With the seasons changing and the semester nearing its end, a group of men take this time of the year
to continue what they thought they finished in high school.
Buffalo State is without a varsity lacrosse team. Because of it, the school’s club lacrosse team often goes
unnoticed, but it recently has been brought to light thanks to student-coach Omar Kent.
“I just want to keep it going for people like me looking to just play because without it, life isn’t as much
fun,” Kent said. “We’re such a talented team that just wants to play. Without much help and support,
I’m working to just keep the team going because I remember coming to Buffalo State and it being
weak.”
The Bengals, who just a couple years ago barely existed, have brought in some great talent. This includes
four players who, barring injuries, would be playing Division I lacrosse.
Kent, fellow defenseman Corey Collins and midfielders Mike Marvin and Matt Howser were all highly
recruited out of high school, but saw their dreams of playing big-time college lacrosse end due to
injuries.
Kent was recruited to play at Duke University before tearing his ACL in high school. He later enrolled
at Alfred State and transferred to Buffalo State thanks to Collins, who had previously recruited him to
Buffalo State.
Marvin transferred from Canton University to Buffalo State after originally being recruited to play at the
University of Virginia. Similar to Kent, he also decided to join the team after sustaining an injury in high
school.
Collins was also recruited by the University of Virginia, but never played there. Instead, he was
approached to play at Buffalo State and joined after not knowing Buff State had a lacrosse team. He said
he probably still wouldn’t have known had it not been for a friend who mentioned the club to him.
Marvin and Collins both use their stories to find common ground and the team has seemed to take on
the same role.
“We’re all players that know, had it not been for injuries, would be at the D-1 level, so we take this as a
blessing that we can all play together and I think we’re starting to reflect that,” Collins said.
Howser was recruited to the University of Southern California, but various issues led him to Buffalo
State.
Kent and Marvin said that this year’s team is talented and determined to play. Marvin also said that the
team is “big and solid,” and with talent spread throughout the roster, is tough to beat.
The Bengals currently hold a 2-1 record with either five or six games remaining, depending on their
record. The team’s schedule so far has featured teams like Cortland, RIT and Fredonia.
The team shares their division with Fredonia, RIT and St. Bonaventure. The team with the best record
will advance to the nationals where they will compete in a state tournament.
“With the way we’re playing, I don’t think there’s a reason why we shouldn’t get there,” Collins said. “I
like the way this team is assembled for now and for down the road.”
The team usually plays on Saturdays and Sundays. Due to field availability issues, though, the Bengals do
not host any more games and will play on the road for the rest of the season.
Bengals Club Lacrosse can be followed on Facebook, where you can find the team’s roster and schedule.
Aubrey Gibert can be reached by email at gibert.record@live.com.