Dexter Lacrosse Players Sign Commitment to State Colleges

The halls of were buzzing last week, as six members of the school's lacrosse program signed letters of intent to play ball at the collegiate level for the 2012-2013 school year.

Seniors included Ian Wiesenberg and Andrew McDonagh, who will play for Guilford University in Greensboro, N.C.; Micheal Spuller, who will play for University of Detroit Mercy; Patrick Rogers, who will play for Hendrix University in Little Rock, Ark.; Hunter Hook, who signed with Liberty University in Lynchburg, V.A.; and Jacob Waldrup, who signed with Adrian College.

"Today is a very proud day for these boys and for me personally as a coach," Brian Callanan said. "This is a testament to why I coach. To watch these young men come into something that was unfamiliar to them, embrace it, and push themselves academically and athletically has been truly remarkable. Knowing that each of these students are going off to a college that is academically sound is the definition of coaching success."

Callanan launched the lacrosse program at DHS three years ago, and since then, the varsity boys' team has become a league powerhouse, finishing 16-1 this season. The sport has seen a surge in popularity, prompting Dexter to create a varsity girls' team and two teams at the middle school level this year.

Friday's signing ceremony was bittersweet for Callanan and many of the senior players.

"(The seniors) are a special bunch," Callanan said. "Three years ago they were skeptical nonbelievers and now we're ranked 10th in the state. I know they will be successful at the next level because they've seen what it takes both on and off the field."

Reflecting on his time in the lacrosse program, Hook said he feels privileged to work with Callanan and the rest of the DHS coaching staff.

"Coach Brian really helped me grow as a man," he said. "By playing lacrosse, I connected with people I would have never known. I made a lot of friends who wanted to see me succeed."

Rogers said lacrosse provided valuable time management skills.

"It taught me how to apply myself in the classroom and on the field. It also provided a gateway to a great college opportunity, and for that I am eternally grateful," he said. "Coach Brian has been an incredible force. He whipped us into shape and made us all better players and people."

Superintendent Mary Marshall congratulated the students on their accomplishment, saying, "Be the best you can be and the rewards will come to you."

Callanan said finishing the 2011-2012 season with a near flawless record is impressive.

"These young men exemplify our team motto: 'Never settle for mediocrity. Be the one.' These young men have truly set the bar high for those to follow; I am extremely proud of them. For me it's never been about wins and losses, it's always been about helping young men to believe in themselves and believe that they can accomplish anything they set their minds too," he said.