JACKSON- The Millsaps Majors men's lacrosse team announced their four team captains for the 2014 season, with four seniors getting the honor.
First-year head coach John Hoeffler gave the captaincy to defender Kirk Clark, midfielder Ryan McKay, defender Julien Speyer and attacker Hunter Stevison.
"These four seniors in particular have shown tremendous growth and leadership in the past five months that I have been here," Coach Hoeffler said. "Their hard work both in the classroom, on and off the field are exemplary attitudes and essentially role models I want our younger guys to emulate moving forward. In trying to continue to build this program and bring us to the next level, I could not be more fortunate and proud to have selected Kirk, Ryan, Julien and Hunter as captains for our 2014 campaign."
With the 2014 season fast approaching, the captains are excited for this next chapter in Millsaps Lacrosse.
"Everyone this year, especially the seniors, seems much more focused than past years," Julien Speyer said. "Coach Hoeffler has brought a new identity that has us ready to succeed in 2014."
The four seniors understand the expectations bestowed upon a team captain as each will enter their second season wearing the "C" for the Majors.
"It is truly an honor to be named a captain along side Hunter, Julien and Kirk," Ryan McKay said. "Coach Hoeffler has instilled a new mindset for everyone on the team, and continues to push us to the next level. As captains, it is our job to carry that out on and off the field."
The seven senior on the Millsaps roster have a unique distinction and will be the first graduating class of a lacrosse program that is going into its fourth year. With a strong senior presence, expectations are high in Jackson.
"As a senior captain, I look to end my college career on a high note while leaving the lacrosse team better than when I joined as a freshman," Kirk Clark said.
"We have gone through some growing pains in the past but hard work has put us in a position to do some special things this year," added Hunter Stevison. "The team has done a good job of putting in the work and holding each other accountable this season."
The Majors will begin their 2014 season this Saturday in Jackson as they face LSU in an exhibition contest at Harper Davis Field. Face-off is set for 2pm and live stats and streaming will be available free of charge.