With a thrilling 12-10 victory over RIT, the Dickinson College Red Devils have made history by advancing to the NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse national championship game in Foxborough, Massachusetts, this weekend.
This milestone marks the first time the Red Devils will compete for a national title, reflecting a momentous achievement for the program. The team’s excitement is palpable, as players like Co-Captain Capp Reynolds expressed, “It was unbelievable. I couldn’t control my emotions. It still hasn’t kicked in yet that we have the chance to win a national championship. It’s been very special and surreal.”
Head Coach David Webster, who has been at the helm for 24 years, emphasized the collective effort of previous players who laid the groundwork for this success. “All those previous young men and teams helped create this. We have a lot of traditions that we have kept throughout those 24 years,” said Webster, highlighting the importance of legacy in building team spirit and culture.
The bonds forged among the 13 senior teammates have deepened during this journey, making their upcoming graduation even more meaningful. Due to the semi-final game coinciding with the college’s traditional graduation ceremony, Dickinson College made an unprecedented decision to host a special commencement for the lacrosse team, celebrating their academic and athletic achievements equally.
“I’ll remember it forever,” Reynolds said, reflecting on the unique opportunity to share this moment with his fellow seniors. Team Co-Captain Owen Porter echoed this sentiment, cherishing the memories they have created together.
Coach Webster praised the balance of academics and athletics at Dickinson College, stating, “This championship opportunity is not only big for our program, but also for the college.” The opportunity for the seniors to celebrate with their families and the college president made the event even more special.
As they prepare for the national championship game, the Red Devils remain focused on their goal. “There’s a chance for this group, which has won four straight conference titles, to cap their run with the biggest win of them all,” Coach Webster affirmed.
Players like Senior Co-Captain Ethan Gess are savoring each moment: “I’m just taking every last second that I have with them over this next week. It’s just a really special team, and I’m super glad to be a part of it my senior year.”
The Red Devils are not only aspiring to achieve new heights in their athletic journey but are also embodying the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and academic excellence that characterizes D3 athletics. With their historic run, they are poised to inspire future generations at Dickinson College and beyond.