Arizona Lacrosse: Laxcats Challenges Ahead

The Men’s Lacrosse Team at the University of Arizona, Laxcats, are currently ranked 5th in nation.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats

Part 2 of 2: What are some of the challenges the Laxcats have on and off the turf? 

Coach Pedrick and the Laxcats have their hands full with the next three games in the SLC conference, the best conference in the country.  The next three games are going to be a challenge, a challenge the Laxcats are up for.

First up is the San Diego State team which is no joke, they are ranked No. 16. Then the Wildcats face a former NCAA D2 team, Grand Canyon University ranked No.1.  Finally the Laxcats face the Arizona State Sun Devils, and per Coach Pedrick, “this is the game which is always on everyone’s minds.”

Earlier in the season. Arizona played Chapman Univeristy, ranked No. 3, who fell to the Laxcats. Chapman was one of their many challenges faced this season.  The biggest challenge for the Cats is to stay on track, continue to buy into the team and finish off the most important part of the season in the right way.

They have every chance to make it to the MCLA tournament; just like the NCAA tourney, there are sixteen teams, ten AQ and six “at large” bids.

Photographer: Chris Hook hookphoto@gmail.com

Last season was the first time in seven years the Laxcats made it into the SLC Tournament. With this solid season the Laxcats are ranked at No. 5 which is the highest they have ever been ranked since 2006, “We’ve done a good job climbing up those poles, we have beat a few good teams.” said Coach Pedrick.

Mark Babicke, freshmen, who is a long stick defensive mid fielder, is very passionate about his squad. Out of Sabino High School (13 miles away from his college), he would like the U of A students and fans to know that his team is not a joke and take things very seriously on the off the field.

“We are a very diverse and spread out team [originating from all over the country]. We come together to play lacrosse at a very high level, and go to one of the best schools in the nation,” said Mark. “We spend a lot of time with this and are very committed. We are a very tight-knit group, and we are moving up the rankings. We’re also a very competitive program now.”

They are such a very tight-knit and produce good chemistry. Most of the players live together in a houses of four where they live and hangout when they are not focused on Lacrosse. The Laxcats also do various community service projects and fundraise for themselves. Lacrosse relies on dues and monitory donations and voluntary donations since they are not sponsored by the University.

Campus can become more involved by checking out the Laxcats website www.ArizonaLaxcats.com, with video’s coming out weekly. Also their Youtube Channel, Arizona Laxcats,  which goes behind the scenes on how the games are going, keep up with the current season and watch video’s. Follow them on Twitter @arizonalaxcats, where they live tweet during the games.

From Twitter

With only three home games this season, next year will come with a bang and be composed of more home games for all of us to enjoy. With an effort to get the Laxcats brand  on campus, they need a supportive, winning and good environment at their games. They acquired a brand new field playing at night, attracting about 1,000 people per game. Wilbur even made an appearance at one of their games which was cool!

The Laxcats have a great chance this season with three huge games coming up; rise up in the polls, win these games and make it into the SCL Tournament.

“Working hard and also enjoying ourselves, we want to win; win games and have fun!” said Coach Pedrick.

Wildcat fans please show your support for your team, let them know you are supporting them on twitter, Facebook, or in the comments below.  Be ready to watch your Cats play in person next year, and celebrate their victories this year!

Mark is the team’s social and digital media guru, he produced this fantastic video (one in a series) to help us get to know his team and how it feels to play Lacrosse, its wild! Enjoy!:

Schedule

Schedule