Lacrosse Amidst “Helene”
A Conversation with Player Max Charles
Jake Navarro | November 20, 2024
American Colleges and Sports
Sports teams form an integral part of the American college experience. Whether it is active participation or enthusiastic spectating, sports teams bring students together and foster a shared sense of pride. Above all, college sports are a phenomenon I have grown to love. Combined with being an exchange student unfamiliar with many kinds of American sports, exploring the scene at Warren Wilson College (WWC) became an intriguing endeavor and an opportunity to experience American college. What better way to do this than learning about the sport I have never heard of?
Lacrosse holds a special place in North American history as the continent's oldest team sport. Originating in the early 17th century among Native American communities, it was once a cultural centerpiece, with traditional games spanning several days. Traditional lacrosse games were even semi-major events lasting several days. This undoubtedly attests to the rich history lacrosse boasts. While lacrosse has gained global popularity, its deep cultural roots remain uniquely tied to North America.
To delve into the sport, I sat down with Max Charles, a member of the men’s lacrosse team to discuss the sport, the team and how they have navigated past the recent challenging hurricane period.
What Does a Lacrosse Game Look Like?
Charles explained that each team fields 10 players during a game. The objective of lacrosse is simple: score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball into their goal. Players must rely solely on their lacrosse sticks to carry, pass, catch, scoop or shoot the ball—hands and feet are strictly off-limits.
The game begins with a face-off, where two players compete to gain initial possession of the ball. A unique feature is the crease, a circular area around the goal where only the goalie’s team can enter. Any violation of this rule results in possession being handed to the other team.
Training and Off-Season Routine
Charles explained how, during the season, the team practices from Monday to Saturday with matches typically scheduled on weekends. The official league starts in February and extends till the end of April.
As lacrosse is primarily a spring sport, there is an off-season period called “fall ball.” During the off-season, practice is scaled back to two weekly practices, supplemented by conditioning and weightlifting sessions.
Collective and Personal Ambitions
The lacrosse team at WWC is steadily growing, both in numbers and in its ambitions. Charles described the team as a tight-knit group dedicated to pushing their limits each season. This year, their focus extended beyond individual performance to building an even stronger team dynamic.
For Charles, this season presented an opportunity for personal growth in the sport. He dedicated himself to refining his stick-handling techniques, a skill that enhances precision and control. In addition, he worked at “wall ball drills,” where the player stands away from a solid wall, throwing the ball against it and catching the rebound.
Impact of Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene struck at the start of fall, it significantly disrupted the team’s practice schedule—a frustrating setback for Charles and his teammates.
“Losing regular practice sessions also added to the difficulty of the Hurricane experience,” Charles said.
However, the team was fortunate enough not to miss any official league games. To make up for lost time, the team increased their practice frequency to daily sessions after conditions improved.
Silver Linings and Recommendations
Despite the challenges, the hurricane brought with it unexpected positives.
“Surprisingly, it’s had a positive effect,” Charles said. “We’ve become closer as a group and support each other much more.”
Charles viewed the hurricane as a chance to regroup and refocus, using the unexpected downtime to recharge both mentally and physically. On a personal level, Charles took it as an opportunity to cultivate resilience and adaptability - skills that extend beyond sports.
For WWC, Charles suggested that the college could consider more robust support for team sports, particularly for nutrition and wellness.
What is the Team Currently Doing? What is Next?
Currently, the men’s lacrosse team is on a break but remains connected through Groupme, where they share updates and keep in touch. Many players, including Charles, follow individualized fitness programs to maintain their conditioning ahead of training in January.
Looking ahead, Charles is eager to return to his routine, reconnect with teammates and build momentum for the upcoming season. With high hopes for a successful year, he is ready to join the team’s collective determination into future achievements.