Nagoya University Lacrosse: Kenzo Maeda & Tokai League Final Run

Only a few minutes left until the end of the men’s final of the All-Japan Collegiate Lacrosse Championship (Intercollegiate). They were trailing by two points against Waseda University. Nagoya University captain Kenzo Maeda (4th year, Mikage) was free in front of the opponent’s goal and took a shot. As soon as he was repelled by the goal frame, he collapsed on the spot. I exhausted all my strength and my right leg started to cramp. Exit on a stretcher. 5-7. I heard the time-up whistle from the side of the field, announcing Waseda’s sixth victory in five tournaments.

One more step

They became the first Tokai League team to reach the intercollegiate finals. In the semifinals, they defeated Meiji Gakuin University, number one in the Kanto League, 5-4 in overtime, and the mood was on the rise.

They are physically inferior to their opponent in the final, Waseda, which ranks second in the Kanto League. His opponent also had a better reputation for dismounting. However, they were able to compete equally with each other due to their athleticism and tenacity in attack and defense. The team took the lead, and Maeda himself scored twice to tie the score. Defensively, he tried his best to catch a ball that looked like it would cross the touchline. However, he was let go in the fourth quarter. Although he was selected as the best athlete of the tournament, he bit his lip and said, “I really wanted to be the best student in Japan.”

I am studying architecture at the Faculty of Engineering. I entered the school thinking that I would study first. However, at the welcome party for new students, he was strongly attracted to this club, which had declared that it would “aim to be the best in Japan.” “Club activities that aim to be the best students in Japan are rare at Nagoya University.”

I love sports, playing soccer in kindergarten and elementary school, and playing basketball in middle school and high school. Another appeal of this sport is that it is a sport where there are many beginners. I jumped in.

Balancing studies that were difficult

However, what was difficult was balancing this with studies. Being a science major, the classes and assignments are difficult, “especially during my second and third years,” he says. There were times when he stayed up all night to participate in practice.

What kept me going was the feeling that there were people supporting me.

There are nine players in the same grade, all of whom are beginners. My seniors in the club, who went on to graduate school, taught me techniques and tactics from the beginning.

In his first year, when he entered the top four of intercollegiate college, his first match was held in Sendai city. Expedition expenses are a big burden for first-year students. Our seniors raised money through crowdfunding, and even arranged a practice match with freshmen from other universities locally. I think that I have been loved.

In his second and third years, he lost in the finals of the Tokai League and was unable to compete in the intercollegiate league.

When I became captain, I thought, “Something has to change.” The words that came to mind were, “I can do my best because you support me.”

Thoughts bear fruit. Tears of support

I tried to approach parents more closely. Additionally, sales of team merchandise began in earnest. The main purpose was to use the funds for the club’s activities and increase the number of people who would support them. “The managers worked really hard here,” he said, expressing his gratitude. Their hard work paid off as they advanced to the finals.

At the venue for the finals, the cheering from the back stands was as loud as, or even more than, that of Waseda. After the game, I went to say hello.

“They say we’re a local team, but we’re in a blessed environment with so many people coming out to cheer us on.The reason we couldn’t get results was because of our strength.I’m sure they’ll come back here next year and become the best student in Japan,” he said, bowing his head.

He called each fan by name as they came down to the field and thanked them, saying, “Thank you very much.”

“More than anything, I want to focus on winning, but beyond winning or losing, I want to be a team that is supported. It’s sad that even if we win, we don’t get any support.”

The goal of being the “No. 1 student in Japan” was not achieved. However, “I can become even stronger with support.” It was during these four years that I learned these words firsthand.