By Matthew Ball
Sports Editor
At some point during his sixth-grade year, Austin Sykes grew tired of baseball, the sport he had always played. So, he decided to play lacrosse.
“It is a fast-paced game that requires skill and agility,” Sykes said.
To him, it was the perfect sport, and he instantly fell in love with it. During middle school, he worked to improve his game and develop his defensive skills.
As a freshman on junior varsity, Sykes showed great potential and raw talent. He was moved up to varsity at the end of the season.
As a sophomore, Sykes quickly became an important component to the team, securing a starting defensive position and showing potential leadership qualities that coach Jim O’Neill has watched blossom.
“This year, Austin has stepped into the role of being a leader for the rest of the squad. He is a tough and physical competitor,” O’Neill said. “As good as he is defensively, his stick work is what sets him apart from other defensemen.”
Defensive coach George Costas also believes the senior is a special player whose effort has allowed him to succeed.
“(Austin) has worked very hard to improve with each season. His effort is unmatched…not only during the games, but practices as well,” Costas said. “Austin understands the game and is the foundation of our defensive unit. His ability to communicate effectively controls the flow of the defense.”
Sophomore goalie Archer Patella not only has full confidence in Sykes during games, he also appreciates his leadership qualities.
“I can always count on him to have my back, especially in goal,” Patella said. “He’s always been a good leader with setting an example for others and the team would be different without him.”
Off the field, Sykes has big aspirations following his final year at RJR. Sykes dreams of owning his own charter fishing company in the Caribbean. He realizes that it is crucial for him to “study and get a good base of skills before working to make that dream a reality.”
After graduating, Sykes plans to attend either UNC Chapel Hill or the University of Virginia to pursue studies in business and entrepreneurship.
Sykes has appreciated his time at Reynolds and believes that his time here has been formative: “From the education to the athletics, I’ve always felt supported and encouraged (at RJR),” Sykes said.
The active senior is highly thought of by coaches and his classmates. He earned the “best all-around” senior superlative in this year’s Black and Gold.
“He is an outstanding young man who has displayed success both on and off the field,” Costas said.
Added O’Neill: “Reynolds has been fortunate to have such a player and leader. He will be sorely missed next year and difficult to replace.