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MLL Ohio Machine

Machine Names 2015 Team Captains

March 31, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Ohio Machine News Release


Machine Captains Kyle Harrison, Brian Phipps and Marcus Holman
Machine Captains Kyle Harrison, Brian Phipps and Marcus Holman
(Ohio Machine)

COLUMBUS, OHIO (March 31, 2015) - The Ohio Machine has named Kyle Harrison, Brian Phipps and Marcus Holman team captains for the 2015 season, it was announced today by Machine Vice President & Head Coach Bear Davis. Harrison, Phipps and Holman were voted as captains by their teammates following the conclusion of training camp on Sunday.

Harrison is a seasoned veteran and has been named a captain by his teammates for a second straight season. Last season, Harrison posted his best statistical year ever in MLL in his first season with the Machine.

"Kyle is our guy," Davis said. "The rest of the guys look to him for answers and he knows what to do. I always expect great leadership out of him."

As a captain during the 2014 season, Harrison earned Machine MVP honors and was a member of Team USA. No stranger to pressure situations, Harrison's game winning overtime score against Denver on July 26 last season played a key role in helping the Machine secure its first playoff appearance.

"Kyle is the guy for us that has kind of been there and done that," Davis said. "He has been on great teams and not so great ones so he knows how to handle most situations."

"This team is full of leaders," Harrison said. "Vocal leaders, emotional leaders, and folks who lead by example. In order for us to be successful, and reach our goal of winning a championship, we all have to lead in our own way."

Phipps enters his fifth season in the league and fourth with the Machine, making him one of few roster members who have been on the roster since the team's inaugural 2012 season.

"It's an honor to be elected captain for the 2015 season," Phipps said. "It's been an awesome experience being with the Machine since its beginning and being part of the growth. Last year we exceeded expectations but came up short. This year we have a great group of guys ready to work and reach our ultimate goal."

Like Harrison, Phipps was selected to serve as a captain by the team for the second consecutive season.

"Brian is a seasoned veteran in the cage," Davis said. "He understands the pulse of the team and will be a strong returning captain for the guys."

Holman is entering his third season in the league, all of which have been in Machine blue. For the first time in his career, Holman was named a team captain.

"It's an honor to be named a captain of this team," Holman said. "This is going on my third year in the league and I feel as though I am ready to take the nest step forward as a leader in this organization."

As the league-leader in goals (37) a season ago, Holman was named Machine Offensive Player of the Year for the 2014 season. With most of the roster back from last season, Holman is both excited about the team, but also his fellow captains and what can be accomplished in 2015.

"I have two veteran captains to lead with in Brian and Kyle, who I believe are the core of this team," Holman said. "We have a really great group of guys on and off the field, who, honestly, don't need much leadership and because of that I am really excited for what we can accomplish this season."

Despite being the only first-year captain of the group, Coach Davis is not concerned about Holman's ability to lead, rather he is excited for him to get this opportunity.

"Marcus is a tremendous leader who leads by example on and off the field," Davis said. "He is always positive and a great motivator. He is a fun guy to coach and fun guy to play with."

Having Homan at attack, Harrison at midfield and Phipps in the goal, the Machine are looking to have all facets of the field covered with leadership and those who are ready to take over when games get tough.

The Machine hits the field for the first time in 2015 when the team travels to Long Island for an April 12 showdown against the New York Lizards. The Machine returns to Selby Stadium on Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. when team faces the Denver Outlaws in its 2015 Home Opener.

Season tickets for the Machine's 2015 season are now on sale and range from General Admission at $92 to a Field Level Box at $2,400 and include seven regular season home games plus a 2015 MLL playoff game. Information on 2015 season tickets can be found at www.theohiomachine.com/season-tickets or by calling 614-754-1973.




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Machine Captains Kyle Harrison, Brian Phipps and Marcus Holman
Machine Captains Kyle Harrison, Brian Phipps and Marcus Holman
   

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