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Lacrosse seniors look forward to future endeavors

By Ricky Paparo

On May 6, 2011

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All of us must part ways with Lyndon State at some time and for several lacrosse players the day has come where the Hornets must take the next step in their lives.

This can be awfully difficult for student athletes, as they part way with not just the college, but the program and teammates they were associated with. The camaraderie formed within a sports team is something that sticks with the individuals and is part of what shapes the person they become.

Lyndon State's lacrosse program says farewell to four seniors this year. Colin Blanchard, Alex Cerone, Keenan Chenail, and Chris Mansour make up the group of Lyndon's departing graduates.

Chris Mansour, originally from Mansfield, Massachusetts, led the team with 31 goals in his final season, ranking him 31st in the NAC. Mansour has been a dominant force in the program during his time at Lyndon, bringing size and talent to the squad.

Mansour reflected on his career at LSC and mentioned one specific memory.

"I think the first game at Mitchell stands out for me," said the senior enforcer. "It was my first game on the field since playing in high school. I didn't expect to play after high school, so it felt good to be on the field again."

Blanchard was new to the sport of lacrosse when he came to Lyndon, but he picked the sport up quickly. He remembers one game against Green Mountain that sticks out as one of his defining moments.

"I would have to say my first goal was pretty memorable," said Blanchard. "It was a fast break, I passed it to a teammate who then shot, I grabbed the rebound and put it in. It was a garbage goal, but it still felt good."

Mansour recalls another moment with the team that he described as "glorious".

"It was senior day this year, and the whole team had a breakdown at half." Mansour described. "We came back in the fourth quarter from eight goals behind to bring it to overtime."

Mansour contributed five goals in the final quarter, as well as the overtime winner, earning the team a playoff spot.

"It was one of the greatest comebacks I have ever witnessed," he elaborated. "We all just collectively got it together and did work."

After parting ways with the college, Blanchard plans to continue playing lacrosse in a men's league. He also hopes to put his Exercise Science degree to use, working in cardiac rehab, and possibly eventually working in a hospital with recovering patients.

As for Mansour, he also plans to continue playing lacrosse. He recently tested for his strength and conditioning certification, and plans to pursue a job in that field. Both mentioned the desire to coach lacrosse, starting with high school, and possibly going further.

Following their departure from the college and the athletics program, the soon to be graduates want to see the Lacrosse program evolve. Hopefully the future of Lyndon State lacrosse will consist of more experienced players pursuing the challenge of college level athletics.

Looking back on it all, Blanchard said "I enjoyed myself, I had fun every year."

Even though these seniors will not be playing lacrosse for Lyndon any more, this will not be their last time playing at the school. With fall comes the LSC lacrosse alumni game, where students and teammates, past and present, are reunited again on the same field. Hopefully the future will be bright for these Lyndon graduates, and the program they leave behind.