Following a 3-2 record in their inaugural year of play, the lacrosse club is primed for a successful season.
The lacrosse club not only wants to have a successful season, but wants to contend for the playoffs and championship as well.
“I am very excited. Last year, we almost made it to the playoffs in our first year. We were very inexperienced, and now we are a lot more experienced. Most of our returning players are coming back, and we spent all summer training,” Alfredo Soler, mass communication junior from Thibodaux, said.
“We still have a bitter taste in our mouths. We are ready to win because we still have a little piece of last season stuck in our throats.”
According to assistant coach Tony Fontenot, nursing junior from Pine Prairie, “The team looks real good, and the defense should be better this season.”
Billy Tauzin, III, head lacrosse coach, said he is focusing on teaching the game of lacrosse to the newcomers and fundamentals to the returning players.
“At this time, I just want them to learn. I really want the new guys to get in there and start learning the game. For the veterans, I would like them to start using both hands. If they’re left handed, I want them to try using their right hands and vice versa. We are going to work on our fundamentals and stepping our game up a bit,” Tauzin said.
Tauzin said some of those activities include improving stick skills, passing the ball and playing defense.
“It is important that we improve on our stick skills. It is just like in basketball. You got to be able to dribble before you get on the court, and that is something that requires a lot of time. Our shooting is pretty well. We shot well last year, but it is something that we still need practice in. Passing is another thing we have to work on. If we step that up, we will win our division,” Tauzin said.
“I always stress to the guys that you play defense with your feet, not with your arms. That is our main goal on defense.”
According to Jason Smith, management senior from LaPlace, another crucial element to the lacrosse team’s success is conditioning.
“We had a problem last season with some of the people getting worn out before games. We started a lot more conditioning and agility to help make our transition a lot better,” Smith said.
Returning this season for the Lacrosse team are Soler; Smith; Dustin Schuetter, mass communication sophomore from Houma; Johnathan Noble, sophomore from Thibodaux; Jack Plessala, mass communication sophomore from Houma and Jacob Degate, sophomore from Thibodaux.
“Alfredo is going to be a big man on defense. Justin, Jason, Johnathan and Jacob are all great players on the attack on offense,” Tauzin said.
Plessala will return this season as goaltender. He said it is important for the goaltender to have a good season because of the responsibility that comes with the job.
“The goalie holds a huge problem during the season because he is the one that is blamed for a loss. Knowing this, I accept full responsibility for all the losses. With offenses getting stronger and faster every season, it’s crucial for the goalie to be sharp,” Plessala said.
“When it is all said and done, a losing season sits on my back all year long.”
In the fall semester, the lacrosse club will participate in the Texas A&M tournament Nov. 8-9. Scrimmages will be against Louisiana State, Tulane University, Centenary University of Shreveport, the University of Houston and the University of New Orleans.
Since the season has yet to begin, Tauzin said any Nicholls student is welcome to join the lacrosse club. The team practices on the field across from St. Thomas Aquinas weekdays at 4:30 p.m.
“That is what we are looking for. We need to pick up a few more guys that can run so I can teach them how to play lacrosse. If you are an athlete, you can come on out and express your interest. If you are out of shape, go run first and then come meet us out here,” Tauzin said.