On March 13, the men’s lacrosse team was discontinued by Asbury’s Athletic Department. According to the official statement on the Eagles website, the “administration came to the decision after conducting a thorough review and evaluation of the program, including: the ability to field a competitive team, recruiting, scheduling, coaching, budget, conference membership, and alignment with the mission of the institution.”
“Asbury is committed to honoring the scholarships of all current team members through their scheduled graduation,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mark Whitworth said. “The Athletic Department and Student Development staff stand ready to assist our students through this transition.”
The Athletic Department has declined making any further comment.
The news came as a huge blow to the members of the team, who typically practiced two hours a day, six days a week, to improve throughout the season. According to sophomore Grant Alsbrooks, there was a lot of frustration in the locker room when they found out.
“A lot of people were blindsided,” said Alsbrooks. “We knew that the program was starting to go downhill, but I don’t think any of us thought that it was going to get canceled midseason like that.”
Alsbrooks was one of several players on the roster who were completely new to the sport when they joined. He said that while it took him a little bit of time to learn, the men on the team were supportive of him.
“They helped me to grow as a player and as a person,” said Alsbrooks. “I made some brothers and some really great friends on the team. I really enjoyed having that time with them.”
The team had two seniors, James Merrill and Alex Coile. Both had been playing for the Eagles since their freshman year.
“My Asbury lacrosse experience has been great,” Coile said. “It has given me a chance to grow closer with the guys around me and the opportunity to share the love and grace of God on the field. What I will remember most about this team is the friendships that I have made. I will forever be grateful for this program and the opportunities it has granted me.”
This decision drops the number of Asbury’s intercollegiate athletic programs to 17 and leaves the former players with a decision to make between staying at Asbury or transferring and continuing to play.
“I’m not invested enough in this sport to transfer,” said Alsbrooks. “There’s so many other things at Asbury that I’m connected to.”