Eric Brod
Senior Writer
In the midst of just his second season as a member of the men’s lacrosse team, attackman Todd Heritage ’14 is already well on his way to establishing himself as one of the most complete players in program history. Just 10 games into the season, Heritage has a team-leading 28 goals while registering seven assists, giving him 35 points on the season.
With the Orange and Blue getting off to a slow 0-3 start in a season full of high expectations, Heritage’s recent strong play has been a major factor in the team’s seven straight victories to improve their record to 7-3 and 2-0 in league play.
“His greatest improvements can be seen in his strength and his off hand,” head coach Frank Fedorjaka said. “Todd is a natural lefty, and he has improved his stick skills with his RH and his shooting. He is one of the more accurate shooters in the country and he is now doing it with his RH as well. On top of that, he has improved his catching. He is always had unbelievable hand/eye coordination but I can’t believe some of the bad passes that he catches and turns into goals. He is amazing.”
Some of his most notable performances this year include his eight-goal outburst in the Bison’s 14-10 victory over Hobart for the team’s second win of the season and his three-goal, three-assist performance against league rival Lafayette that resulted in a 17-6 victory. While Orange and Blue fans know what Heritage brings to the team on the field, it is his leadership both on and off the field that may be most impressive as the season has progressed.
Heritage describes how his role has evolved on the team.
“This being my second year has helped me to learn the ropes much better,” Heritage said. “ I try as hard as possible to make sure I am setting good examples for my teammates and helping them out whenever I can and however I can, whether it be on or off of the field.”
As the team has continued moving up the national rankings, Heritage knows how important his role is to keep the team moving toward its goal of winning another Patriot League Championship.
“We have to keep playing both mentally and physically tough. We have done that the last six games that we have won and it is something we pride ourselves on he says. Every pre-game scouting report revolves around playing a perfect 60-minute game, and we know that it starts first when preparing in practice,” Heritage said.
After knocking off No. 18 Penn State on March 27, Heritage and the rest of the Bison squad now look to extend their winning streak against Holy Cross tomorrow.