SMU lacrosse won its first playoff game Saturday and was two wins away from going to nationals. On Monday the team was disqualified from the Final Four tournament.
Much to the dismay of the coaches, the team discovered a mistake that cost them the playoff spot.
According to the MCLA bylaws, each team must submit player eligibility reports at the beginning of the season and again before playoffs. Each player must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours.
A freshman player enrolled in 13 hours was unaware that his wellness class only counted for one hour. When he dropped a three-hour class, he assumed he’d still have 12 hours, but in actuality that number was 10.
“It was an honest mistake,” said head coach Tom Greene.
The Mustangs were forced to forfeit the two conference games the freshman participated in including the March 3 game against Oklahoma State and a game against the University of North Texas on April 19.
Usually, teams that falsify the required reports are put on probation for at least a year. Because the Mustangs were forthcoming with the information, the MCLA waved the probationary year and the team will have a fresh start next season.
Teams in the past have tried to cover up their mistakes, said defensive coach Chip Hiemenz, “but this program values integrity.”
Greene agreed, stating he was not in favor of compromising the honesty and integrity of the program or the university.
“I’m really proud of the way Tom handled it,” said Hiemenz.
Greene broke the news to the players at a team meeting Monday evening. While disappointed, the team left on a positive note and players were pumped about next year, said Greene.
The Mustangs finished the season with an 11-3 record – their best thus far, and both coaches agree they have a lot to build on next year.
“We’ve already accomplished so much,” said team president Kimble Ratliff, who doesn’t consider the dismissal from the Final Four to be a huge blow to the season in lieu of the fact the Mustangs were not suspended.
“The worst part of the entire scenario is the seniors won’t have any closure to their year. It was taken away from them by no fault of their own,” said Ratliff.
Greene worked with the athletic department earlier this year to bring the finals to Ford Stadium, so the team was disappointed when it found out it was disqualified.
“To end the season this way is kind of disappointing considering we beat UNT by one goal on Saturday to advance to the Final Four,” said senior midfielder James McKenzie.
The Mustangs have a strong freshman class joining the team next season. The current freshmen and sophomores will have a good year of play under their belt, said Hiemenz.
The team is graduating five seniors including midfielders McKenzie and John Stewart, co-captains Chris Best and Ryan Walsh, and team president Ratliff.
Sophomore Jon Daugherty is set to replace Ratliff as president and will should make a full recovery before next season, according to Hiemenz. Daugherty injured his knee during the game against Stanford on March 24.
