Sep. 25th, 2003 - (Auburn) Lacrosse looks to build on last year
By Leigh Stejskal
Staff Writer
September 25, 2003
The Auburn lacrosse team is already practicing for its upcoming season in an effort to uphold high expectations.
"Lacrosse is considered the fastest sport on two feet and is probably the fastest growing sport right now," coach Nate Van Der Veer said. "It is really fun to watch, and more should come out and support the team."
The team practices two days a week in the fall for two hours each day. It also has scrimmages on Sundays in order to get the players running the field and acquainted with what to expect come game time.
During the spring, the team practices five days a week and plays mainly on weekends.
"Practice is going well. We have a good group of freshman and good coaches helping us out this year," team president Thomas Slattery said.
"I believe that getting the fundamentals right now is important so the players will be ready for spring," Van Der Veer said.
The team has fared well in past years. It won the Southeastern Lacrosse Championship in 2001 and 2002.
The team went to the national tournament ranked second in 2002, but was beaten in the semifinal game. The Tigers ended their season ranked sixth.
"We would like to be back on top and win conference this year. We have a lot of young talent. We have one of the biggest freshman classes this year," Van Der Veer said.
The team consists of about 40 members, and 30 of those players are freshman. Last year, there were only 28 players.
"The more players the merrier. We have better practices with more who turn out to practice. The dues are also lower with more players," Van Der Veer said.
"If the freshmen this year stay for the long run, then we will be better a few years from now," he said.
"There are some on the team who have never played before, but it is dedication and practice that will allow those to see playing time on the field," Van Der Veer said.
The lacrosse team consists of walk-ons only. Since they are not fully supported by the University, they pay to play.
The players pay a couple hundred dollars to support themselves. This money is used to travel and buy any equipment needed that the University does not buy.
"We play to win. If you don't play, you are still important because you help the team get better," Van Der Veer said.
McAdory Libscomb III will lead the team this year as the new head coach.
He played at the University of Denver where he was an All-American. He is a native of Auburn and has returned to attend veterinary school.
"McAdory is a really good player. He is really intense and a good guy," Van Der Veer said.
"The team isn't set, so if anyone wants to play and have a good time, they can come out and play. It doesn't matter the level of skill you possess," Van Der Veer said.
"Skip Smith, Adam Zensinger and Nathaniel Humphrezille all have experience and will lead the team this year," Van Der Veer said.
"This is Adam's fourth year as a starter, and Nathaniel has played under good players, so he was taught well," Slattery said.
"Skip is by far the best face-off in the nation," Slattery said.
This article originally appeared in the Auburn Plainsmen.