Young Warriors Set Standard for Westcliff LAX

By Brandon Petersen

2023 was a year of challenge and growth for the Westcliff Men's Lacrosse program. 

The Warriors finished a truncated season 5-0, outscoring their opponents, 76-33, in the process. 

They took down Cal Poly Humbolt (16-2), San Jose State (7-6) and California Cavalry of Cal Baptist (22-6) in order before finishing the season with a 19-11 win over Moorpark College and a 12-8 victory over Glendale CC.

But, the Warriors wanted more. 

According to NCSA College Recruiting, there are just 33 NAIA lacrosse programs in America, and just two on the West Coast. 

Just three conferences carry lacrosse at the NAIA level, all east of the Mississippi. 

But you can only play the hand your dealt, and the Warriors did just that, handling their business to the standard that has been set at Westcliff, and in the process setting the standard for Men's Lacrosse as well. 

"As a new program, we faced various unique challenges on and off the field," Westcliff head coach Michael Song said. "I am greatly proud of how we continued to model resilience for the program, and achieved an undefeated 5-0 starter season, effectively defining standards for our program. 

"But, we have a lot more to accomplish to put us in position for a championship."

There are a lot of 5th C Ring of Honor entrants hanging around Irvine these days — there could be two more if men's and women's tennis win the GSAC Thursday — and LAX is hungry to earn their hardware as well. 

"We are exploring leagues to enter that will strengthen our schedule, and thus, our recruiting," Song said. "We are also planning to develop our coaching staff."

Lacrosse played without a single senior in 2023, and in 2024, there is incredible room for growth. 

"We plan to double our highly diverse roster by 2024," Song said. "We are looking for lacrosse athletes who wish to achieve academically and are committed to building a championship level program."

Westcliff features players from all across America, and all across the world. 

Joel Subahwon is a freshman from St. Catherine, Jamaica. 

He immediately stands out on the field because of his unique combination of size and speed. 

Subahwon was the best player on the field against California Calvary.

"(He) is growing into his potential," Song said. "Her earned the game ball against California Calvary with a breakout game — four goals and seven assists."

Fellow freshman, Jacob Patterson, bested Subahwon with a five-goal performance against Moorpark.

"There's no reason why he can't do that every game," Song said. "I'm excited about what we plan to work on over the summer and fall to get him to be even more of a dominant attackman."

Mason Mateus is a freshman out of the highly-touted Trinity League. 

He played his high school lacrosse at Orange Lutheran. 

"Mason Mateus is growing into college lacrosse fast," Song said. "We worked on some adjustments throughout the season, and we are reaping the benefits. He is managing the offense well, and he's got a cannon step down. 

"It's only going to get better."

Heading into next season, Song says that captains Hyosang Yoon and Malcolm Bell will take on even greater leadership roles. 

"Yoon is a huge positive influence on the offensive side," Song said. "And Malcolm makes everyone around him better."

With Season 1 in the books, Song will hit the recruiting trail, once against looking for players all across the globe. 

Currently, Westcliff is comprised of players from Jamaica, Uganda, Korea and from all across the U.S. from New York, to Texas, and, of course, up and down California. 

An expanded coaching staff, a conference to call home, a deep, talented, diverse roster with players hungry to win. 

The future is right around the corner for Westcliff Lacrosse.

From Head Coach Mike Song

I am excited to continue working towards the Westcliff brand of athletic success, and on behalf of the entire team, I wish to thank the University, Dean Harris, and the athletic department for all the incredible support. Lacrosse players who wish to play in beautiful Southern California and are hungry for a championship, email me at michaelsong@westcliff.edu. Go Warriors!