Wheeling, W. Va. - Throughout the summer, student-athletes across Canada are playing in their summer Box Lacrosse leagues as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 season. Wheeling University Men's Lacrosse player Caleb French is no exception, playing his Box Lacrosse season with the Clarington Shamrox. He and his teammates play in the Ontario Junior C Lacrosse League (OJCLL) and, through all of their hard work, got the chance to play in the Meredith Cup Finals in late July. For French, it was a summer of growth as he played both sides of the ball and continues to hone his skills for the 2023 season.
In 2022, French was a defender for the Cardinals playing in 10 of the team's 13 games during the season, starting all 10 games. He was tied for third on the team with six caused turnovers while picking up 14 ground balls during the season. On the offensive side of the ball, French did not get involved until the final game of the season against Alderson Broaddus. He scored his first collegiate goal on April 30th against the Battlers and finished with three total points on the season. It was a goal that led French into Box Lacrosse season, where he would be playing on both sides of the ball.
In 14 games played with the Shamrox this season, French has scored five goals and picked up five assists for an average of 0.7 points per game. French scored a goal in the team's opener and registered his first multi-goal game on June 1st against Huntsville. However, since the playoffs began, French has taken his offensive game to the next level, scoring 10 goals in 10 games played while picking up four assists. Over his last four games of the season, French scored six goals and helped his team to an Eastern Conference Championship.
For French, the opportunity to play both sides of the ball have only helped strengthen his game and he is excited to get back to campus to continue his success.
"Playing for the Shamrox has been a privilege especially with the talent and different personalities we have on the team this year," said French. "Getting the chance to play both defense and offense this year has definitely helped my game. Defense in Box is much more physical and being quick on your feet and having a great stick is crucial. Getting the chance to play offense too and scoring some goals helps with confidence when I have the ball in my stick. I'm super excited to get back to school and get on the field with the new group of freshmen and all the returning players."
French and the Shamrox are now set to play in the OJLL Meredith Cup, set to begin on August 1st. After that, French will have the opportunity to play on the U21 Netherlands Lacrosse team at the U21 World Championships in Limerick, Ireland.
