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Head Coach Andrew Stimmel Wins Coach of the Year Award

By on January 7, 2013 in News

Grove City, PA –   The Grove City Men’s Lacrosse team is proud to announce that Andrew Stimmel was named the 2012 CCLA DII Coach of the Year.

When head coach Andrew Stimmel was given the reigns to the Grove City men’s lacrosse team last year, the program stood at a crossroads. After three consecutive winning seasons culminating in the team earning their first bid in the national tournament in 2010, the team faltered in 2011, finishing with a disappointing 3-7 regular season record and failing to compete with the elite teams in their conference. Grove City suffered double digit losses to every top-ten opponent they faced, losing to Davenport, Grand Valley State, Briarcliffe, and Dayton.

Stimmel was able to make significant progress in his first year with largely the same roster. Freshman defender Ryan Colby and midfielder Will Stumpf were the only two incoming recruits with lacrosse experience to combat the substantial holes left by the loss of two senior captains in midfielder Jon Althausen and MCLA Division II 3rd Team All-American Team goalie Andrew Dymski. The team lost two other key contributors in attackman Gray Mackenzie and Midfielder Mike Carnock.

Stimmel, a former captain and defensive MVP as a player at Ohio State University brought a tenacity that had been lacking in a defensive unit that had conceded 118 goals the previous season. Under Stimmel’s tutelage Grove City’s revamped defense allowed only 75 goals, 43 fewer than the season before, and boasted a 6.25 goals against average, best in the CCLA among play-off teams. Sophomore goalie Chris Dymski also led the CCLA in saves-per-game averaging 12.58 and save percentage with a rate of 66.8%, which was also the 4th highest among all MCLA play-off teams.
The offensive unit also displayed improvement, possessing the ball better than they had the year before and increasing their number of goals scored from 75 in 2011 to 106 in 2012. Grove City continued their dominance in the face-off circle, winning 74% of their face-offs.

The improvement on both sides of the field resulted in a hungry team that was competitive every time they stepped on the field. The Wolverines finished with a 7-5 regular season record and earned the #6 seed in the CCLA play-offs. 4 of Grove City’s 5 losses came to opponents who advanced to the national tournament; two of those teams reached the final four.

Stimmel’s influence has had a significant impact both on and off the field for the Wolverines and he was the feature of an article written by Jac Coyne in lacrosse magazine, which is available here:

http://www.laxmagazine.com/college_men/club/2011-12/news/100212_30_in_30_can_stimmel_balance_faith_and_lacrosse

 

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Grove City Wolverines Announce 2013 Schedule

By on January 3, 2013 in News

Grove City, Pa – The Wolverines have finalized their 2013 schedule and once again they will be spending a significant amount of time on the road playing nine away games for the second season in a row. The experience from last year will only help the team this year as they travel down to Tennessee at the beginning of the year to play Tennessee Wesleyan, Kennesaw State (#14) and Georgia Southern.

The team will then travel to North Carolina for games against Elon and Appalachian State. Grove City will be looking to avenge their 10-7 loss to Elon last year. Elon enters the season ranked #12 in the MCLA.

The Wolverines then head home to play host to Waynesburg and Sienna Heights before heading to Indiana where they will be playing Wash-St. Louis (#15)  at a neutral site.

The regular season concludes with a home game against Butler and three division games against Dayton (#5), John Carroll, and Carnegie Mellon.

The Wolverines once again face a tough schedule, playing four teams who enter the season ranked in the top 15, but they look forward to building on the progress they experienced last year under second year head coach Andrew Stimmel.

 

2013 Schedule:   

 

Feb. 16               Miami (OH)                             1:00 PM

Feb. 21               @Tennessee Wesleyan        7:00 PM

Feb. 22               @Kennesaw State                 7:00 PM

Feb. 23               @Georgia Southern                2:00 PM

Mar. 1                  @Elon                                    7:00 PM

Mar. 2                 @Appalachian State               2:00 PM

Mar. 8                 Waynesburg                            7:00 PM

Mar. 16               Siena Heights                        12:00 PM

Mar. 22              @ Wash-St. Louis                   8:00 PM

Apr. 6                  @Dayton                                3:30 PM

Apr. 13                Butler                                    12:00 PM

Apr. 17               @Carnegie Melon                  1:00 PM

Apr. 20               @John Carroll                        3:00 PM

For more information on the venues, consult the official MCLA website at:

 http://mcla.us/teams/grove_city/2013/schedule.html

 

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Freshman Profiles: Dan Casselli

By on November 5, 2012 in News

#22 Dan Casselli

Height: 6’3

Weight: 195

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Major: Biblical and Religious Studies

Favorite Player: Steve Casselli

Position: Attackman

Lax Experience: 8 years

Awards: 3 Year All-Conference Attackman

 

Freshman attackman Dan Casselli

 

Describe your position in 5 words:

A: Distributing the ball and scoring.

Q: How did you decide to come to Grove City?

A: The assistant pastor at my church is a Grove City graduate and he knew I wanted to attend a Christian college so he recommended Grove City. I later found out they had a lacrosse team and scheduled a visit. I flew up here, stayed with Chris Dymski, met Coach Stimmel, and had a great time. I decided Grove City College was where I wanted to be.

Q: What are some things you love most about lacrosse?

A: The physicality, the non-stop speed of the game, and the versatility of skill-sets that the sport demands. I like that you have to play everything no matter what position you are.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I play the piano and a few years ago I got into making bow and arrows.

Q: How do you respond to critics that say you look like a 35 year-old man?

A: Please don’t check my birth-certificate.

You scored a sick behind-the-back goal in the alumni game, run us through that play.

A: I was running left, and then I was running to the right, I saw Keibler coming in hot and the only possible way to score was behind the back so I went for it. Luckily, bib Dymski has lost a step since getting married this summer and his reflexes abandoned him a little bit and the ball hit net.

First impression of Grove City Lacrosse so far?

A: We definitely get a lot more done in practice than we did in high school, all the guys on the team are really, except for Jamie Schleicher he’s kind of a bully on the field.

How would you rate Josh Calhoun’s fall ball performance this year?

A: Comparable to a young Michael Jackson.

 

 

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Mark Sandvig ’07 Steps Down as Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Grove City College

By on June 24, 2011 in News

For Immediate Release – Mark Sandvig ‘07 Steps Down as Head Men’s Lacrosse
Coach at Grove City College -

 

GROVE CITY, PA — Grove City College Lacrosse announces that Mark Sandvig has stepped down from his position as Head Coach.  Sandvig is leaving the program and his position as Resident Director of Hicks Hall at GCC in order to pursue a Seminary Degree.  He will begin work on his Masters of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO in the fall.  Additionally, Sandvig will continue to serve the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) as League Secretary for 2012.

Coach Sandvig led the Wolverines from the Fall of 2008 to the Spring of 2011.  He guided the team to a 21-14 record in official spring competition, including back-to-back CCLA Playoff berths in 2009 and 2010 and a MCLA Tournament berth in 2010. That year, Grove City earned its first MCLA tournament win over the Western Oregon Wolves but fell to the St. Thomas Tommies in the quarterfinals.

The team grew immensely on the field under Sandvig, due in part to his willingness to be a true student of the game while honing his communication and lacrosse skills.  Sandvig was a regular attendee at the IMLCA conference in Baltimore and was committed to improving his coaching and lacrosse IQ. He provided structure and accountability for the program, instituting mandatory off-season and in-season lifting, speed, strength, and conditioning plans.

Sandvig facilitated a culture shift in the way Grove City College Lacrosse conducted business off the field. During his tenure the team’s media presence was unified through Social Media and a unique .com domain. Additionally, Sandvig oversaw the creation of the alumni and parents networks which provides the support needed for the program to be successful. Sandvig’s skill as an administrator showed through during this time, guiding the team over financial hurdles as they emerged during the season. The team’s operating budget grew significantly under Sandvig, with only a moderate increase in player dues.

Sandvig’s most important skill set may not have been showcased on the lacrosse field or in the business office. As a Coach and Leader Sandvig sought to develop the hearts and character of the men of the Grove City College Lacrosse Program, challenging each player individually to grow as a Christian man of character.  Sandvig’s love for ministry and willingness to serve was a blessing to the team and to the MCLA.

“Coach Sandvig’s most important job was probably not one that was judged by the final tally of the scoreboard on a Saturday night in the Spring,” said 2011 GCC Lacrosse President Bill Sigmund, “but one that spanned all of our practices, meetings, and games, from when we stepped on this campus till the time we will step off as graduates.  Coach Sandvig’s spirit, heart, and humility have certainly influenced my character.  I look at Coach Sandvig as not only a lacrosse coach, but also as a man of character and Christian love, as a mentor, and as a friend.   It’s been my honor to have played for and served with him these past 3 years.”

The Grove City College Lacrosse Program, its players, officers and captains, parents and alumni all offer Coach Sandvig heartfelt thanks for his efforts to grow the lacrosse program at GCC these past 3 years.  They wish him the best as he enters his seminary program.

Exhaustive work has already begun to find a replacement for Coach Sandvig for the 2012 season.  All interested and qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to grovecitylacrosse@gmail.com.  Any level of lacrosse experience will be considered.

 

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Wolverines Drop Two at Home

By on April 8, 2011 in News

The Grove City men’s lacrosse team had their home opener, facing Briarcliffe and Davenport on the weekend of May 24th and 25th. Unfortunately the homecoming did not go as planned. Grove City was looking to bounce back after a 16-5 loss at Dayton the previous week, but on a frigid Friday night they were ice cold offensively and often looked lost defensively. The result was a 17-1 dismantling at the hands of  #4 ranked Briarcliffe.

The Wolverines started strong jumping out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Junior Attackman Kellen Quackenbush, but Briarcliffe responded with 17 straight unanswered goals. The Wolverines attack looked sluggish all night, failing to create dangerous movement or put themselves in positions to score goals. They also shotGrove City College Lacrosse Attacker Kellen Quackenbush Dodges Against Davenport themselves in the foot by throwing the ball away and dropping easy passes. On the other end, senior goalie Andrew Dymski found himself being shot on from point blank range as Briarcliffe found ways to get themselves open on the crease all night.

The team experienced little more success the following day against Davenport. Quackenbush again started all scoring to spot the Wolverines a 1-0 lead. Davenport quickly responded and to tie the score. After 5 goals on un-releasable penalties by Bill Sigmund and Andrew Dymski, the Wolverines faced another sizeable deficit. Tim Irwin scored to cut the lead to 6-2 at halftime, but the lead proved to be too much as Davenport cruised in the second half to a 14-3 victory.

“Obviously, our results this past weekend weren’t what we were expecting.  We didn’t play anywhere near our potential, and we didn’t play as a team and as a family,” said defender and team Vice President Bill Sigmund. “I think our problems stem from work ethic, focus, drive, heart, and attention to detail,”

With only 5 games remaining the Wolverines have to address these problems quickly if they want to salvage their season.

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Grove City Lacrosse Kicks-off Season at Pitt

By on February 16, 2011 in News

Grove City College Lacrosse prepares to face Pitt on Friday, February 18th, 2011 @ 8:00PMThe Grove City Men’s Lacrosse team opens regular season action at Pittsburgh University this Friday night February, 18th.  The opening face-off is scheduled for 8:15 pm.  The game will be a strong opening test for the Wolverines who are looking to improve on their MCLA-DII Quarterfinal finish at the National tournament last March.

The Pitt Panthers, led by head coach Sean Buzzard, are a competitive MCLA Division I team which competes in the CCLA. They are looking to improve on a  5-10 finish in 2010, and avenge last year’s loss to Grove City.  The Panther’s revamped offense features Tyler Novotny, a sophomore transfer student who spent last season at St. John’s where he registered 13 points as a freshman.  To neutralize Pitt’s potent offense, the Wolverines will need a strong team effort from a defensive unit led by senior All- American goalkeeper Andrew Dymski, and returning starters Bill Sigmund and Jordan Markley.

With the preseason training runs and lifting sessions behind them, the time to prepare is over.  On Friday night the quest to return to the MCLA National Tournament begins.

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Grove City Lacrosse Alumni Game a Big Hit

By on February 14, 2011 in News

Grove City, PA – On Saturday night, October 9th, the current Grove City lacrosse team faced off against players from the past in the annual Grove City Lacrosse Alumni Game, capping a beautiful Homecoming day.

Grove City Lacrosse Wolverines Alumni and Current Players at the 2010 Grove City College Lacrosse Alumni GameThe alumni were able to produce on offense consistently throughout the game due to contributions from both new and seasoned alumni, and prevailed 7-6.  Christopher Kellner and Joshua Hostetler, two players from last year’s National Tournament team, as well as Drew Wardlow and Evan Feinberg, past players, sparked much of the offense.

Defensively, a hard-hitting unit led by Pete Tooley held the offense of the current team in check.  Current midfielder Jon Althausen and Kellen Quackenbush led the offense for this year’s squad.  Mike Carnock and Andrew Williams also scored for the Grove City actives.  Jordan Markley played well defensively, in front of stone-wall senior captain goalkeeper Andrew Dymski.

After the game, Head Coach Mark Sandvig addressed both past and present players, speaking in regard to the team’s focus and direction for the coming year and near future.   Among other points, Sandvig talked about a desire to invest in a more active and involved alumni network.

Check out the video update from the game!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kLrNrmjD6c

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Grove City Lacrosse Releases 2011 Schedule

By on February 4, 2011 in News

Grove City, PA – The Grove City Wolverines have announced their official 2011 Season Schedule.  Included among the highly regard opponents on one of the most competitive schedules in MCLA D-II are Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, and the University of Dayton.  Each of these CCLA D-II programs reached the quarter-final round of the MCLA National Tournament in Denver, Colorado last May.

Grove City College Lacrosse Wolverine LogoIn addition to Dayton, GVSU, and Davenport, the Grove City Lacrosse schedule will include nationally ranked opponents Briarcliffe College, Missouri Baptist University and Tennessee Wesleyan College.  Grove City will also face divisional foes John Carroll, Carnegie Mellon, and Walsh University, as well as Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Pittsburgh, a Division I program, who will host Grove City to kick off the season on February 18th.

Grove City is continuing to build this year in pursuit of a National Championship after the Wolverines reached the National Tournament in 2010 for the first time in the program’s 17 year history.  Despite the loss of key contributors and the difficulty of the schedule, the team is optimistic about their chances in 2011.

Following the season opener at Pitt, Grove City will head to the Athletes in Action Sports Ministry Field in Xenia, Ohio on Friday, March 11th at 8:30 PM (EST) to take on Missouri Baptist, followed by a game with Tennessee Wesleyan at 11:30 AM the following morning.  A week later, March 19th, Grove City will return to Ohio to play divisional rival, Dayton in a 3:30 PM game.

The Wolverines will come home to play Briarcliffe College at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 25th on Grove City’s own Thorn Field.  The following day, Grove City will battle Davenport University at 3:00 PM, again on Thorn Field.  Next on the schedule will be a trip to Cleveland to face John Carroll University at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 30th, followed by a home game against Carnegie Mellon at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 2nd.

In another match-up of high-caliber, National Championship contenders, Grove City will host Grand Valley State University on Friday, April 8th at 7:00 PM.  The Wolverines will then play host to Southern Connecticut State University at 7:00 PM on Saturday, April 9th, and will close out the regular season with a home game against MCLA newcomer Walsh University on Wednesday, April 13th at 6:30 PM.

It will be an intense year for Grove City Lacrosse, and one in which the team will be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally.  A key determinant of Grove City’s success will be the ability to develop team chemistry while continuing to push each other to improve.  Follow the progress of the Wolverines right here at grovecitylacrosse.com.

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Grove City College Lacrosse Announces Pro Look Sports Sponsorship; Unveils 2011 Uniforms

By on December 2, 2010 in Events, News

Grove City, PA – The Grove City College Men’s Lacrosse team is pleased to announce a sponsorship with uniform supplier Pro Look Sports (Provo, Utah).  Through this sponsorship, Pro Look Sports becomes the official provider of uniforms for the Grove City College Men’s Lacrosse team.  Pro Look will provide the team with custom home and away jerseys sets and game shorts for the 2011 season, with plans to add an “Alternate” Jersey in 2012.

Pro Look Sports Official Logo“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Vice President Bill Sigmund, “Pro Look was incredibly helpful and accommodating to our specific requests, and their customization, quality, and customer service are second to none.  We can’t wait to see our new uniforms, and are looking forward to working with Pro Look in the future.”

“Pro Look Sports is excited to team up with Grove City Lacrosse,” said Jarem Nielsen, executive account manager at Pro Look, “We believe a great program like Grove City Lacrosse will prove itself a worthy recipient of the sponsorship we’ve extended. The hard work the team has put in, the high level of organization, and the success that they’ve had on the field already, as well as the many, many successes to come, all make us proud to have them wear the Pro Look brand and represent us!”

In 2011, Grove City College Lacrosse made the decision to return to traditional institution colors of Crimson and White.  These colors are used heavily in both the new home and away jerseys.  The white home jersey features three logos: the Wolverine, the MCLA logo, and the Grove City College shield.  The Wolverine, the unofficial club sports logo of Grove City College, is featured on the back of the jersey above the numbers.  The shield is placed in the center of the collar.  The MCLA logo is worn on the right shoulder.  The crimson shorts feature a white wide stripe, numbers, and the Wolverine logo.  Here are mock-ups of the new uniforms – check back for actual pictures once we get them in!

Grove City Lacrosse 2011 Home Uniform Mockups

Grove City Lacrosse 2011 Home Uniform Mockups

Grove City Lacrosse 2011 Away Uniform Mockups

Grove City Lacrosse 2011 Away Uniform Mockups

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Grove City College Lacrosse Returns to Campus

By on August 30, 2010 in News

Grove City Lacrosse Players Andrew Dymski and Ryan Herman speak with Jake Loosararian and Matt Rexrode at an informal throw around.Grove City, PA – The academic year is back in session at Grove City College and the Grove City Men’s Lacrosse Team is gearing up for the 2010-2011 year.  Around school grounds, returners and freshmen recruits are outside daily, sharpening stick stills and working out in preparation for another successful season.  After an appearance in the Quarterfinal Round of the MCLA D-II National Championship Tournament in Denver, Colorado in 2010, the Wolverines are hungry to return to the tournament and claim a National Championship.

Though formal team workouts haven’t begun yet, the team has been busy.  Coaches, captains, and officers have been diligently working to set the stage for the Wolverine Lacrosse program to continue to grow and improve in the coming year.  Among those eagerly anticipating the coming season is Senior Midfielder Gray MacKenzie, “I have been a part of this [Grove City Lacrosse] for three years now and each season has been a time of significant growth.  We have had a winning record in each year so it hasn’t been a rebuilding type of growth, it’s the result of a commitment to continuous improvement, to building an excellent program from the ground up.  From the schedule Coach Sandvig puts together and the on-field quality of the team to the organizational structure and the emergence of the program on the national scene, everything has improved incredibly and I’m excited to see it continue to grow.”

Check back here at www.grovecitylacrosse.com for more updates, and follow the program’s progress on Facebook and Twitter.

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