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THE CONSENSUS 
I’m sure all Forester fans must know by now that junior Seth Lochmueller suffered a head injury during a pre-season scrimmage at Siena Heights.
It was Seth’s eighth concussion, leading to the consensus on the part of Seth’s doctor, family, coaches, and even Seth himself, that he shouldn’t risk long-term injury by continuing to play basketball.
It was an extremely difficult decision, as basketball has been such a huge part of Seth’s life for what seems like forever.
THE CHANGE IN ROLES
As you can imagine, the transition has been hard to accomplish. Seth went from the starting point guard position, on what was promised to be a phenomenal team, to the junior member of the coaching staff.
It’s really difficult when a basketball career of someone young and active like Seth is cut short by an injury. However, instead of wallowing in the situation, Seth has chosen to face it head on and continue with his omnipresent positive attitude.
He endured fall conditioning and all of the summer work outs, weight room training and open gyms like the rest of the players. Then, just when the fun was about to begin, his playing days come to an end.
That might be enough to sideline even the strongest mental attitude, but not Seth’s.
NO LESS COMMITMENT
Seth still attends every practice; yep, even those 6:00 AM killers that Coach Platt is known to schedule. Seth can be found working with the younger guys sharing his experience, working with the guards during the drills, offering pointers, and always sharing his infectious attitude.
You simply can’t spend time with Seth and not be affected by him. He is blessed with a relational gift that allows him to interact with people, such that you generally walk away feeling better about yourself.
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ETERNAL ENTHUSIASM
Glance at the bench during a game and you’ll find Seth interacting with the players and offering an encouraging word or two as a substitution is made.
You won’t find a stronger cheer leader for the team or anyone more animated during a game, except maybe when Coach Platt is engaged in discussion with an official.
Seth’s enthusiasm continues to have a positive impact on the whole team whether in practice or during a game, but he’s still trying to perfect that arm-pump I’m known for after a Forester basket. From what I’ve seen, he’s got a lot more work to do on that before it looks right.
DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENT
Don’t think for a minute that just because Seth isn’t playing basketball that he isn’t a part of the team. He’s as active with the Foresters as ever, in a different capacity to be sure, but actively impacting people for Christ. Make no mistake about it.
Forester basketball is about winning, but it’s also about building young men for life. And while Seth is contributing to Forester wins on the court, he’s also proving himself to be a leader in life. Just as he strives to become a man of God, he’s sharing that goal with others around him too.
NEW CONTRIBUTIONS
I can’t help but be pleased with the way Seth has handled this situation, and for the maturity he has shown in the process. I also appreciate the fact that he’s chosen to remain a part of the team.
While his contribution isn’t exactly what we had expected this year, I’m sure we all appreciate the fact that he’s found a way to contribute to the success of the basketball team. It’s obvious that their success is still very important to him.
God has a plan for all of us and we must seek it out as our life unfolds.
- by Michael Albertson
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Seth Lochmueller
#30 Seth Lochmueller
2005 NAIA Tournament
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