GEORGETOWN, Texas - Southwestern men's lacrosse may be just in its fifth year as a varsity sport, but it has an illustrious history as a club team made even richer by the play of Andrew Webb '09 who passed away this week.
Webb was honored in an article posted on the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) website, speaking to his character in addition to his athletic prowess and is quoted below. The Pirates will be remembering Webb and his contribution by donning a "W" on the back of their helmets this season. SU opens the year at home on February 8th against Hendrix at noon.
Our Lefty Andrew Webb
In December 2013, the Lone Star Alliance named the Offensive Player of the Year Award after Andrew Webb. In addition, the LSA made a donation on behalf of Andrew to the HEADstrong Foundation. This morning he passed away.
In 2008, #10 Southwestern University was matched up against #7 Ft. Lewis College in the first round of the MCLA D2 National Championship. In that contest, Andrew scored seven goals to lead the underdog Pirates to at 12-8 victory over the Skyhawks.
"Andrew Webb was the type of player that performed best when his team needed someone to step up. He was Southwestern's go to guy when the pressure was on," said Texas A&M Head Coach Tony Scazzero. "I watched him play in several MCLA National Tournament games where he single handedly gave his team a victory through his performance on the field. It takes a special person to play his best when the team needs it."
The following year, Southwestern returned to the National Championship in Denver, CO. During the game, Andrew struggled with headaches. He went to a hospital in Denver where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Southwestern University Head Coach and good friend Bill Bowman responded to his passing by saying, "Andrew always had a smile no matter what the situation on or off the field. There was not a single person that he did not connect with in some way. Opposing teams knew him, and on our team, he made everyone comfortable. He truly loved the game of lacrosse and each time he was on the field, played like it was the last time he was going to get to do it. He had a way of making you feel at ease, like everything was going to be ok."
Coach Bowman continued, "He touched so many lives, and some of my best memories are of him on the field, doing what he did best, playing the game the way it was meant to be played, and making everyone on the field better no matter what side you played for."
