410 Forum — Sports

New Coach Brings Responsibility, Positive Change

By Rebecca Skeim

Leadership.

The snow falls steadily onto the artificial grass field and the temperature hits a high of 29 degrees as the University of Northern Colorado men’s lacrosse team completes a warm-up jog.

The February Rocky Mountain air has every spectator in winter coats, many with hats and gloves. The first game of the season is set to begin in nine minutes.

Behind the group of gold and blue players stands David Wakefield. Dressed in UNC attire, stop watch in hand, he reviews the play book one last time in preparation for the game.

He leads the group to the sideline, pointing and explaining who will play in each position and sending out his last messages of expectation before the whistle blows.

Often it is the silent force behind the scenes that fuels the team. Wakefield, the man on the sideline, and his coaching skills will be tested throughout the 2009 season. He must balance the responsibility of leadership, commitment, training and dedication.

Commitment.

Despite never coaching or even playing lacrosse, Wakefield volunteered when the need for a coach arose this season at UNC. After watching his son, Tyler Wakefield, play on the team last year, he said he was motivated to take the position when the previous coaches did not return.

He said that he saw 23 men who needed help in order to have a productive and successful season.

“What they lacked last year was discipline, dedication and commitment as a team,” Wakefield said.

He has coached baseball for 13 years and said he sees a significant overlap in the requirements of coaching any competitive sport.

Gus Bridges is in his fourth and final year playing for UNC and said he notices Wakefield’s devotion.

“Coach had us ensure our school schedule worked with the practice schedule,” Bridges said. “He is putting just as much effort in as the players, he doesn’t just sit around, he really cares.”

Training.

Wakefield began the season with practices the first week in January, earlier than usual, and focused on conditioning. The team practices five nights a week for two hours, rain or shine.

“When we first started practicing there were about four to six people puking each night,” Wakefield said.

Having three sons who are all active in sports, he said he understands that getting in shape is crucial. Wakefield said the men have improved significantly, and the daily mile-long runs have helped their endurance.

Dedication.

“In all sports athletes must train hard, and it takes a dedicated coach to get the best out of each and every player,” said Brendan Dwyer, a UNC sports administration doctoral student, who has also played lacrosse. “It seems like Wakefield has the right focus for the team.”

Wakefield said he has a lot of faith in the men this year, and he will use a strict practice schedule to ensure every game ends in a win.

“I will bring to the team the structure and discipline that is needed. It does take a lot of time, but it will be worth it in the end,” Wakefield said. “This group has a lot of talent. We should have great results.”

After finishing with seven wins and five losses last season and an overall ranking of fourth in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference Division II, the team must work hard to maintain its standing this year.

The snow ceases a few minutes before the horn echoes, indicating the end of the game. The players jog together into one giant huddle of sweat and mesh on the visitors sideline surrounding Wakefield.

A loss is recorded in the record book. From the middle of the cluster Wakefield’s voice can be heard, speaking encouraging words aimed at the remainder of the season.

UNC Men’s Lacrosse 2009 Results Record: 12-0
Result	Opponent	Date	Location
22-0	Dordt College	March 7	Lincoln, Neb.
20-11	Nebraska	March 8	Lincoln, Neb.
24-1	Regis University	March 11	Greeley
19-4	Minnesota State	March 14	Denver
17-4	North Dakota State	March 16	Greeley
2800	Western State	March 28	Greeley
15-9	Utah Valley	April 4	Flagstaff, Ariz.
12-6	Northern Arizona	April 5	Flagstaff, Ariz.
18-13	Metro State	April 11	Denver
12-10	Montana State	April 18	Greeley
17-9	Fort Lewis	April 24	Greeley
12-3	Creighton	April 25	Greeley
Source: Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Web site

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