When faceoff extraordinaire Albert Mitchell graduated in 2013, the thought was that St. Mary's might struggle on draws in 2014. But the team won a fair 46.6 percent (207-of-444), and that showing bred optimism for the 2015 campaign.
But faceoff wins have been even more difficult to attain this season. The Seahawks (3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Capital Athletic Conference) have won just 37.3 percent (72-of-193) and have employed six players on draws.
"We continue to work with some of the guys in there, and they know what's at stake each time they go out there," coach Chris Hasbrouck said Monday. "We've worked on some things with our wing play to try to give us a little bit of an advantage. We've had moments where we've seen improvement. That's one of those areas where if you're not out there day in and day out practicing your faceoffs and wing play, you're going to lose some continuity. I'd like to think that we're going to continue to improve in that area. … We know it's going to be tough for us to win 65, 70 percent. We want to get some 50-50 balls, and we've got great wing players. Those are the kids that have been picking it up for us as of late. It's a concern. We need to continue to improve there. I think with each day of practice that we get to go out there and work, I think it's helping those kids."
The position got weaker with the decision of junior Teddy Secor to stop playing. Secor led St. Mary's in faceoff wins (100), attempts (190) and percentage (52.6) last spring, but Hasbrouck said Secor elected to turn his attention to other matters.
When asked if Secor could have fortified the position, Hasbrouck replied, "I don't know. If a kid's heart isn't into it, it's tough to gauge how much he would have helped. Teddy had some ability, but I don't feel that his heart was really into making the commitment to become a great player."
Secor's departure opened the door for senior Reese Cassard to be the primary faceoff specialist. Cassard, who won 37.8 percent of his draws (17-of-45) last spring, has won 42.1 percent (40-of-95) thus far.
Hasbrouck conceded that Cassard may have felt more pressure to fill the void created by Secor's decision and Cody Tidwell's graduation.
"But Reese is very capable," Hasbrouck said. "Reese can win. He's made the adjustment to the new faceoff rules. I think each game, I see some improvement there and that's what you've got to do. We want to get better, we'll continue to work hard at it. If we can get to 50 percent – and we're getting there – that will help our overall game."