By Lax Blast Press · Lax Flash! Monday, November 9, 2026 Manhattan, KS - Two great traditions align this week and with both calling attention to higher ideals, it feels n…
Lax Flash!
Monday, November 9, 2026
Manhattan, KS - Two great traditions align this week and with both calling attention to higher ideals, it feels natural for us to highlight them in this week’s Lax Flash!
Veterans Day is November 11 and K-State Lacrosse has always been proud of those of who served. Our Wildcat Veterans muster a noble roster and from all of us to all of you, we salute you. It is also Alumni Week here in the Little Apple and with the 26 th edition of one of our favorite traditions set for Saturday, the holiday season has already begun.
KSU Lacrosse:
The Cats’ recent elevation to MCLA Division II status has electrified the program with a welcomed urgency. With winter on the horizon and an off-season looming, the Cats have found a cure for the frosty doldrums before the first snow even arrives.
“The move to DII accelerates everything.” K-State Lax president Zayden Butler admits. “It forces us to improve – now. It forces us to get serious – now. It forces us to get our logistics and budgets organized – now. And it’s given us the incentive to do so.”
Although the schedule has yet to be finalized, in-conference opponents include Missouri State, Nebraska, Creighton, Drury and Washington University.
“One immediate benefit to playing a DII schedule is having our road games become two to five hour trips instead of ten to fifteen hour trips.” Butler points out. “I think we’re all happy about that.”
In honor of Veterans Day, K-State Lacrosse would like to salute two distinguished Veterans who are current members of the team. Attackman/Goalie Tim Miller is studying Agriculture and Attackman James Cessna (2023 LSA Champion) is pursuing a graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine. Both provide encouragement and leadership to the team and both proudly served in the US Army. Thank You and Happy Veterans Day!
KSU Lacrosse Alumni Organization:
All eyes are set on Saturday when the 26 th KSU Lacrosse Alumni Game faces off at 2pm with a tradition that is near and dear to every Wildcat heart. It began organically in 1999 when the teams were heading out for the face off. A voice from the Alumni bench shouted out that possession should be given to the young Cats because the Alumni wanted Donnie to take the face for the Alums.
The Missing Man Face Off honors 1LT Donaldson P. Tillar III by inviting each generation of Wildcats to become part of the Brotherhood of Fun. The image of an Alumni Team sending ten players into the game with only nine of them visible to the naked eye is a powerful testament to the lifelong connections this game creates.
The game always begins with our ceremonial tribute but the purpose of the reunion is to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of youth and that is the feature slated for display on Saturday.
“I can’t wait to get out there and run around with the boys again.” Says Alumni Player/Coach Ben Shields . “That’s what the Alumni Game is all about. Havin’ fun with the boys.”
Shootout for Soldiers:
Veterans Day is Wednesday and Shootout for Soldiers is asking all lacrosse players to unite behind a national effort called Wall Ball for Warfighters. The vision is to combine wall ball skills training with a higher cause and by registering with the program, workouts become partnerships between player and service to something larger than self.
Register with SFS here . Get on the wall and join the mission. Wall Ball for Warfighters runs throughout the month of November.
The Medicine Game League (Youth Lacrosse in MHK):
Saturday’s Alumni Game will also be an opportunity for Manhattan youth to experiment with lacrosse. A free clinic is being offered and youth sticks will be provided. Come out for the game and stay to try it for yourself.
Festivities begin Saturday at 1pm at World War I Memorial Stadium with a pregame ceremony followed by the 26 th Alumni Game at 2pm. Prizes and contests will be offered and all are encouraged to participate.
Conclusion:
It’s a beautiful day to thank a Veteran. Happy Veterans Day!
Stay Steady Out There
Lax Blast Press