Wilkin: A conversation with Siena lacrosse's Maurice Tessier
Q: What was your first reaction when your lacrosse season, during your senior year, was called off?
A: Obviously, I was shocked. In the days prior to it, we saw a lot of cancellations around the globe with other sports. When we saw that the Ivy League canceled (spring sports), that was a big 'Oh boy, this could get bad pretty quick.' We walked out to practice hoping to have the best practice we could and hoped everything would be OK. When the news broke, I have never seen a group get closer. I have never been part of a team that leaned on each other like this one did.
Q: How did you find out it was over?
A: We had a practice from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and then we went to lunch. Everyone got a text message about a meeting we were going to have at 2:30. It wasn't a scheduled meeting. Everyone pretty much knew what it was about. The MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) canceled (on March 12) and the NCAA canceled. We knew there was no chance.
Q: A real gut punch, huh?
A: Your heart just drops. For me, personally, I knew I had the security of another year because I sat out my freshman year (with a broken wrist). I watched my fellow seniors, guys I have been with four years. I watched their hopes and dreams fade away in one moment. We hadn't heard about the extra year of eligibility, so, right then, it was over. It just feels like a bad dream. I really feel out of place being at home. This is the first time I have not been playing lacrosse at this time of year since I was in sixth grade (he went to high school at Albany Academy).
Q: Do you know of any other seniors who will come back for one last year of lacrosse?
A: Brett Habich is going to pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) so he is going to come back....