Wittenberg University is proud to announce the four outstanding Team Leaders of the men's lacrosse team. Four Wittenberg standouts will represent the Tiger men's lacrosse program as team captains for the 2019 season.
Tony LeBarge, Jack Wolfe, and Lucas Klever will be team leaders for the second year in a row, while Matthew Welch was elected for the first time.
Wolfe is from Detroit, MI ready to begin his senior season. He spent the 2019 season as one of the top defensive players causing 12 turnovers for the Red and White. He saw action in all-15 games last year, finishing with 30 ground balls. As a freshman during the 2017 season, Wolfe earned All-NCAC (Honorable Mention).
"I am incredibly proud of our team and thankful for the chance to represent them as a team leader. I know the quality of men on our team, and it humbles me to know I was voted to be a team leader," Wolfe said.
LeBarge out of Cincinnati, OH is about to begin his senior season as well. He was one of the Tiger's top defensive players and proved to be especially dangerous in groundballs. He saw action in all-15 games last year, finishing with All-NCAC (Second Team) the past three years. He proved to be a crucial part of the Tiger defense leading with 99 ground balls and 52 caused turnovers.
"Being a team leader, as I've transitioned into my senior year, has taken on a new meaning. This year I have come to the realization that all I want to do is leave something better than I found it and pass along the knowledge and love of the game to those who are younger than myself," LeBarge said.
Senior Welch is an attackman from Zionsville, IN. He saw action in 14 games, posting 21 goals last season. He is a leading attackman who also finished with 26 ground balls. Welch shows his leadership by being hardworking, motivated and enthusiastic on and off the field.
"Being team leader of a group of guys who works as hard and has as much dedication as this team is truly humbling," Welch said.
Klever is a returning junior from Cincinnati, OH and is a midfielder for the Tigers. Klever had an enormous impact on the team as a sophomore with his vocal presence. He enters this season after having 6 caused turnovers and 14 ground balls. He found the back of the net with 10 goals following with 15 assists in the 2019 season. As a leading attackman, he was awarded All-NCAC (Honorable Mention) in the 2018 season.
"Being selected as a team leader means a lot to me. It's a great feeling knowing that your teammates and coaches believe in your ability to help lead the team in the right direction. I look forward to the opportunity and the season that lies ahead," Klever said.
The selected leaders along with the rest of the Tigers will take the Field Feb 15th in their first game of the season against Centre College at Edwards-Maurer Field.