SectionsRich makes mark on victory routines
Right arm branded after win
Kai Raymer
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: Sports
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When he first saw the brandings on Rich's arm, Bears coach Austin Holman was speechless and went home that night to think things over.
He was still at a loss for words the next day.
"I really don't know what to say about it," Holman said. "I can't describe what comes to my mind when I see those things on his arm."
Added junior Kyle Murphy in a recent interview: "I didn't know what to think when I saw it. I'm not sure why someone would do that to themselves."
Holman said the markings sum up Rich's personality.
"He's just an animal," Holman said. "He's passionate about lacrosse."
Rich said some on the team do admire the brandings.
"(Teammate) Billy (Stratton) asked me: 'Did you just brand yourself?' I said, 'Yes.' He goes: 'That is so badass."
Looking ahead
As a senior, Rich knows how far the program has come since he's been at Missouri State.
"My first year we were, I think 4-8," he said. "We weren't that good or organized. Organization is the biggest difference. With the new coaching staff as well, this has been a great season."
Rich said the team is striving for a trip to the national tournament later this season.
That would mean several more markings on his arm, but Rich isn't worried about having enough space.
"If we rack up enough wins over the course of the season that I run out of room, that's a problem I'm willing to deal with."
When he first saw the brandings on Rich's arm, Bears coach Austin Holman was speechless and went home that night to think things over.
He was still at a loss for words the next day.
"I really don't know what to say about it," Holman said. "I can't describe what comes to my mind when I see those things on his arm."
Added junior Kyle Murphy in a recent interview: "I didn't know what to think when I saw it. I'm not sure why someone would do that to themselves."
Holman said the markings sum up Rich's personality.
"He's just an animal," Holman said. "He's passionate about lacrosse."
Rich said some on the team do admire the brandings.
"(Teammate) Billy (Stratton) asked me: 'Did you just brand yourself?' I said, 'Yes.' He goes: 'That is so badass."
Looking ahead
As a senior, Rich knows how far the program has come since he's been at Missouri State.
"My first year we were, I think 4-8," he said. "We weren't that good or organized. Organization is the biggest difference. With the new coaching staff as well, this has been a great season."
Rich said the team is striving for a trip to the national tournament later this season.
That would mean several more markings on his arm, but Rich isn't worried about having enough space.
"If we rack up enough wins over the course of the season that I run out of room, that's a problem I'm willing to deal with."
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Entertained
posted 3/25/09 @ 5:19 PM CST
Cool story.
Kai Raymer does a great job. A lot of people tend to overlook sports coverage, but his stuff is definitely worth reading, even if you're not a big sports fan. (Continued…)
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