PROVO, Utah— The BYU men’s lacrosse team has announced four captains for the 2018 season. Zach Labrum, Tanner Johnson, Arty Walters and Jake Hougaard will be charged with leading the Cougars this spring.

Labrum is a senior from Libertyville, Ill. He served a two-year LDS mission to Brazil and will be graduating from BYU this spring with a degree in Finance. Labrum is an RMLC all-conference midfielder..

“We're a young team,” said Labrum. “Everyone, including our stellar freshman class, has bought into the culture of hard work and accountability that we're trying to build. We couldn't be more excited about the potential that we've shown as a unit and the chance to work towards an RMLC and MCLA championship.”

Labrum is appreciative of the BYU lacrosse experience.

“This team has given me far more than just a collegiate athletic experience,” said Labrum. “I've had so many teammates current and past that have positively impacted my life and our program.”

Johnson is a senior from Chaska, Minn. He served a two-year LDS mission to Brazil and will be graduating from BYU this spring with a degree in Business Management. Johnson is an RMLC all-conference attackman.

“We expect to compete for a national championship,” said Johnson. “I think that’s the focus going into every season. It will be important for us to take it one game at a time and learn from our mistakes. If we can learn and grow as the season continues, we’ll be in a good spot come May.”

Johnson is grateful for BYU and the support of the lacrosse program.

“Playing lacrosse at BYU has become something I will never forget,” said Johnson. “Playing here has allowed me to surround myself with guys that are better than I am. Building a camaraderie with guys like that is very special. It’s awesome playing at a school that supports your program and expects you to put the best product on the field. It’s very motivating.”

Walters is a junior from Draper, Utah. He served a two-year LDS mission to Portland, Ore., and is studying Math Education. Walters, a highly recruited athlete from Alta High School, has been a two-year defensive starter for the Cougars.

“I am honored for this opportunity to serve this team which has become a brotherhood,” said Walters. “I am looking forward to a successful season and a return to the RMLC and MCLA championships.”

Walters feels that playing lacrosse at BYU is unique.

“I chose to play for BYU because I knew I would have a chance to win championships while becoming a better man on and off the field.”

Hougaard is a sophomore from Orem, Utah. He served a two-year LDS mission to Ecuador and is studying Mechanical Engineering. Hougaard is an RMLC all-conference defensive midfielder.

“Coming out of last year with such a strong foundation, I am stoked to see how this season goes,” said Hougaard. “So many guys put in hours of work during the offseason to be ready for this year. We have all the potential in the world. If we can figure out how best to harness, develop and direct it towards consistent playing at a high level, the sky's the limit for us this year.”

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to play lacrosse at BYU with the men on this team,” continued Hougaard. “Being able to spend so much time with them I have the great blessing of learning from them, looking up to them, and forming what will hopefully be lifelong friendships with many of them.”

Matt Schneck is entering his ninth year as the Cougars' head coach, has a record of 124-38 and has coached 53 MCLA All-Americans.

“I am very happy that Zach, Tanner, Arty and Jake will be representing our team as captains this year,” Schneck said. “Since their selection, they have helped create a tremendous team culture and have provided additional “behind the scenes” leadership that is meaningful to both their teammates and the coaching staff. I have no doubts that they will be successful in their efforts both on and off the field this year.”