Head coach Michell Shafer and attackman Lucas Shafer have been part of the main catalyst in the turnaround of the Saints’ men’s lacrosse program.
Head coach Michell Shafer and attackman Lucas Shafer have been part of the main catalyst in the turnaround of the Saints’ men’s lacrosse program.
After spending nearly two decades attacking opposing teams’ defenses while on the same squad, and then one year on opposing sides, the Shafer brothers are, once again, on the same sidelines — albeit in different positions.
Mitchell Shafer, the older brother by two years, is the head coach for the Maryville men’s lacrosse team. Lucas Shafer joined the team as an attackman this year, after transferring from Lake Erie College to complete his senior year at Maryville.
The two Buffalo, New York, area natives were together on youth teams, their high school team and then two years at Lake Erie College. While Mitchell moved to Maryville to begin his coaching career as an assistant in 2017, Lucas stayed at Lake Erie, which is only about two and a half hours away from their hometown, before transferring.
“I’ve been with my brother my whole life, and then he came here, so we were separated for a little bit,” Lucas said. “It’s fun to be back together again and playing lacrosse, something we both love.”
Mitchell wasn’t sure Lucas would transfer to Maryville since he had made friends and committed to Lake Erie, but he was grateful when it happened. “I think he wanted to help me be successful,” Mitchell said. “We have a good relationship, and it’s easy to talk about everything on the field and off the field. He’s making it easier for me by helping to coach on the field. I’m grateful for his help.”
With Lucas on the field and Mitchell on the sidelines, the two have been part of the main catalysts in the turnaround in the Saints’ men’s lacrosse program. In just his second year of being head coach, Mitchell led the team to a 4-1 record in the first month of the season. The lone loss was an 8-7 defeat to No. 10-ranked Colorado Mesa University.
Lucas is tied for first on the team, with 36 points on 18 goals and 18 assists. He has been named to the Division II Team of the Week twice already this season. “Those awards come from all of the players on the team,” Lucas said. “I wouldn’t be getting those awards without those guys.” Lucas has also set the school record for most points in a game (16), tied for second most in Division II history. He also set the school record for most assists in a game (9) and tied for most goals in a game (7) that same day.
Having both Shafers at the same school has also helped their parents pare down their university apparel. Last season, Maryville had a match
against Lake Erie, and their parents wore red and green to represent both schools. “They had on Lake Erie hats and Maryville shirts during the game last year,” said Lucas of the matchup that pitted brother against brother. “It was a cool experience having all of our friends and family there since the game was just a couple of hours away from where we grew up.”
Last year, Tim and Colleen, their parents, attended nearly all Lake Erie games, since that school is much closer to their home. They could only support Mitchell and his Maryville career from afar. This year, they have been able to support both sons at the same time and place, making several trips to St. Louis to watch them play.
“Our parents love it,” Mitchell said. “They know we have a good relationship. They love seeing us do what we are doing together.” Maybe even in the future, according to Lucas. “I’ll be in the St. Louis area next year,” he said. “The team is going to keep growing, and I would love to stick around and help coach, if I can.” As usual, on the same sideline with his brother.