When the Nittany Lions open the 2013 season on Feb. 9 at Michigan, two players will be in new strong leadership roles.
Fifth-year senior Travis Crane, and sixth-year senior Jack Forster will be the team captains for the 2013 season, after being selected as such by teammates and coaches. The team learned of the vote before Thanksgiving.
Forster, who has spent all five years in Happy Valley, was honored that he was voted captain.
"It's a great honor. To represent our team as captains, we really appreciate [our peers and coaches] voting for us, and we're excited to lead the team this season," Forster said.
Crane said that it "says a lot about the support they have [together] behind both coaches and teammates."
Both captains have lofty goals for the 2013 season. Crane said that he hopes that the team can "Improve each day, make the NCAA tournament of course, and do the best we can possibly do." He added, "it's a long season, but short in the end."
Penn State was recently ranked 15th nationally by Inside Lacrosse's Face-Off Preseason Yearbook.
"We don't look too much into rankings," said Crane. "Every team is 0-0 to start the season...Our first test is against Michigan in February."
Crane spent time at three other schools in Maryland, including University of Maryland, University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Essex Community College. This will be his second year at Penn State.
Crane said there are certainly differences between Penn State and his previous schools.
"The investment is much greater in me here at a personal level," said Crane.
Forster, who has had multiple knee injuries in the past, is not concerned about injuries going forward.
"I think about the hard work I put in, [and not about injuries]," Forster said. "Getting back to playing after the surgeries means a lot."
Both captains are bracing for their new roles both on and off the field as leaders of the team. Forster said they would be sure to assume more of a leadership role.
"It's a six-year end of a run for me and Travis," he said. "We will try to lead the guys as best as we can."
Crane echoed Forster's sentiments.
"Our duty is to trust them and for them to follow us into battle," Crane said.
