The most prestigious award in all of college lacrosse is back for another week. This week’s MCLA award is very special because the winner earned it not for their play on the field, but rather for the actions they took during an emergency.
Week 6’s MCLA Varsity Club Lacrosse Performance of the Week Award goes to sophomore Indiana defenseman, Harris Jaffe. Before coming to IU, he played at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL located right outside of Boca Raton. He was a student there during the 2018 shooting, and soon after it occurred, he organized and spoke at multiple rallies against gun violence.
So far this season he has had three groundballs in the first three games of the season and has been getting so solid time in at pole. This past Saturday in IU’s 10-3 loss against Clemson, which was played at Liberty, he earned the award. Early in the fourth quarter, Clemson attackman, John Holcomb collapsed on the field and had a seizure. Jaffe, as well as Liberty trainer, Kira Turner rushed to Holcomb and performed chest compressions and made sure he wasn’t choking on his mouth guard. By the time first responders arrived his vitals were returning, and he was responsive. John is doing much better now and plans to meet with a neurologist and get a CT scan.
Holcomb originally played at Furman but transferred to Clemson after their program was cut. He has eight goals and 20 assists this season for a very good Clemson team, so hopefully he able to get back out there at some point. Jaffe and IU play again on 3/26 at home against Illinois State.
Past Winners
Week 1 – Peyton Boyd, A, Arizona, Palo Verde (NV)
Week 2 – Dylan Radke, G, Mizzou, DeSmet Jesuit (MO)
Week 3 – Riley Walker, A, Georgia, North Gwinnett (GA)
Week 4 (tie) – Sean Tariche, M, Clemson, Chaminade (NY)
Week 4 (tie) – Bostin Preisler, G, Utah State, Weber (UT)
Week 5 – Aidan Smith, A, Virginia Tech, Dominion (VA)
