NGU men’s lacrosse: Rising to the challenge
Photo courtesy of Stephen Santini.
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
Deep on the North Greenville University lacrosse field, assistant coach Austin Zumbado reflected on the team’s promising start to the season. While the team is off to a 3-1 record, expectations are high among the coaching staff.
Zumbado noted the aspirations within the locker room, where not only aspirations but goals and challenges are close to being met. The team’s positive record reflects a solid start to the season, although, for Bato, it hasn’t always been that way due to a loss in the first game.
Zumbado attributes the team’s success to a learning curve that has been exponential since the initial loss, emphasizing the players’ growing understanding of their identity in the game and the importance of constant practice.
“I think we learned a lot from the first game. After losing that game, we learned a lot. You know, I think we had nerves, but I think we learned about our identity as a team,” said Zumbado.
Despite the positive momentum the team had, Zumbado maintained a conservative mentality, which implies that there is a long season ahead and that there is a need to remain calm to face the challenges ahead.
When it comes to the team’s potential to face the season, Zumbado emphasized his confidence in the group’s discipline. He highlighted the group’s effort on the part of the technical staff and players. “I think this group has come together and is ready to compete,” said Zumbado.
According to Zumbado, several players have stood out and have made a significant impact on the game. Christian Cucine and Hayden Moffat on offense, and Tyler Pellegrino and Austin Jones on defense, have shown impact and leadership in all areas of the field.
In discussing the team’s mentality, Zumbado emphasizes a relentless pursuit of victory, instilled through hard training and sacrifice. “It all starts with just, you know, taking things one moment at a time; the mentality is to win every game one at a time,” said Zumbado.
In the locker room, the coaches try to cultivate the winning philosophy that is a fundamental part of the program. “As a team, we believe in trusting each other as coaches. With the amount of knowledge we all have and the way we work together as a team, we can go far,” said Zumbado.
The upcoming games for the men’s lacrosse team will be challenging and high-caliber opponents, according to Zumbado, and some of these teams have made it to the national tournament such as Limestone University.
As the season takes its course, the NGU men’s lacrosse team continues to strive for success and the school’s name, driven by a determination to excel.
It is driven by a passion to make history as a winning program at North Greenville University. With each game, this team writes a new chapter in a story of achievement and hard work.
At NGU, the men’s lacrosse team not only seeks victory but also a legacy.
