Woodward Honoured Numbers to Remember Marquette Players

Why No. 43 Was Worn Against the Waterdogs

Mason Woodward slipped on Utah Archers’ No. 43 instead of his usual No. 77 for Saturday’s contest with Philadelphia Waterdogs. The change was a tribute to Noah Snyder, a former Marquette attacker who died in a car accident in September 2025. Woodward also hinted that the number celebrated his bond with Snyder’s memory. By wearing the jersey, Woodward aimed to keep Snyder’s legacy visible for fans and teammates alike.

Although Woodward coaches the defensive unit at Marquette, Snyder played attack, so their on‑field interaction happened mostly in informal 1v1 drills. The two would push each other hard, then discuss what they observed during each repetition. Snyder’s free‑flowing style and endless creativity—scoring with behind‑the‑back moves, low‑angle twisters, and countless other finishes—consistently impressed Woodward. The defender described Snyder as someone who “just loved the game so much and worked so hard to be really good at lacrosse,” generating a deep repertoire of tricks he could unleash at any moment.

Snyder’s potential carrière was just beginning; Woodward imagined him playing in the PLL and NLL. Wearing No. 43 was meant to honor that unrealized path and to embody the qualities Snyder represented: supportiveness, hard work, and giving everything each time he stepped onto the field. The timing also aligned with Indigenous Heritage Weekend, as Snyder had been part of the Haudenosaunee Nationals U20 squad. Woodward’s gesture therefore carried cultural resonance alongside personal remembrance.

Honouring Scott Michaud with No. 88

In addition to Snyder, Woodward plans to wear the number of another late Marquette teammate, Scott Michaud, who also perished in the same fatal accident last fall. Michaud, a goalkeeper, was someone Woodward warmed up before every practice and game in 2025. The Archers defender recalled how Michaud “was happy all the time, whether he got hit with a shot or whatever.” His upbeat demeanor and gradual confidence growth during his freshman year left a lasting impression on Woodward.

Woodward emphasized that Michaud’s love for his family shone through in everyday conversation. He spoke proudly of his relatives and carried that loyalty into every relationship he built on and off the field. Those family ties mirrored the deep bonds Woodward now seeks to preserve through the jersey numbers. Wearing No. 88 later this summer will serve as another public reminder of Michaud’s impact and the broader tragedy that took both young men from the lacrosse community.

What Wearing These Numbers Means for the Team

For Woodward, slipping on Snyder’s and Michaud’s numbers is more than a symbolic act; it is an ongoing invitation to keep their stories alive. He expressed a desire that people ask about Noah and Scott, noting that they were “awesome people and teammates.” The act of wearing the jerseys becomes a small but visible platform for those conversations. By sharing their histories, Woodward hopes to ensure that the light they brought to his life and to countless others is never dimmed. His commitment underscores how personal remembrance can evolve into a collective tribute within the sport.