t h g u In The Net Ca
Kaleb Rodes ’12 has never touched a lacrosse stick in his entire life. Yet he is being thrown in as the most difficult position on his very first day of practice. When Adam Rusinowski ’13, Collin Peters ’13, and Ryan Basel ’13 convinced Kaleb to play lacrosse, he expected to play midfield and ride the bench most of the year. However, Kaleb was thrown in net facing nine ounces of galvanized rubber flying upwards of eighty miles an hour. These shots fly straight at Kaleb’s unprotected arms and legs, and it’s his job to stop them. “I expected to be absolutely terrible because I had never touched a lacrosse stick before.” says Kaleb. “At first I expected to play midfield because I had played hockey and had been a forward. After that first practice however, I was really
excited to play goalie and I felt that was what I wanted to play.” When kaleb realized he was going to be a starter his first season, he felt like an absolute idiot for volunteering. “I was really afraid of the ball. I was extremely scared of getting hit.”
by Jake Monette
said Kaleb. Kaleb Started off his season as the starting goalie during West’s opening bout against Central. The Bucs lost sixteen to four. Kaleb had 14 saves. After the game, Kaleb felt that he had let the whole team down, “My teammates really helped me realize that it’s a team effort and we win and lose as a team.” said Kaleb. “I feel much more comfortable in the net, and I’m less afraid of the ball now.” said Kaleb. The bruises covering his shins stand as proof of that. As a new player to the game, Kaleb said, “Kids interested in playing goalie should definitely go out and practice for next season if they really want to play. I takes hard work and nerve to play goalie at the high school level. And remember to always respect your coaches and support your teammates.”
Background: The bucks break down before a game against Cadillac. Left: Kaleb Rodes ‘12 takes the ball on a clear.