STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Freshman
Noah Armitage had just cracked the starting lineup for the Stony Brook men's lacrosse team when the season was canceled on Thursday.
The 6-foot-3 attackman now will focus his attention on a final-round tryout to earn a spot on Team Canada for this summer's U-19 Men's Lacrosse World Championship.
He also will look forward to playing box lacrosse with the New Westminster Salmonbellies in his native British Columbia. The team begins practicing in mid-April.
Armitage had been unable to participate with the box lacrosse team last spring, and was slowed early during his first collegiate season, because of a labral tear in a shoulder that took six months to fully heal after surgery.
"My first year, though it was cut short because of the coronavirus spread, was unreal," said Armitage, who scored his first collegiate goal on Feb. 29, during a comeback win at Rutgers, then entered the starting lineup for the first time the following game. "Coming into Stony Brook with an injury was definitely hard for me. So being able to be back on the field with the boys is a feeling that is incomparable."
The World Lacrosse Men's U19 World Championship will be held July 9-18 in Limerick, Ireland.
Armitage already has made the cut as one of 32 finalists for a roster spot. He advanced from a 73-player audition held in October in Ontario.
The 23-man team will be selected after a May 25 tryout in Vancouver.
"Being able to represent my country would be a dream come true," Armitage said. Nothing would be more honorable than being able to wear the maple leaf."
Armitage currently remains on campus. His immediate concern is returning to Canada, wary that border crossings may be affected by the spread of the COVID‐19 virus.
Stony Brook classes are being held remotely beginning March 30 for the remainder of the semester — after a prolonged, two-week spring break.
"The best bet for me is to get home as soon as possible," Armitage said.
Although he will not head into the Team Canada tryout fresh off a college season, Armitage expects to be sharp. His box lacrosse team will begin practicing more than a month before the national team's tryout.
The Western Lacrosse Association box lacrosse season opener takes place May 21.
"I'm definitely going to stay on top of my field skills by putting in work on my own," Armitage said. "I'll be ready no matter what happens."
As for his freshman season at Stony Brook being cut short due to the coronavirus spread, Armitage added: "The year goes by quicker than ever. It feels like I was moving into the dorms last week. I'm definitely going to cherish the time I have left, and hopefully come out with a few rings, too."
