You know how you felt before that history exam worth 40 percent of your semester grade? Remember the anticipation leading up to your first high school date with the cute girl/guy from home room?
Now combine them, and that’s kind of how Terrapin men’s lacrosse long pole Brian Farrell is feeling right now waiting to play Friday’s home game against Navy.
“It gets you pumped up,” said Farrell, who is one of 27 Terps who has never suited up for a home game against the Midshipmen. “You already get chills down your back come Wednesday and you’ve still got two days to prepare. It’s going to be fun, and it should be a good game.”
It’s an 8 p.m. Friday start time that should bring a large crowd out to Byrd Stadium. (If you’re looking for incentive to go, the first 1,000 fans in get free t-shirts.)
Junior midfielder Jeremy Sieverts, a Butler transfer, is readying for his first shot at Navy at home. Last year’s game at Navy-Marine Corps. Field in Annapolis brought out 14,625 to see the Terps win 8-7 in two overtimes, and Sieverts doesn’t expect anything different this year—except for maybe a few more Terp fans.
“Last year was a great experience playing there,” Sieverts said. “I think it will be just as exciting with a great atmosphere again this year. We’re really excited for Friday.”
For freshmen like attackman Grant Catalino, it’s a new experience altogether. Even though he’s played in rivalry games already this season, Catalino admitted he really doesn’t know what to expect.
“The last few games have been pretty big rivalries, but from what I hear the Navy game is one of the biggest we have here,” Catalino said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited but nervous at the same time.”
Add in the fact that the Terps haven’t beat Navy at home since 2002 and that both teams are ranked in the top-10 for the fifth straight year, and it should make enough for high drama at Byrd.
Maybe even enough to make you blow off studying for that big exam. Go ahead and ask the cute kid on your dorm floor to accompany you.
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