East Ventura News

Seniors Ben Weber, Jordan Cooper, and Michael Stahl made a significant impact in NCAA Division III volleyball during 2024 by leading the Kingsmen to their first national championship. Their journey didn't end there, thanks to an NCAA ruling granting student-athletes additional eligibility due to COVID-19 disruptions. This allowed them to return for another season, much to the benefit of Cal Lutheran.

“It’s nice for the athletes to get that year back that was taken away from them,” said head coach Kevin Judd. “And for this program, it’s certainly worked out in our favor.”

Cal Lutheran's athletic rosters are witnessing the influence of these "super seniors," including Devon Lewis, Tommy Griffitts, and Stephen Davis who led the Kingsmen basketball team to a successful 21-4 record and consecutive Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) regular-season titles.

Head coach Russell White noted, “It’s never happened before and it’s never going to happen again. I think the value of those guys speaks for itself.”

Before COVID-19, only serious injuries allowed for extra eligibility as Division III schools don't permit elective redshirts. The Regal water polo team also benefits from super seniors like goalie Izzy de Souza and attacker Megan Findlay.

Bethany Metcalfe chose to continue playing despite having played under six coaches during her tenure at Cal Lutheran. She emphasized her love for the game: “When it comes to water polo, there’s not that many opportunities to play at a high level after college.”

The age gap between some players has created an interesting dynamic within teams. Jordan Cooper commented on this saying, “They’re great guys but we don’t exactly have the same weekend plans.” Yet efforts have been made by older players like Cooper and fellow super seniors Stahl and Weber to integrate younger teammates.

Pitcher JJ Frazier is now in his fifth season with the Kingsmen baseball team and uses his experience as a mentoring tool: “You’ve got to pitch or play like every day is your last."

Frazier has developed a close relationship with baseball head coach Erik Scherer who shared Frazier's decision with his son Camden: “I said ‘Hold on let me call Camden.’ And I asked him ‘Can JJ stay?’ And he said ‘yeah!’”

Metcalfe plans a career in medicine after graduation but remains committed: "I can take that," she laughed about being called "grandma" by teammates. She added they know they can count on her support both academically and athletically.

Lewis stands out as an example of growth among super seniors according to Coach White: "His growth this year if you look at his efficiency it's just been nuts."

Super seniors enjoy more practice time due largely due flexible academic schedules often through graduate programs such as Sport Management offered entirely online allowing athletes like Griffitts more time focusing sports performance which he says has worked perfectly alongside fellow students.

Coaches value returning experienced athletes like Settem does with de Souza & Metcalfe who returned because “it’s all about love” inspiring teams through work ethic while Scherer praises university offering grad options enabling unique situations attracting transfer students too like Bristow & Campo joining baseball ranks happy simply participating sport once more

Women's basketball Coach Kelli DiMuro emotionally reflected upon daughter Aliya leaving collegiate career after years playing together noting how magical fifth-year realizations affect teamwork understanding beyond individual needs

Coach Scherer attributes success attitude over experience stating financial decisions prove dedication enjoyment remaining important elements regardless games won proving continuing passion outweighs alternatives ultimately embracing opportunities presented fostering lasting connections friendships throughout athletic journeys exemplified figures Metcalfe concluding steadfast commitment community representing spirit institution entirely unrivaled elsewhere choosing stay rooted firmly within beloved home Cal Lutheran environment forever cherished unforgettable memories created along way