athletics – Page 2 – Houghton STAR

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

Mary Strand was recently honored with the title of NCCAA Female Track and Field Athlete of the Week. Each week the NCCAA decides on one student athlete from a number of recognized schools to represent the accomplishments within that particular sport. The recipient of the title exemplifies quality performances as well as Christian ideals.

Strand set the new school record for the 200 meters, 4×200 meter relay, and qualified for NCCAA Nationals in the 400 meter during a competition at Brockport State Invitational. At Nationals, held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Strand helped the relay team beat the school record again and placed individually with her best time of the season.

Strand, a sophomore, has been participating in track and field since seventh grade. Although she is mostly a sprinter, she has also trained in other areas and was even part of last year’s JV soccer team.

While Strand is appreciative of this award, she said she will continue to stay focused. Strand said that while running, “you push yourself as far as you can go and then you push yourself further.”
Strand attributes her success to the support of her coach and team. Her captain, Sarah Munkittrick, said there is a lot to learn from Strand, describing her as a hard worker and a perfectionist who still remains humble. Munkittrick also said that Strand “not only pushes the team to work harder but also brings them together.”

Track and field coach, Matthew Dougherty, said those honored with the title of Athlete of the Week are great performers, tremendous athletes and talented individuals, with Mary Strand possessing all of these qualities. Dougherty defined Strand as someone who has strong motivation paired with a ferocity most would not expect, allowing her to achieve anything she sets her mind to.

Strand plans on practicing just as hard in order to continually get better and achieve more later on in meets both as an individual and as a team. Dougherty said that Strand’s position on the team is “integral in terms of chemistry,” helping to inspire others through her talent and fun attitude.

Strand is excited to begin the outdoor track and field season, having used these recent experiences as a preparation phase. She expects to practice and compete with the same determination, progressively challenging herself. Dougherty said that Strand’s disposition is one of a “driven and focused individual who is strong spiritually, academically, and athletically.”