Many people may not know Eastern has a Lacrosse club. The club doesn’t have the benefit of school sponsors or an actual spot on the school’s athletic roster, it is a club sport.

Club sports are where every direction taken by the club is done by the club. They are managed by a four person group which includes President Mike Myers, Vice President Matt Cooley, Treasurer Jason Lantgen and Secretary Blake Zinn.

The rest of the club is composed of roughly 30 students that played football, hockey or some other sport in high school. Cooley expressed that those who are interested don’t need to be knowledgeable in lacrosse to play because they, “adhere to almost one discipline in every sport.”

Cooley also expressed his desire for more students to come to one of the club’s open practices and “just try it once.”

Last year the club had a 4-5 record, after three winless semesters, and hopes to improve that record this year.

“I feel really good about the year and if we play together we’ll win some games,” said Senior mid-fielder Caleb Brandholt.

It is often difficult for the club to compete with the larger clubs because of the lack of players. Many of the clubs that Eastern plays have between 45-55 players and are able to sub in more players.

Another problem the lack of participants creates is the cost tends to be expensive. There are club dues, equipment costs, travel expenses and any other additional cost that may arise.

“The only reason there are any costs is because we don’t get any money from the school because we are a club sport.” said Cooley.

Despite the lack of school or fan support the club has, it continues to succeed. Freshman goalie Brian McDonald said that he has played all through high school in Oak Park and was excited to hear that Eastern has Lacrosse even though it is only club squad.

The intensity of the game, the aggressive mentality of a boxer and a generally positive attitude towards winning are the driving forces that will propel the Lacrosse club in practice. The Lacrosse club practices every day on what it calls the “Tundra,” located next to Buzzard Hall, at 4:30. Everyone, including women, are encouraged to try out.

The lacrosse club’s next game will be played on the “Tundra,” Sat., Sept. 15 vs. Illinois State and Western Illinois.