Lycoming News

The Pennsylvania College of Technology men's lacrosse team is set to begin its season this Saturday at Misericordia University. Under the leadership of fourth-year coach Jordan Williams, the team is optimistic about the upcoming matches. "We're in a really good spot," Williams stated, highlighting the team's mix of experienced juniors and promising freshmen.

Key players returning from last year's squad include junior attackman Sam Hills, who led with 37 goals and 20 assists, along with other notable players such as AJ Dotson, Mason Nester, Michael Stank, Danny Harkins, Brody Borkowski, and Colten Hajicek. The newcomers expected to make an impact are Jake Small, Aidan McFalls, Connor Gentile, Ian Stambaugh, Billy Trimbur, Will Ehret, Sam Nice from Neumann University, and Andrew Tavarez from Kean University.

Sophomore Alex Hammond will start in goal following JJ Cilla's departure. Seniors Graham Purdy and Angelo Varcadipane have been integral since the program's inception. Williams praised these seniors for their commitment: "They did not come here to play lacrosse; they came here for the education."

Williams emphasized the importance of staying within their system during games: "When we stay within the system that we're putting in... good things happen." He also noted that while physicality has been both a strength and a challenge in previous years due to discipline issues, progress has been made towards finding balance.

Mental preparation through meditation and visualization is another focus area for Williams: "We try to put them in situations where they get the tools to handle adversity." As conference play approaches on March 30th against United East opponents like St. Mary's (Md.) College—now joined by new teams due to last summer's merger—Williams aims to close gaps against tougher competition.

Assistant coaches Thomas Connors and Aaron Brooke support Williams alongside volunteer assistants Austin Thompson, Spencer Cavanaugh, and Zach Taylor. With a large roster of 52 players this season comes diverse coaching perspectives which help address areas needing improvement such as composure under pressure or connecting defense with offense across all four quarters played per game.

"If we can mentally stay focused... we're going put ourselves in really good position compete for conference championship," said Coach Williams regarding future prospects despite facing new challenges post-merger between United East Colonial States Athletic Conference affecting schedule dynamics significantly throughout remainder year leading up potential NCAA Division III playoff berth should Wildcats secure top-four standing by end April heading into May finals showdown potentially granting automatic entry coveted tournament opportunity depending outcome final matches played during decisive period ahead full anticipation surrounding competitive landscape ever-evolving collegiate sports environment today remains strong among fans supporters alike eagerly awaiting results forthcoming endeavors undertaken dedicated student-athletes representing esteemed institution proudly striving achieve greatness both academically athletically simultaneously moving forward together unified purpose shared vision common goal success achieved collectively teamwork perseverance determination resilience unwavering commitment excellence demonstrated consistently day-in day-out regardless circumstances encountered along journey ultimately defining legacy lasting impact left behind long after individual careers concluded inspiring next generation follow footsteps predecessors blazing trail innovation creativity discovery boundless possibilities endless horizons limitless potential unlocked realized time progresses onward forevermore.