Sports Editor Graham Zimmerman recently spoke with men’s lacrosse midfielder Matt Pullara ë11. Wooster just opened its season with a 9-2 victory over the Aurora University Spartans at John P. Papp Stadium on Sunday.
GZ: This is a new season with a new head coach. How have the new coaches changed the team’s philosophy and style of play?
MP: We’re super excited to have Coach Festa and Coach Glass. The youthful enthusiasm they bring is a huge improvement. They have an open-door policy that has helped grow a new respect. On the field we have switched to a run-and-gun philosophy. We’re trying to play up-tempo lacrosse, but at the same time under control.
GZ: Due to the lack of game experience with the new staff, many analysts and coaches nationwide don’t expect much from Wooster this spring. Are you playing with a chip on your shoulder?
MP: Yeah, absolutely. I think everyone on our team has a chip on his shoulder. Especially the guys who haven’t gotten a chance to prove themselves. But I think what we lack in experience we will make up for in enthusiasm and intensity.
GZ: How have the nine seniors on the team helped the first-years and underclassmen evolve to the faster, more physical college style of play?
MP: We’ve done it two ways. We’ve talked to them and helped show them the ropes of playing in college. When that doesn’t work we show them with our play, running them over, knocking them down and taking them to the cage.
GZ: The team is gearing up for a grueling spring break that includes six games in 13 days. How is the team preparing for the competition out in the east?
MP: Trying to get in shape is number one. The key for our team right now is to win the fundamental stats: groundball battles, high shooting percentage, limited turnovers, and clearing the ball. We’re gonna need to play with confidence.
GZ: You are not only the team’s leading face-off specialist, but also the lynchpin of the offense. Have you needed to change your play with the graduation of four of the top five scorers from last year?
MP: I have to look to feed more. This year, getting the top defenseman guarding me, I try and draw the slide sooner. But at the same time I still have to shoot. I’ve focused more on shooting from the outside of the restraining box.
GZ: I’ve heard rumors that the team is getting very good at plowing the field. How do you like having to shovel snow instead of practicing?
MP: It’s rough that the grounds crew doesn’t give us their full support. But, we’re getting really nice glutes and hamstrings.
GZ: The NCAC is projected be very strong this year. What are your team’s conference goals and biggest games?
MP: Conference goals, every year is to win the conference. Wittenberg, OWU and Denison are huge games, huge games that we can win.†