Despite unfavorable odds, the UVU men’s lacrosse team is hopeful the team will be able to compete in the upcoming 2013 season. Newly named Head Coach Nicholas Cloward remains upbeat despite the challenges that lay ahead of him.

Running an MCLA program is hard enough to do when the team is in good standing, but the Wolverines have found themselves in a sticky spot.

According to Cloward, after the 2011 season, the team was left with a $5,000 debt to UVU. Through careful financial management, the team lowered the debt to $3,000 after the 2012 season. After former Head Coach Dave Williams resigned for unknown reasons, former UVU Head Coach Kevin Perkins rejoined the team, looking to pay off the debt and become a contender in the MCLA once again. However, according to Cloward, Coach Perkins went to the Vice President of UVU with a proposal that would satisfy the debt and provide the UVU lacrosse team with the support it needed from the school to continue to be successful but the Vice President wouldn’t agree to the proposal. According to Cloward, just three days before the RMLC Fall Meeting, Coach Perkins brought the team together and told them his decision to leave UVU and look for opportunities to coach/play elsewhere where the school would better support the team.

“There were many sad faces that day, but several of the players want to continue the program,” said Cloward. “I told them I would take the head coaching spot, provided we can come up with the funds to make the program work, and provided we weren’t in too big of trouble with the MCLA.”

Since this happened right before the RMLC meetings, UVU was unable to send a representative, which results in probation according to the RMLC by-laws. The probation means UVU will not be post-season eligible for the 2013 season.

“We can still pay and play up until November 1st, with a $400 penalty,” said Cloward. “So we have less than a month to pay off the school ($3000) and the league dues ($3900 come Nov 1st). It will be very difficult to raise $6900 in less than four weeks.”

Cloward is confident the money can be raised and the team will continue to compete.

“As long as we have support, at least from the community in terms of donations and sponsorships, and we have enough players to actually field a team, we will keep UVU lacrosse alive, but we need help,” said Cloward.

If you are interested in donating or sponsoring the team, please email Nicholas Cloward

Coach Perkins and Coach Williams could not be reached for comment.