Let's face it. If you've spent any time on this campus, and you haven't heard anything about the Hopkins lacrosse team, you're probably not smart enough to even read this article. It's the general consensus that, in the same way that Texas is viewed as the Mecca of the football world, the same can be said about the state of Maryland concerning lacrosse. And at the center of that Mecca is the Hopkins campus - home to the best lacrosse team in the nation - the Jays.
But it's not just the team that loves the game. Amid all the DI fanfare, amid the top-level athletes that make up our varsity team, amid the ESPN2 cameras and the screaming fans, we forget that at its basic level, lacrosse is just a purely fun sport to play.
If you've never seen the game, it can look a little strange. But once you pick up a stick, you quickly discover that this game combines all the best parts of a wide variety of sports. It combines the fast-paced game play of soccer with the bone-crunching hits of football - you're even given a weapon!
This is the current mindset of the Hopkins Club Lacrosse team. Their current captain, junior Alex Thibau, has been involved with the club since his freshman year. He currently heads a club of about 30-40 players.
Even though most of the members have equipment, and those who don't usually borrow some from other members, but that doesn't keep them from playing. Practices are mostly kept upbeat and fun. The team meets twice a week, usually in the evening, on the practice field and play until they're too tired.
"Lacrosse is all about having fun," Thibau said. "We share equipment and play hard. A lot of times it makes for an interesting game."
Thibau's team is made up of everyone from lifelong players to kids just starting out. Some of them, while probably not good enough to walk on to the varsity team, certainly could have found a home on a DIII squad. Others picked up a stick a week ago and are still getting a handle on cradling, throwing and catching. But above all else, the team goal has always been to have fun playing the sport.
And residing in the big lacrosse state of Maryland, the club team is never short on competition. They had a couple games in the fall, one in which they beat up on the club team at Loyola.
And right now, they have a full schedule of lacrosse ahead of them. Their game this Sunday against Morgan State will open their spring season. After that comes even more heavy hitters, with games against schools like Towson and Navy.
And while they may not have the cameras and the attention of the sports world, they'll gladly take a rented bus and 10 players.
The team has no sign-up, no forms and no tryouts. Anyone interested in the game can play. Simply find Alex Thibau or any other member of the team. They'll set you up, and you'll be playing in no time.
For more information e-mail Alex Thibau at alex@jhu.edu.
