Business administration junior major Tyler Wetzel (pictured above) is an essential component of Geneseo varsity lacrosse. Wetzel continues playing each year and pursues his passion for the sport. (Udeshi Seneviratne/Photo editor)
Geneseo men’s lacrosse goalie Tyler Wetzel plays a big role in his team’s victories and he’s played three year with the team.
Wetzel is a junior business administration major and communication minor. He plans to continue his education following the completion of his undergraduate degree at Geneseo by obtaining a master’s degree in education and then pursuing a teaching career with a focus on social studies at a high school level.
Lacrosse, his favorite activity to engage in, has always played a crucial role in Wetzel’s life. Wetzel started playing lacrosse in kindergarten and has continued to play ever since. His family has always had a strong passion for the game.
“My dad, my older brother, my younger brother and I all played lacrosse as a family growing up,” Wetzel said. “We also watch lacrosse together. We pretty much love watching any sport.”
Wetzel played varsity lacrosse throughout school for his hometown of Fairport, N.Y. and decided to continue his lacrosse career at Geneseo as an incoming freshman.
“The quality education at Geneseo was a big factor in my decision, along with being able to play on the lacrosse team as a freshman,” Wetzel said.
As the goalie, Wetzel has a large responsibility in the fate of each game.
“It’s definitely a lot of pressure being the goalie because it is a stressful position; you either save the ball or the ball goes in,” Wetzel said. “I stand in front of the shots that come in from guys shooting over 100 miles per hour.”
Although Wetzel’s position as goalie can be stressful, he enjoys it and believes that having the opportunity to play on Geneseo’s lacrosse team is truly a rewarding experience.
“[Playing on the lacrosse team] definitely allows my leadership qualities to come out because I have to help direct the defense and lead the team throughout each game. I like the stress of the position and I like being able to make the big saves that help our team get the win.”
Head coach of the Geneseo lacrosse team Nick Fiorentino has been Wetzel’s coach since he was an incoming freshman. Fiorentino works closely with Wetzel to ensure victories and Wetzel commends Fiorentino for his coaching style.
Wetzel has faced injuries throughout his lacrosse career but has been able to cope and play through them. Wetzel states he suffered a knee injury in high school and has broken his thumb on multiple occasions. Most recently, Wetzel has been dealing with an injury to his foot, requiring him to wear a boot temporarily.
When Wetzel is not playing lacrosse, he spends his free time studying and hanging out with friends as any Geneseo student would.