2022 Men's Lacrosse Season Supsended Indefinitely

IRVING, Texas - As of this afternoon, the University of Dallas men's lacrosse team made the difficult decision to suspend the remainder of the 2022 season.

What began as a promising season with the program's first win since 2019, a 14-11 victory against Huntingdon College in the season opener on February 12, quickly turned into something that was unsustainable.  The Crusaders' victory over the Hawks was stunning, not just because it had been nearly three years since Dallas had won a game, or because freshman Nico Hoffheins won Attacker of the Week with a stellar six goal, four assist performance, but because they took on a 30-man roster with just two substitutes of their own.  An already light roster was struck a demoralizing blow in that first week, as a number of players fell victim to either illness or injury.  The second match of the season against Whittier College was cancelled as a result.

With nearly three full weeks to recover following the season opener, thanks to a weather cancellation of their game against Hendrix, the Crusaders had just enough men to take the field against Calvin on March 3rd.  The ensuing 23-0 defeat served as something of a wake-up call; not that the Crusaders didn't have the ability, but that they simply don't have the manpower.  After internal discussions and conversations with the Athletics Administration, the decision has been made to end the season out of concern for the health and safety of the players.  

"This is never something you want to see happen to a team," said Athletic Director Jarred Samples.  "But our job, first and foremost, is to ensure that our student-athletes are able to have as healthy and safe experience as possible.  If that is not possible, we cannot in good conscience continue to move forward with the season.  It is with a very heavy heart that we have come to this decision, but we feel it is the correct decision and the only way we can ensure the health and safety of our men's lacrosse student-athletes."

The cancellation of the season is effective immediately; tomorrow's scheduled match vs Centenary will no longer take place.  The Crusaders will end their season with a 1-2 overall record.