Wittenberg Men’s Lacrosse Season Preview
United by a sense of family and a hungry desire to win, Wittenberg University’s men’s lacrosse team is ready to claw their way back into the spotlight. The program has faced multiple challenges over the past two years, just barely missing out on playoff appearances. However, this year’s team is highly motivated to get to the next level.
The team accomplished a 5-9 overall record last season, with a conference record of 2-6, missing the cut for a playoff appearance in the NCAC tournament. Although the Tigers have had a losing record in three of the previous four years, head coach Jay Owen looks to turn that around this year.
Owen says his 2025-26 squad has the potential to be great. The team is “totally bought in” to what he’s trying to accomplish for the program and says his players are putting in more work during the off season than seen before. Owen’s main goals with the program for the upcoming season are to have a winning record and be in the fight for the NCAC conference tournament. The team most recently achieved a winning record in the 2023-24 season, netting an overall 8-5 record.
What is Owen most enthusiastic about for next season? “Honestly, it may sound cliché but going to the next practice,” he said. Owen emphasized that his team this year is a fun group to coach because they are gritty and love to compete.
Senior midfielder and team captain Ty Harris prepared for the upcoming season intensely, spending his summer lifting and honing his skills. Harris achieved 13 goals last season, along with 8 assists and a personal best 3 goals in the game against Wabash. As a leader on the team, Harris strives to leave a lasting legacy during his final season.
“My biggest goal of this season is leaving the program in a spot that we as the seniors are proud of, whether that’s winning games or just being together as a family,” he said. “If I leave the program feeling proud of what we’ve accomplished, that’s good enough for me.”
Harris’ fellow senior midfielder and team captain, Parker “Tripp” Salowich III, shares a similar family sentiment. He wants to bring that family dynamic upon the team as well.
“I am motivated by my teammates; I see them giving it their all and feel that I have an obligation to do the same. They inspire me every day and all I can do is hope I can be a role model for them as well.”
Salowich’s biggest goal this year is to enjoy playing with his teammates during his senior year, as he missed a part of last season due to injury. During his offseason, he joined the cross-country team at Wittenberg to increase his level of stamina and conditioning and get back into “in-season shape” for the upcoming season.
Owen, Harris, Salowich and the Tigers will play their first game of the 2025-26 season on March 21 at home against Wooster, where they will begin their quest for a winning season fueled by their sense of brotherhood with each other.
