The unspoken heroes of Ursinus Field Hockey are the ball boys. In charge of having a ball ready, they place and they chase.
Ball running has been around at Ursinus for 21 years. It first started in 2004 in a game against Rowan University.
The Bears were down 0-1 with minutes left in the fourth quarter. A ball out of bounds was thrown in by a student worker leading the Bears to receive a corner and score before time ran out.
The game went into overtime with the Bears taking the win over the Profs.
Ball running has become a crucial aspect of the game with a running clock. It saves precious time that can drastically change the outcome of the game.
Current coach and former player Mary-Lauren Franz ‘25, commented on the importance of ball running.
“The ballrunners make a huge impact on the game. UCFH [Ursinus College Field Hockey] plays a high level of hockey, constantly pushing the pace and trying to take free hits quickly. They save so much time by rolling in a ball or placing one on the sideline in record time. They come to every game in a different theme and have goal celebrations which bring great energy to the sidelines. Before games while the team is warming up, the ballrunners are doing their own pre-game place and chase warmup drills. They’re committed to their craft and making UCFH the best they can be on the field. They’re the best in the nation for a reason and we are so lucky to have them!”
In recent years, the Ursinus Men’s Lacrosse Team has become the field hockey ball boys. They bring strong energy and passion to the games.
The team selects ball boys by asking underclassmen. Once selected, they spend a season behind the table working the book learning from the upperclassmen.
Harry Sweitzer ‘26, describes being a ball runner, “After becoming a ball runner, you remain on the team until graduation, making spots very limited. Typically, the returning ball runners work with the field hockey team to select and fill open slots. There are 5 members of the team and one alternate during a given year.”
The current team consists of five players, Harry Sweitzer ‘26, Nate Groody ‘26, Lars Homan ‘26, Chris Forgie ‘27, and Macky Bonner ‘28.
There are four returning ball boys with Bonner joining the team this season.
The ball running team creates a theme, like basketball jerseys, for each game and have their own gameday traditions. They prepare extensively for every game.
“To prepare for games, our ball runners hydrate extensively since games require approximately 4 miles of running. Before a game, we stretch as a unit to be physically ready, and we also do brief footwork drills.” Sweitzer commented.
Homan added, “Preparing for games is always a fun time. One of our pregame traditions is planning our outfits [theme] the day before—whether it’s a jersey, a Hawaiian shirt, or Ursinus gear. We also make sure to arrive early so we can warm up and be ready to place and chase to the best of our ability.”
Their duty is not only beneficial to the Bears, but is greatly appreciated by other teams and the officials. The ball runners take their job very seriously and are honored to be a part of the Ursinus Ball Running Team.
Sweitzer stated, “My favorite part about being a part of the team is the pride we take in being the best. Referees and other teams regularly tell us we are the best at what we do. Our job is critical to maintaining the pace of play and making the game enjoyable for the players and referees. It is definitely a fun way to spend time with teammates, exercise, and contribute positively to another team on campus!”
Bonner added, “The best thing is being out there with my friends and having fun.”
Forgie continued, “My favorite thing about ball running is the culture that the ball running community has built. It is an honor to be an Ursinus Ball Runner.”
The Ursinus ball boys are a unique tradition for Ursinus Field Hockey, one that helps to create fun and exciting energy for gameday on Snell Field.
The runners have a strong presence on social media. There is an active Instagram account, @uc_ballrunning, where they post their own gameday routines as well as other fun content throughout the season. Give them a follow to stay up to date on the ball boys and Ursinus Field Hockey!