. One of her biggest objectives is to make herself available to receive feedback from students.

“Whether that is from personal interaction with students in my classes or on the soccer team, a suggestion box, or just having people come in the office,” said Labrecque, “I think [my role is] just about the students and I don’t think that I am any more important than they are, but I am a way that they can get their voice heard to faculty, staff and to people who are in charge of the college.”

Through the reorganization of the cabinets, there are less members total. Without senators, the power of SGA is much more concentrated. Due to having a fewer amount of representatives, Labrecque has encouraged members to seek student input.

“It’s a whole new system set up and we are working on our constitution and bylaws and making sure that they align with the college policies,” said Labrecque, “A huge focus now is on the non-traditional students, in Buffalo, and what role we can have there.”

As a dual Political Science and International Development major, Labrecque’s interests of studies converge in her role. Although not knowing where she will end up, she knows how she has been called to act. Her involvement with SGA at Houghton is in line with her goals to prepare for the future.

“I definitely feel like God has put on my heart that I need to be a voice for people who are not heard,” said Labrecque, “And I feel that whatever it is, whether it is politics, which I am interested in, or for government agencies, specifically in development or public policy, that I can really advocate the people and make it about the people.”

Currently, Labrecque is lending her voice to Houghton students. Yet, beyond the population of Houghton, Labrecque is concerned with justice and advocacy on a broader scale.

“I feel like our politics, in the US, are very much separate, there is a lack of unity,” said Labrecque, “It has been frustrating to see that people are suffering because we can’t get along and we can’t make trade-offs.”

Labrecque’s passion to serve has allowed her to take on many roles. As president, Labrecque launches SGA into a new year structured by new organization. Perhaps students will respond to her vision of a refurbished SGA, sharing her passion for the voice of the individual, and creating the necessary dialog between the two.

“This is new for me. I want to make SGA something that is not a governing body, but a resource. It can be a way that we can communicate with students and let them know about the things that are going on in the world and on campus, just make it transparent.” said Labrecque, “I think there have been a lot of negative connotations attached to SGA and I want to rid that. I want to make it a place that people associate with this comfortable body of student leaders who are desired and work for the rest of the campus.”

Different ways to connect with Labrecque and other member of SGA include: looking for SGA members around campus, emailing SGA at sga@houghton.edu, sending a comment or sharing feedback through intra-campus mail marked SGA, scheduling a coffee date with the president, or visiting the office in the basement of the Campus Center and leaving a prayer request.

 

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Women’s and Men’s Soccer Teams Compete at Nationals Tournament

As both the men’s and women’s soccer teams have finished their season play, they are headed to Kissimmee, Florida to play in the NCCAA regionals. Still in a transitional year to NCAA division III, neither team is allowed to compete in Empire 8 championship games.

Courtesy of houghton.edu
Courtesy of houghton.edu

The tournament is run like the World Cup in that there are three pools of three teams each. Seven are their respective region’s champions and two are at large bids. The top team that earns the most points from each pool will advance to the final four along with one wild card team. Three points are earned for winning, one point for tying, and no points for losing.

The women finished strong with a record of 13-3-1. They hosted Regionals against Mount Vernon Nazarene University, defeating them 2-0, to go on to Nationals. This is the eleventh consecutive year that the women’s team has headed to Florida for Nationals.

Houghton’s pool includes: Trinity Christian College and Azusa Pacific University. The other teams competing are Palm Beach Atlantic University, Lee University, Grace College, Judson University, Point Loma University and Dallas Baptist University. Houghton is the eighth seed.

“Since we have made it to the final site for Nationals in the past, we are really seeking to get past that first game in the tournament with a win,” said senior captain Amanda Zacchigna, “I’d love to see our team make it to the final four playing in our style that we have been working on mastering all season.”

Unfortunately, the women lost both pool play games.  The score of the first game against the second seed, Trinity Christian College was 3-1 and 2-1 against Azusa Pacific University. They finished well with a record of 13-5-1.

“We would like to play good, quality soccer and advance to the Final Four,” said Coach David Lewis.

“The players have been working exceptionally hard since the close of the regular season. Despite very cold conditions and occasional snow they have put in some strong training sessions. The level of improvement since the onset of the season is quite evident.”

The men concluded their season against Roberts Wesleyan with a score of 2-0. Their final record was 15-2-1. They are headed to Florida to compete for the NCCAA Division I national championship.

As the fourth seed, their competition for pool play consisted of Southern Wesleyan University, to which Houghton lost 2-1, and Campbellsville University, which won with a score of 4-1, knocking Houghton out of the tournament. The other teams competing were Fresno Pacific University, Lee University, Mid-America Christian University, Judson University, Spring Arbor University, and Mississippi College.

“Goals are to play as many games as possible…and make it to the final,” said senior captain Paul Seddon, “But really to play to our full potential.”

Seddon was honored at the opening banquet with the Kyle Rote Jr. Award. He was honored for his leadership skills, academic performance, and contribution to the men’s soccer team throughout his years attending Houghton.

“I can see why old people move to Florida for retirement.  It is so mild and comfortable this time of year,” said Seddon, “I couldn’t think of a better way to end my college career.”

“I am thrilled to have our season end in Florida. We did what we needed to do throughout the season to make it to this point and we’re exactly where we should be,” said Zacchigna, “We’re good enough to compete with the teams at this tournament, so anything less than making it to the final site would have been a disappointment.”

 

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Winter Sports Begin Training for 2013 Season

As fall sports conference play comes to a close, winter sports begin their training. The men’s and women’s basketball rosters have been finalized and preseason practices have begun for the 2013 season.

Winter_SportThe men’s team has many new players on the team this year due to the loss of four starters. As of now, no captains have been named and may not be for the remainder of the season.

“We actually have guys in every class who have stepped into leadership roles, which has been fun to see,” said Coach Hannan, “Even if a freshman steps up and tries to help a senior, it has been a good dynamic.”

“I think [the start of the season] is good. We have a lot of young guys who are doing well and adjusting well,” said sophomore Brandon Camacho, “We have a lot of guys who have come back and are ready to step up and play better. It looks pretty good this year, so we will see.”

The men recently had a scrimmage against Wells College. Coach Hannan was excited for the team to play against a team that plays in a very different style.

“Ultimately, it boils down to making sure that we are better than last year, not that there was anything bad about last year, but we want to keep improving both on and off the court,” said Hannan, “Spiritually, academically, athletically we want to continue to improve each year.”

The women’s team has only six returners. There are ten new players including seven freshmen and three juniors. Senior Kristen Moose and sophomore Esther Webb have been named captains.

“We are starting off really strong. We had a really good scrimmage on Saturday and we are working well as a team,” said sophomore Maisie Pipher. “We want to be strong in the new league and beat Roberts Wesleyan.”

“It is a great group of girls this year, we got along really well together on and off the court,” said junior Hannah Fink. “I think we are all pretty focused and hard-working so it’s a good group to be a part of. Coach has been running a really good program.”

The team recently had their first scrimmage against Keuka, a strong team which was 24-4 last season with returning starters. Houghton was short a couple key players due to their involvement in other sports; yet, Mucher was pleased with their first performance.

“We have some strengths: we run the floor really well, work well together as a team, better than we did last year right from the start at this point,” said Mucher. “I think it’s because our team chemistry off the court is so strong…. The girls really enjoy each other and that really affects the team.”

Mucher noted the play of sophomore Maisie Pipher as a center and excitement for Marie to play after tearing both ACLs. Juniors Hannah Fink and Stephany Ellison and freshmen Alicia Needham, Grace Bealor, and Hannah Manwaring were noted as new players having an immediate impact.

“I think it is going to take a semester to get into things and get used to the system and the expectations,” said Mucher. “By second semester, when all we have is conference games, I think we will be ready when it comes.”

 

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Update on Athletic Complex Construction

Due to the Kerr-Pegula donation and transition to NCAA division III, Houghton has seen Burke Field completed, the baseball and softball fields nearly done, and the ground-breaking of the field house thus far.

Courtesy of flickr.com
Courtesy of flickr.com

The baseball and softball fields have already been put to use as various teams have begun holding practice on the turf. Additionally, local baseball leagues have already played on the baseball field. While certain finishing touches still have to be made, such as the tower that will overlook the softball pitch and connect to the field house, the fields are now available for use.

Last year, the baseball and softball teams traveled everyday in order to practice on fields in  Angelica and Cuba-Rushford, so the completion of the fields at Houghton is eagerly anticipated amongst the players. “We are excited to play on our new beautiful field that is in our own backyard,” said junior softball player Sarah Beirne.

Skip Lord, Executive Director of Athletics, on the subject of the new tower and connected field house, said that “When [the workers] have the main work done on the tower, probably by the middle of October, they will pour the foundations for the [field house] and the concrete slab…for support.”

Jason Mucher, Director of Compliance and Communications, added to this and said that “This building is already pre-[fabricated], all the pieces and components of it are being put together now and designed in the factory. [The construction workers] will bring it here on trucks and connect it sort of like tinker toys.” Speaking to the construction process itself, Lord said that “they are going to put it together in sections, so it will unfold kind of like an accordion.”

Sections of the outdoor structure of the field house should be completed by the time cold weather comes, so that the construction workers can shift their focus to the inside of the field house throughout the winter and spring. Communication between on-site workers and the contractor is frequent and clear, allowing construction plans are adapted as needed to fit the layout of the worksite. Once a solid foundation has been finished, the workers will be able to move out of the ground, and the remainder of the work needed should be more predictable.

In addition to a 200 meter, 8 lane track, jumping pits, tennis courts, and bleachers seating 800-1000 people, the complex will have offices, locker rooms, VIP conference room, fitness center, weight room, training room, kitchen, and concessions stand. While fitting all of these components into one complex does pose challenges, the plans have been drawn up so that all the components fit together accordingly.

The new complex will be multi-functional and while it will directly cater to the athletic teams, students may make use of the fitness center, weight room, courts, etc. The field house itself will be accessible to the entire student body, allowing the intramural program to expand as well as creating more classrooms for the recreation and physical education departments. Lord and Mucher have both explored possible functions and events for the field house once it is completed.

“It is a big community convention center where you can have concerts, speakers, commencement, flea markets. Or those types of thing that require a lot of open space. It has accessibility and food preparation capability,” said Mucher, “So we can hold anything that requires a large area within this region that does not necessarily have anything to do with athletics. It is a service to the region.”

Following the completion of the field house, there are plans to do more renovations to the Nielsen Center. The movement of a number of offices to the new complex will give Nielsen significantly more space. The volleyball team and both basketball teams would have the opportunity to have their own respective team locker rooms. However, this is more of a long-term goal, and would not be put into action until the college has the appropriate funds.

Regarding the completion date of the field house, Lord said, “These things always get pushed around a little bit, but right now it is supposed to be done May 23rd.”

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Sports

Women’s Soccer Team Gears Up for Fall Season

The women’s soccer team has begun their second transitional year into NCAA Empire 8. This marks Coach David Lewis’s 22nd year coaching the lady Highlanders. Houghton alum, Katie Philips has returned as the team’s assistant coach along with Kevin Austin training the keepers.

Last year, the team was composed of 36 players. This high number was due in part to the termination of the JV soccer program. This year, the roster number remains high, but has dropped to 31. There are few overnight games this year, meaning that the whole team will travel for most of the games.

Womens_Soccer“I definitely think [having a couple less players] contributes to [doing better] because that is when we play as a team,” said junior Katherine Tomlinson, “It is a lot easier to be a team when there are less of us.”

“I like this year’s team chemistry. Not that last year’s was bad or anything, it is just really good this year,” said Lewis, “The overall team depth, the strength as we go deep into our line-up, is very good. It has improved.”

Coach Lewis highlighted senior captains, Alyssa Figueroa and Erin Miller’s play this season. The third captain, senior Amanda Zacchigna, has been injured from the start of the season, but is anticipated to contribute defensively with her recovery.

“Our bench was not as strong [last year], but our freshmen have come in and stepped it up. Our eleven seniors are holding their own on the field and giving us those wins,” said Tomlinson, “We are possessing well as a team and just working better as a team overall this season.”

“As a captain it is our job to…make sure the team is bonded on and off the field and also to continue pushing ourselves. Right now we are 3-0 and doing well, but we cannot afford to slack off,” said Miller, “So we have to maintain focus and also have fun on the field; not just be all serious all the time.”

Overall the team has a record of 4-0-0 thus far. Junior Danielle Lyndsley leads the team in total goals scored at three, while junior Stephany Ellison has the most points, shots, and assists, totaling seven, twenty-nine, and three, respectively. Senior Atalie Fite has also contributed to the attack statistics as she has stepped into the forward position this season.

Figueroa and sophomore Sarah Gabriele are noted for their defensive contribution to the team. Opposing teams have not scored against the Houghton women due to the women’s strong defense and sophomore Shawna Sprout and senior Michelle Mahoney playing in goal.

“Obviously we are still not eligible for qualifications for Empire 8, but we still want to compete with the top teams in the conference and finish with the top bracket,” said Lewis, “We want to finish with them as if it did count. We would also like to qualify for the national Christian tournament and…make a good run.”

“A goal, without a doubt, especially being a senior, is to go further than we ever have in nationals. I would love to win it,” said Miller, “Our next goal is to just continue going hard and winning each game. I would love to go undefeated this year.”

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Sports

New Tennis Teams are a Hit

Men’s and women’s tennis are welcomed this fall as the two newest teams on campus. Both teams are practicing hard as they begin their inaugural year headed by Coach Charlie Ellis.

“I have come from the corporate world of tennis club and fitness club management. My management of clubs has gone back as far as 18-20 years,” said Coach Ellis, “I feel very fortunate to be working with Skip Lord and Matthew Webb; those men have been extraordinarily supportive of me.”

Bethany Chesebro, sophomore, returns the ball to her opponent.
Bethany Chesebro, sophomore, returns the ball to her opponent.

Under Ellis’s direction, the women began their training two weeks prior to classes along with the rest of the fall athletes, while the men started training this past week. The women have competed in several matches already and are 2-3 overall. While there are thirteen women on the team, not all are able to travel for every match.

“This is a tennis team and even the ones that aren’t playing on that particular day are still important, even the ones that don’t go on the road trips,” said Coach Ellis, “This is a group of girls who have come together and they have established a relationship with each other that is unprecedented. They are extraordinarily supportive of each other to play as a team and to serve their Lord.”

“For almost all of us, it is our first time being a Houghton athlete,” said junior Molly Freihofer, “So while we have had to learn a lot, the process of forming the first women’s tennis team was something we were all excited about and have really enjoyed.”

At a tournament, six single matches are played and three doubles, each counting as one point. Thus, there is a total of nine points to be earned in a college tennis match. The winner must win five or more of those points.

The women were down 4-1 against Medaille on September 5th, but fought to win each subsequent game. The men have played one match thus far, against Penn State Behrend. It was a close competition, as the men lost 5-4.

Junior Brennen Campbell expressed the men’s goals: “To have the highest overall team GPA of Houghton Athletics, to make an impression on the opponents that we face throughout the season, and to build the Houghton tennis program to be one that will be recognized as a competitive Empire 8 program.”

Each player has come in with a different level of playing experience. While the teams are training athletically to improve and fine-tune their skills, they are also encouraging each other spiritually. The women have devotions led by chaplains and prayer partners, while the men emphasize prayer before and after they meet to compete.

“The team has been getting along really well. Everyone’s personality works together to form the disciplined team that we have this year,” said Campbell, “No matter the skill level, everyone is willing to help improve their fellow teammates.”

“They have responded very well to my coaching, my direction, as well as the understanding that we are about to embark on another journey, of Houghton tennis,” said Coach Ellis, “And we want to set a culture and footprint off the right foot. The girls and boys have responded very well to understanding the gravity of that.”

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Spring Sports Update

The end of another school year also marks the end of an athletic season and a collegiate career for the graduates. Although Houghton athletes were honored earlier this month for their accomplishments, some athletes are still working hard to finish their seasons.

“We are looking forward to getting into year two and continuing down this road with our involvement in Empire 8,” said Athletic Director Skip Lord. “We are excited about what is happening with the National Christian College group.”

The track team participated this past weekend at the Empire 8 Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Nazareth College. The women finished fourth and the men took seventh. Freshman Tim McGowan, sophomores Mary Strand, Marina Slavin, Cara Davenport, Andrea Melhorn, Danielle Lyndsley, Jordan Cady, and juniors Leah Williams and Alyssa Figueroa had notable performances.

At the Empire 8 Championships this weekend, men’s golf finished ninth out of nine teams. Junior John Carpenter led the team with the lowest score; however, it did not figure into the team’s overall score since he did not compete in the fall. Thus, sophomore Evan Castle’s score of 367 led the team.

Courtesy of facebook.com
Courtesy of facebook.com

Last week the women’s golf team beat Keuka at the Keuka College Spring Invitational on Wednesday. Sophomore Hannah Fink led the Highlanders with a score of 94. However, the team came in third at their home tournament last Saturday. Fink led the team again, shooting 109.

As a new program, women’s lacrosse has fought hard to earn their first win. The Highlanders defeated Hilbert 14-13. Junior Amanda Zacchigna had a career high of six goals and an assist, sophomore Tyler Reese contributed three goals and an assist, and sophomore Nicole Mason had two goals and an assist.

Men’s lacrosse has been struggling as well this season. Their top scorer, senior Tyler Kempney, has been out due to injuries. They conclude their season this weekend against Bryn Athyn. Unfortunately, neither lacrosse program can participate in postseason play through NCCAA because there are not enough teams.

“It is really hard to progress as a team made of a bunch of guys who have never played before, but considering we are a new program we have done really well,” said junior Shawn Schelble. “Everyone who is playing is there because they want to play. In practice everyone is intentional and deliberate in what they do.”

The baseball team continued their winning streak against Utica this past weekend. Sophomore Kevin Cassar earned Empire 8 pitcher of the week for striking out nine hitters and walking no one. The win was a team effort, with exemplary performances from seniors Kaiden Bowers, Jacob Bannerman, Ignacio Villalobos and sophomore Seth Cornell.

“Baseball is sort of ahead of the game [regarding the new programs]. They are winning some games and knocking some of the Empire 8 teams as a brand new program,” said Lord. “Softball, although they are still looking for their first win, tend to play competitively, usually struggling in one inning.”

Senior Megan Musser, junior Samantha Patoff and sophomores Sarah Beirne and Morgan York have all competed well on the softball field. It has been a challenge with both softball and baseball playing their home and away games on a different field.

“The fact that we are away so much, makes it so difficult to keep up with our tough academic loads,” said senior Cydney Blong. “It really tests our ability to stay focused every day.”

The softball and baseball fields should be completed by this July. There will be a special board meeting on May 3 regarding the progress of the field house. Potentially, they could break ground as early as this May, meaning the field house could be completed by next April.

More change will come as the transition to NCAA continues. Tennis will be added next fall, playing a full Empire 8 schedule. Coach Charlie Ellis has already been hired and is actively recruiting. As new players come in, seniors say goodbye to their collegiate careers at Houghton.

“I have learned a lot after four years as an athlete,” said Blong. “Coach Lewis helped me to develop my faith, Coach Dougherty taught me the importance of staying focused on the prize, and Coach Shepherd helped me to learn patience and perseverance in trying situations.”

 

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Sports

Golf Team Hosts Invitational

The women’s golf teams will be hosting the Empire 8 Invitational this Saturday. The tournament will take place on Houghton’s home course at Allegheny Hills Golf Course in Rushford. The women will be hosting both Nazareth College and Hobart and William Smith, both established programs.

“I am really excited because it is our first match on our home course,” said sophomore Hannah Fink, “So hopefully it will be a beautiful day to compete.”

This season the golf team had two tournaments cancelled in March. One was rescheduled for this coming weekend while the other was dropped. Overall, the team has five tournaments to compete in within two weeks.

“We practiced in the sleet and rain and 36 degrees on Saturday so this recent weather has been good, especially because we only have two weeks left,” said Coach Thomas Kettelkamp.

At the Westminster Invitational last week, Fink had a score of 98, ranking thirteenth out of forty-seven competitors. The other members of the travel team included freshman Breanna Smithley and Kourtnie Franklin, sophomore Taylor Button, and senior Andrea Ypma. The women returned to Keuka this Wednesday to defend their championship title earned at the Keuka Invitational last fall.

“Hannah has been very competitive, while the others are new at the game. It is their first year and I expect them to knock their scores down quite a bit,” said Kettelkamp. “So I would not be surprised if we did not win it again.”

The golf team rarely practices with each other because of the inherent individual nature of the sport. However, they still push each other to practice and do their best as only a certain number of members are able to travel and attend each tournament.

“Although practices are individualized for what you need to work with, like your swing, [golf] is very team oriented because we are always encouraging each other to meet our next goal and do well as a team,” said Fink. “Overall, we have really good team chemistry…and we have a lot of fun.”

Both the men’s and women’s teams have new additions this spring, including freshman Maggie Reynolds and sophomore Jordan Hobba for the women’s team and, for the men, junior John Carpenter and senior Michael Ball.

Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu
Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu

Thus far, the men’s team has performed in one tournament, hosted by Utica College. The top performances came from Ball, Carpenter, and sophomores Evan Castle and Nathan Sircy at this match. Castle led the team with a score of 92, ranking 31st of 52 golfers. The men are currently preparing for the Empire 8 tournament this weekend in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Our goal for this season is to keep on improving,” said Sircy. “We are playing better than last season and we hope to keep doing so in the future.”

“Last year, we were last place in every contest. This year, the men were seventh of [nine] … and the women were eighth of [nine], that’s progress,” said Kettelkamp. “We are not going to start at the top, but I do expect to move into the mix a bit. This fall we were not, this spring I think we will be.”

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Softball and Baseball Teams Travel to Florida

While many students are headed home to celebrate the week off of classes, the baseball and softball players are headed to sunny Florida. Both teams leave this weekend and will return to New York early on Easter weekend.

Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu
Courtesy of athletics.houghton.edu

Due to the weather conditions, the softball team has yet to play their first game in the new conference. Both teams have been practicing in the gym because the fields are covered in snow.

“[Going to Florida] is a chance for us to improve, to get out of the snow, to play consistently, and to play better. I think we are already playing better now than we did last year. But we need to continue to improve,” said baseball coach Brian Reitnour. “I think one of the things that Florida does for us is it gives us an opportunity to get outside because it is very difficult now to see fly balls and live pitching every day.”

“Our games have been cancelled, so it will be nice to get them out on the dirt, on real grass. It will be good for them to see the game because for half of them it is their first time playing in a collegiate game,” said softball coach Jeremy Shepherd. “We are just looking forward to them getting those first couple games under their belts.”

The schedule looks considerably different for both teams this year. Due to the new conference, the baseball and softball teams will be playing other teams recognized by NCAA division III.

“We are playing some really difficult teams. Our last day of spring break we finish with Luther who is ranked third in the country…so that will be a test,” said Shepherd. “And right when we get back we get Ithaca on that Saturday and right now they are ranked 15th in the country.”

“I think we will be better this year than last year now that we have experienced playing with each other,” said senior Jacob Kocher. “So we have pretty high expectations for Florida this year now that we have been there and done the same thing.”

Both teams plan to have a service on Good Friday as they will be in Florida over the weekend. The softball team will return to Houghton early on Easter Sunday so some players will go home with their teammates.

“We get in on Monday, we practice. We play on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Friday we will have a service with family members…our players, and coaches,” said Reitnour. “It’s a little bit of an atypical year because on when Easter falls, we typically would have ten days in Florida. So it just looks a little different.”

The women have Wednesday off and will have the opportunity to take advantage of the different amusement parks in the area, such as Disney, MGM and Universal Studios. The men will have some time to head to the beach or the different amusement parks after they finish playing, and they also intend to do a service project while in Florida.

“A lot of the trip is that it is a great bonding experience. It is an opportunity for us to live out the mission of Houghton athletics,” said Reitnour. “It’s about more than just baseball and more than just our team. It is an act of worship and it is a ministry.”

“We are expecting some tough games, but as far as Coach told us, we have a good chance to win some,” said sophomore Ashley Popp. “It should be a lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to it because I just want to see the sun!”

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Sports

First Lacrosse Season Underway

As members of brand new programs at Houghton College, players on the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams are not only navigating a new conference, many of them are also learning a new sport.

Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook
Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook

The men’s team is 1-2 as of the game against Hiram this past weekend. Both Hiram and Baldwin-Wallace College have new lacrosse programs as well. The men’s next game is away against Cazenovia this Saturday.

“It’s not even teaching them the techniques; it is teaching them the rules and everything. They are learning so much in the game,” said men’s coach Josiah Snelgrove. “We are definitely going to be the most improved team.”

J. Snelgrove highlighted the play and leadership of seniors Tyler Kempney and Mike Ball. Kempney led the team with 15 goals, followed by Ball with five goals. Kempney was honored as player of the week ending March 10 by the Empire 8 Conference.

“We’ve got some great leadership from both the coaches and players,” said senior Matt Vogan. “We are hoping to set a good foundation for the lacrosse program that represents Houghton.”

The women are 0-1 so far this season. Although they scrimmaged at home this Saturday against Wells, the game was postponed due to the lack of referees to officiate.

Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook
Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook

“The team is working very hard and is constantly improving in all areas of the game! Our practices look ten times more positive and effective than what we were doing in fall ball,” said women’s coach Rachael Snelgrove. “Each individual member of the team is working hard to become the best player she can be to help better the team…and they are doing a great job at making this happen!”

R. Snelgrove emphasized the contributions made by juniors Amanda Zacchigna and Maesa Phongsamouth and sophomores Nicole Mason and Tyler Reese. These women have all played lacrosse before, bringing experience to such a new team. The team captains are Zacchigna, Phonsamouth and senior Rachel Stefanski.

“Rachel has never played before; however, she has very quickly picked up the fundamentals of the game and has really proven to be one of our top players on the field,” said R. Snelgrove.

“One of our goals that we made as a team is to make every single game an improvement from the last,” said Stefanski. “Not only an improvement in our skill, but also our attitudes and our display of Christ.”

Both teams have devotions and prayer partners to foster spiritual growth. They have participated in different service opportunities as well, such as visiting the Houghton Nursing Home.

Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook
Courtesy of Kathryn Hornibrook

“Every Friday we have a different guy share a thought for the day or a testimony,” said J. Snelgrove. “Especially since there are 22 guys who [didn’t] know each other before now, getting to know everyone and where they come from is important.”

Both coaches expressed their positive hopes and assessments of their respective teams. “I am so excited about this season with this group of young ladies; they are passionate and have an excellent work ethic,” said R. Snelgrove. “I have very high hopes for their success this season.”

“We are thankful for the support and obviously it is going to take a while for everyone to understand how it works,” said J. Snelgrove. “Hopefully we play an exciting brand of lacrosse for the school.”