The 2018-2019 Season Story - How Did They Get Here?

As the ball whips into the back of the net, faces filled with elation, exhaustion, and astonishment are seen on the players on the field and the audience watching.  Students, parents, and players cheered alike. The High Point University Panthers have defeated the Duke Blue Devils.

The rise of the men’s lacrosse team at High Point University has brought them to the forefront of the conversation, not only in the college lacrosse world, but also that of the students and fans of the team in North Carolina more than ever before.

The Panthers have worked harder than ever to win their conference, towards the ultimate goal of winning the NCAA title.  

The team, led by Coach Jon Torpey, currently have a 12-2 record. On April 27, the team became the regular season SoCon Champions.  

Since the team’s first season in 2013, the consistency of the seasons has been lacking.  With the inaugural season only winning a total of three games, the confidence in the program seemed to lack by the school and outside community.

However, many players still wanted to give this program a chance by coming here and playing for the school.  They have been able to turn this team around, winning titles in 2014, 2015 and 2018.

“The guys are so supportive of each other and want everyone on the team to succeed and be the best person they can. At the beginning of this current season, I can count on two hands how many guys said they were willing to do whatever it took to win a ring for their seniors” said Melanie Wallace, a team manager for the team since her freshman year.

Early morning practices, long days of school and homework, extra hours put in for both are a part of the daily life of these student-athletes.  To continuously put in effort to maintain a GPA and continue to win games is its own feat to overcome.

Despite all of this, many players have seemingly stepped up to the plate this year.  The seven seniors on the team have led the team, with Chris Young leading the team in goals scored. Goalie and senior Tim Troutner Jr. has a total of 175 saves since the season began.  

While the uncertainty of what will happen without these key seniors next year remains, sophomore Asher Nolting is keeping the hope alive with the excellence he’s played with throughout the season.  

Additionally, Nolting is currently a nominee for the Tewaaraton Award, the highest award given in college lacrosse. He is the only Panther to make this list, and also he is one of only two underclassmen to be a nominee.

The run for the NCAA Division I title ring for men’s lacrosse is about to begin. The lacrosse team contains the confidence and skill to prevail, and many are excited to see how this story end.