Mizzou Club Lacrosse coaches Jay Shim and Josh Krepistman work with goalies on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at Stankowski Field in Columbia, Mo.
Club president Chase McQueary and players emphasize teamwork through their rigorous season
The University of Missouri men’s club lacrosse consists of 41 members who compete at high levels in the spring and prepare during the fall semester with a set of scrimmages. Club lacrosse is going to participate in two scrimmages at the Liberty Lacrosse Fall Invitational in Kansas City, Mo against Rockhurst University and William Jewell Athletics Nov. 1- 2.
With team practices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:30, each player gets the opportunity to grow as players and teammates. Outside of practices, the club does team-bonding exercises such as barbecues and other various social gatherings. During away games around the country, they get the chance to explore the cities they play in.
“I mean, for me, I’ve gone everywhere in the country because of it,” Queen’s University transfer student Jeremiah Schumacher said. “I went to Colorado and San Diego. [Club lacrosse] helped me become a leader, because I’ve been captain on a lot of the teams I’ve been on.”
The club continues to spread awareness to potential players by recruiting alongside coaches in the off-season. Another way the club spreads notoriety is by using its social media platforms on Instagram, X and Facebook for players’ highlights and information. Additionally, the club hosts multiple fundraisers with alumni dating back to the 1980s, who help to provide different campaigns throughout the year.
“I had a friend who was joining the team, and I had just started playing lacrosse my senior high school, so I wasn’t really done,” club treasurer James Wong said. “I just came out to the first couple practices, and I was like, ‘this is cool, so I’m going to keep doing it.’”
Mizzou Club Lacrosse coaches Cedric Walker and Thomas Eckles mark updrills during practice on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at Stankowski Field in Columbia, Mo.
The club allows for a sense of community, as every day on the field is a learning opportunity where players dictate how much effort they want to put in. Their ability to make relationships with players of different ages acknowledges that different team dynamics will be had. This fosters an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, where players not only grow individually but also contribute to the overall development of the team.
“So far, it’s provided a lot of memories so far, and I’m hoping for future memories, because just the practices and the camaraderie of practice and everything, and just friendships and teammates,” said freshman Teddy Brewster.
Lacrosse is a physical and demanding sport requiring shoulder pads, gloves and helmets. The sport requires all around fitness, agility and effective communication to solve problems. To start the game off, there is a face-off where two players line up against each other with sticks and try to gain possession of the ball. Soon after the defenders try to keep the attackers from scoring a point by any means necessary.
“We’re out here all juiced up and getting pissed off at each other, and it’s learning not to take it personally,” Schumacher said. “It does help translate in real life. I’m dealing with failure – I choke every day out here so I always just keep my head forward and stay confident.”
When it comes to leadership within the club, there are plenty of spots that are usually filled by returning members. Certain responsibilities include running practices in order to improve the players’ skills. Also, effective leadership roles within lacrosse allow for an overseer of team dynamics and performance.
“Last year I started as the vice president,” club president Chase McQueary said. “I enjoyed it, and really liked being able to have control over the game schedule and keeping things on track. I enjoy making sure everything goes smoothly.”
Club lacrosse is a way for athletes who desire to play the sport to have the ability to hone their skills by competing against players from different schools. Although it’s viewed as a major commitment, members still have plenty of time for classes and various other organizations.
“I wanted to have a fun college experience, and be involved all across campus, while also being able to still pursue my passion of playing lacrosse at a Division I school,” McQueary said.
Members of the Mizzou Club lacrosse team practices pre-season onTuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 at Stankowski Field in Columbia, Mo. The Tigers look to bounceback from a 5-8 season last year and possibly earn a playoff berth.
With the emphasis on connections for the future, some of the upperclassmen club members have found that lacrosse plays a role in their future years ahead. Whether that be internships, jobs or lessons, lacrosse has been a constant reference point.
“All three of us have secured great internships for next summer utilizing experiences that we’ve tied into the lessons we’ve learned on the field,’’ McQueary said.
Whether focusing on improving their game or participating in team events, the club lacrosse team provides members with a year full of activity and competition.
The men’s club lacrosse team will play their final game for the fall season at Stankowski Field for their alumni game on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Ella McGuire and Emma Short | eshort@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com