ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University men's lacrosse team is getting set to host the Mars Hill Lions at Spero Financial Field on Saturday (Apr. 15) as coach Albert Mitchell and the Trojans program will honor their three graduating seniors: Bryce Cheek, Ryley Zopfi, and Beau Henson.
The Trojans will be looking to get back into the win column, coming off a 17-7 loss to No.7 Lenoir-Rhyne. Anderson holds a 10-5 record (4-3 in SAC) sitting in fifth place in the conference standings. Mars Hill is 3-11 overall, and 0-7 in conference play still searching for their first win.
Bryce Cheek - The goalie from Waxhaw, North Carolina came to AU by way of the University of Utah this year, where he was named PAC-12 All-Academic, Student Athlete of the Month, as well as the Utah Athletics Student Wellness Award Recipient. He has continued to make an impact at AU, where he has appeared in six games this season, earning five victories in goal. Cheek says his favorite game in his career would be against Rollins, where his father was able to watch him play for the first time. He would like to thank his parents for driving to tournaments all over the country, and supporting him along his athletic journey, and to each coach he has had, he credits them for making him a better person and goalie.
Cheek plans to graduate this summer with a certificate in organizational leadership.
Ryley Zopfi - The Midfielder from St. Michael, Minnesota came to AU in 2021 by way of Young Harris College. Zopfi was an upperclassman leader on Anderson's inaugural team and had an instant impact his first few seasons with the Trojans. Since then, he has gone on to be a captain and earn Academic All-Region accolades. Ryley's favorite game of his career would be the programs first ever game against Montevallo, where he scored the winning goal in overtime. He would like to thank his parents for driving him to and from practices and tournaments, putting him through shooting drills and individual work in their free time, and all the money spent on his lacrosse journey.
Zopfi will graduate with a master's in business administration in May.
Beau Henson - The midfielder from Canton, Georgia came to AU in 2021 by way of Young Harris College. Henson joined Zopfi as one of the few upperclassmen during Anderson's first season in 2021. Since then, he has amassed over 70 goals and 20 assists, earning accolades such as a team captain, USILA Scholar All-American, and All-SAC Honors. His favorite memory over his career would be the game against #3 Wingate, in which Anderson pulled off the upset. He would like to thank his family, Coach Mitchell, Coach Ledon, and Coach Valenza for taking a chance on him.
Henson will graduate with a master's in business administration in May.
Game time is set for noon, with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
