Four Whittier College alumni participated in the Federation of International Lacrosse 2014 World Championships in Denver, CO.
Ben Barchey ’09 (New Freedom, PA) played attack for the Korean national team; Ben Brown ’09 (Englewood, CO) stood firm as the goalie for Thailand; Seth Mahler ’10 (Waterbury, CT) assisted as a midfielder for Israel; and Sam Russell ’12 captained his hometown team, England.
Whittier College’s strong tradition in lacrosse was established by Whittier College Hall of Famer and coach Doug Locker ’79. Last year, the Poet Lacrosse team celebrated its 25th year at Whittier College as the only NCAA Division III program on the West Coast. The lacrosse team has been a national contender every year since 2000 in the NCAA.
International lacrosse competition originated in the 1860s; however, the quadrennial world championship did not begin until 1974. Four decades later, the 2014 FIL World Championship concluded on July 19th with Canada taking the title from the US, 8-5.
About the Poet Lacrosse Alumni
Ben Barchey ’09
Hometown: New Freedom, PA
National Team: Korea
Position: Attack
Whittier Experience: A three-year starter for the Poets
After Whittier: Serves as associate vice president of Griffin Capital Securities
Read more about Ben Barchey’s achievements here.
Ben Brown ’09
Hometown: Englewood, CO
National Team: Thailand
Position: Goalie
Whittier Experience: A three-year starter in the goal for the Poets; led team to the 2009 NCAA Division III Championships with 18-saves
After Whittier: Plays for the Denver Outlaws, a Major League Lacrosse team
Read more about Ben Brown here.
Seth Mahler ’10
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
National Team: Israel
Position: Midfield
Whittier Experience: In his sophomore year, he played in 10 games, scored two goals, added one assist, and grabbed eight groundballs.
After Whittier: Plays for the Ashqelon Premier Lacrosse Club in Ashqelon, Israel; serves as program director or Israel Lacrosse
Read more about Seth Mahler here.
Sam Russell ’12
Hometown: Manchester, UK
National Team: England
Position: Midfield
Whittier Experience: Team captain his senior year with 39 points including 15 goals and 24 assists; capped off his collegiate career being named a Scholar All-American out of 74 student athletes across three divisions announced by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA).
After Whittier: Serves as captain of the England National Team; played for England in the European Lacrosse Championship; founded the company, Lacrosse the Pond.
Read more about Sam Russell here.
