Editor’s Note: Welcome to our NAIA lacrosse season-in-review series. Each day for the next month or so, we will be recapping last year’s NAIA lacrosse season in advance for the 2020 season. Today, we are looking at last year’s newcomer Taylor University out of the WHAC.
2019 Taylor University Review
After a 3-6 record — once the forfeit wins are removed — that included impressive wins against NAIA lacrosse conference opponents University of Michigan-Dearborn and Concordia, things are looking up for the Trojans. However, then the head coach leaves after the team’s first season and now things have gotten interesting.
Key Losses
Josiah Peterson (27 goals, 8 assists) and Tyler Gerig (37 goals, 8 assists) were two of the top three scorers and they will definitely be missed.
2020 Taylor University Outlook
Taylor University will be lead by new head coach Chad Newhard. I can’t speak for him personally, and it appears he has never coached lacrosse in his life, having spent a majority of his life coaching baseball. It makes you wonder, does Taylor University care about lacrosse? Grant Gerig and Ian McClain return to anchor the offense, with Teegan Heiniger a strength at the faceoff X (53% faceoff winning percentage) and Kyle Mongoven returning in net.
Way Too Early Prediction
The WHAC is full of strong rosters led by experienced coaches, can Taylor University build off of a strong first season and remain competitive? I think it will finish 7th in the WHAC in its second year.
Team Info: athletics.taylor.edu
