Spring sports seniors enjoy last go around at Norwich

By Jeff Lysaght
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

As the bus pulled out of the Ft. Pierce memorial park, Jason Homiak, a 22-year-old senior baseball captain and engineering major from Newmarket, NH, felt a pit in his stomach. This pit feeling was not from the five losses, but it was the fact that this would be the last time he would see the field.

"It didn't really set in until after that final game, when we were pulling out of the complex. That's when I felt that after four years, my playing days in Florida were done. You have to get over it fast, because there is still a season to play," said Homaik.

This same felling was being felt throughout the state of Florida, where three of the Norwich spring sports teams were playing.

"It was difficult losing and knowing that this was going to be the way I would have to leave Florida," said Jen Mangum, a 21-year-old senior softball captain and a sports medicine major from Albany, NY.

"It's weird, because even though you still have a season to play here at Norwich, the season seems so much faster because you play so many games in a row due to the weather cancelations, so this is why playing down there (Florida) is so memorable," said Bryan Beers, a 24-year-old senior lacrosse player and a business major from South Burlington, VT.

For many seniors, playing a spring sport can really have an impact on their last semester at Norwich.

"It's difficult, because many of your friends that are graduating also are parting and starting to let loose, but as a player you know you have to stay focused, and you want to win," said Geoff Regan, a 23-year-old senior lacrosse captain and sports medicine major from Avon, Conn.

"You are on the road most of the season because of the weather. That makes you miss out on all the end of the year celebrations. But this is the price you pay when you decide to play a spring sport, and it gives you even more incentive to win," said Steve Hare, a 22-year-old senior baseball player and communications major from Stillwater, NY.

For most seniors, the idea of knowing that this is the last time they will compete in a collegiate sport "leaves an emptiness inside. I played football here, too, and knowing I would still be playing a sport in May," said Eric Lewandoski, a 23-year-old senior baseball player and history major from Bristol, Conn.

Despite all the sacrifices spring sport athletes must endure to play here at Norwich, there is still a sense of pride in playing a spring sport.

"I have seen many athletes come and go. The senior spring athletes face the hardest times with all the pressure they must face on and off the field. Yet they all seem to love what they are doing and take pride in playing," said Dana Bean, the head equipment manager.

This loss of leaving isn't only felt by the senior players; the coaches of the spring sports grow very close to the players.

"I have the players that I have in both football and baseball. You grow closer with these players in the spring. It's hard to see them go," said Head Baseball Coach Bill Barrale.

Through it all, senior spring sport athletes understand the responsibilities and what it takes to play a spring sport here at Norwich.

"I wouldn't give it up for anything. Being able to go out there one more time, knowing you're going to be working a job next year, makes you work even harder for that win," said James Blume, a 22-year-old senior lacrosse captain and engineering major from Hampden, Mass.

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