The Colgate Men’s Lacrosse Team has reached unprecedented levels of success over the past four years, due in large part to the leadership and play of a stellar senior class. Last season in particular the team had a breakout year, capturing the regular season Patriot League Title and earning the highest national ranking in program history. In their string of recent successes Colgate’s defense has been led by the imposing presence of senior all-American captain Colin Hulme. I had the opportunity to sit down with Hulme, originally from Framingham, Mass, a man standing an impressive six feet tall, and weighing 220 lbs. On the field he uses his size and physical presence to his advantage.

“I love carrying the ball and physical contact. The best aspects of my game involve using my size and speed to carry the ball or muscle my opponent off the ball,” Hulme admitted.

However, for all his on field aggression, off the turf Colin is a surprisingly soft spoken and personable individual. Hulme explained his journey to Colgate started through his stellar prep career, where he was twice named an all-American, bringing him to the attention of head coach Jim Nagle. Colin then took an official visit to Colgate and was immediately sold on the program Coach Nagle was trying to build.

“Unlike a lot of the schools that recruited me, Colgate’s lacrosse program was really not that established on the national scene. Coach Nagle emphasized the potential impact my recruiting class could have on the program, and how I could personally help build a strong lacrosse tradition at Colgate.”

After Colin’s visit he wasted little time in committing to Colgate, calling Nagle the night he returned home from Hamilton. From that point on, Colin focused his extra time on lacrosse, preparing his game to excel at the collegiate level. His hard work paid off as he went from playing 15 games his freshman year, to starting every game his sophomore season, and earning First Team all-Patriot League and Honorable Mention all-American honors his junior year.

“It was a great honor not only for me, but for the team as well. Since it is difficult to stand out on a team that is not consistently in the top ten, it meant a lot that I was able to be recognized for my play. The award proves that players on lesser known teams can be noticed by their play, and hopefully the honor will help out other deserving players, while bringing more attention to our program,” Hulme remarked candidly.

This year Colin was also named a pre-season all-American by numerous lacrosse publications, showing how far he has come as a player. When I asked about the effect lacrosse has had on Hulme’s life at Colgate, Colin acknowledged the impact the game has had.

” Lax has helped me become a good leader on and off the field. It has improved my ability to communicate, be more personable, and build tighter relationships with people.”

His time playing lacrosse has also played an integral part of his Colgate experience, through friendships, and his personal life.

“A majority of my friends are either athletes or on the lacrosse team. We spend so much time together in practice and games that a bond is formed that carries over to our personal and social lives. The team provides a support network that has been an unforgettable part of my time here.”

Colin, affectionately known as “Big Whiskey”, also shared with me some of his insights into the upcoming Patriot League Tournament.

“We obviously expect Bucknell to come at us after beating them this weekend, its going to be an all out battle, but if we play to our potential we should get the win, and we are all dying to get another shot at Navy in the finals.”

Though his Raider lacrosse career is nearing its conclusion, Colin expressed his intentions to stay a part of the game.

“After college having a desk job is definitely an option, but coaching lacrosse is something I am very interested in. Also, playing professionally in the MLL would be a great experience if the opportunity to get drafted presented itself.”

Colin, widely considered one of the top defensemen in the country, will be sorely missed not only for his contribution in bringing the lax team to national prominence, but for his infectious enthusiasm around campus and his commitment to Colgate as an institution.