Boys lacrosse team capsules
Barrington
The Broncos won the Mid Suburban title last spring and topped Hinsdale Central in a playoff opener. Mighty Loyola Academy ended Barrington's season in the next round. “Loyola dominated us,” admitted fourth-year coach Chris Bluse. “We're hoping for a deeper postseason run than we had last year.” Returning goalie Tyler Fitzgerald, a senior with hockey chops, led the conference in saves last spring. “Great eye-hand coordination, with the ability to deliver great outlet passes,” Bluse said. In front of Fitzgerald, look for a couple of “D” forces: senior Quinn Regan, a regular on the travel lax circuit in the offseason, and 6-foot-2 junior Nick Parker, as strong as he is agile. “Quinn,” said Bluse, “is the ultimate stick-checking guy.” Senior middie and Naval Academy-bound Matt Lee, a sprinter as a swimmer, is also tireless as a dry athlete. “He's a blue-collar midfielder,” Bluse said. “Matt does the things people don't want to do.” The Broncos' other middie to watch is senior Luke Rossi, who hopes to make Dartmouth's 2012 team as a walk-on. “Great stick work, great field sense,” Bluse said of Rossi.
Bartlett
The Hawks are in their fourth year of existence and just their second as a member of the Illinois High School Lacrosse Association (IHSLA). The team graduated 20 seniors at the end of last season so they'll be young this season, but they should be able to use their speed to their advantage. “We're very young but we're also very fast,” Bartlett coach Mike Steichen said. “The strength will be our defense.” Steichen expects returnees Mike Colaianne, Adam Dunbar and Tyler Steichen to lead the way on defense while senior midfielders Joe Petramale and Graham Herman are also key, as well as Cody Linkenheld manning the attack. “We've got three or four sophomores, four seniors and the rest are juniors,” Steichen said. “These kids have developed over the years so they are more established than before where we had a lot of brand-new players.”
Benet
Senior co-captains Jack Manion and Patrick Henderson are the leaders of this year's Benet squad and both will likely continue their careers at The College of Wooster in Ohio. Manion will anchor the defense for the Redwings while Henderson will take charge of the offense. “One thing I can tell you for sure, our younger guys are coming in with more experience, better skills sets and a higher lacrosse IQ,” Benet coach Tim Hurst said. “The game is evolving in the Western suburbs thanks to the developmental programs and I couldn't be happier.” Hurst and his coaching staff had to evaluate 54 candidates trying out for just 26 positions. As a whole, more than 100 kids showed interest in the program and Benet's enrollment is only about 1,200.
Conant
Emmett O'Malley was a keeper last spring – in more ways than one. The Cougars' top-notch goalie stopped 270 shots as a junior. “His goaltending kept the team in many games last year,” said Conant coach Bob Grisanzio, who also welcomed back junior attackman Jack Pritscher (team-best 58 points, in 2010). Only four seniors are expected to see significant minutes this spring, after that cap-and-gown ceremony ended the eligibility of 12 Cougars last spring. “We will be very young,” Grisanzio noted. “Our young, inexperienced players will have to grow up in a hurry.” Keep an eye on sophomore Josh Rhodes (D), and look for senior middie Brian Willis to pilot the bulk of Conant's transition sequences.
Fremd
A Serviss was more than serviceable for the Vikings last spring. Nate Serviss paced Fremd in scoring in 2010, as a sophomore. “Should be one of the top players in the area,” said Vikes coach Tony Medina. Current senior Nick Klein excelled as a goalie, and junior Sean Montgomery is coming off an outstanding JV season. Medina's “D” has A-one potential: seniors Chan Hong Kim and Sam Meigel and juniors Anthony Comstock and Ben Dworkin. “Big and strong players, with smarts,” Medina said of his back liners. “Defense should be a real strength.” Fremd's lax boys took a break after the '10 campaign. But it was a brief one. “They have not stopped playing since the end of last season,” said Medina. “The offseason was outstanding. We're looking forward to being in the mix for a conference championship.”
Geneva
The Vikings will field a team for their seventh straight year but hope to make major strides with first-year head coach Rick Nobregas. With a coaching background in basketball and football and a lacrosse background that traces back to Miami, Fla., Nobregas is hopeful that he can ignite the program, similar to the great success the football team has enjoyed after struggling for so long. “We really put together a nice staff of NIU kids who bring a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm,” Nobregas said. “It will be very valuable to the kids.” Joey Cella is expected to lead the defense, Ryan Solon will anchor the midfield and Keegan Dwyer will man the attack. Nobregas' sons Austin and Dylan are also on the roster and have helped promote the sport within the school. Dylan rushed for three touchdowns last fall for coach Rob Wicinski, and will offer strength and athleticism.
Glenbard
The Glenbard team is made up of players from Glenbard East, Glenbard South and Glenbard North and is affiliated with the Northern Illinois Lacrosse Association. “Our boys played hard and came a long way last season,” Glenbard coach Peter Crichton said. “As we are more focused in 2011, I am confident that we will surprise a number of people around the league.” The program had doubled in numbers in a short time and will field a JV team for the first time this spring. “Our staff is focused on not only helping these kids improve their game, but to grow as young men and learn what it takes to be a quality sportsman, teammate and athlete,” Crichton said.
Glenbard West
The Glenbard West lacrosse program is moving into the “A” level of competition this season after having a great deal of success last year. The Hilltoppers have been making a transition from a club sport to a mainstream sport at the high school, which has shown in the team's success and also the dedication to the sport by its athletes. “The players have made a serious decision to prove that we belong at the next level of Illinois lacrosse,” Glenbard West coach George Ellis said. “We have a strong core group of juniors that played last year and will continue to do so this year. Some rising stars in for the Hilltoppers include junior James Gould, who will start in goal. Gould made some starts in goal late in the season last spring. Another standout is sophomore Jack Manzella who Ellis said is already showing impressive percentages at faceoff. Senior Evan Polito, a long stick midfielder, is another team leader who will advance his career next season to Carthage College.
Grayslake Central
It could happen this spring: Rams senior captain Nick Hermes scores; ball immediately turns into a keepsake. Hermes has a shot at becoming the program's all-time leading scorer. Two other Central captains, senior Kyle Engdahl and junior Jake Paust, are big-time middies. “They are the workhorses of the team,” said Rams coach Pete Olszewski. “They never quit. They both are invaluable in groundball situations and in transitioning and setting up the offense.” The fourth senior captain is standout defenseman Lee Brown, who plans to help junior goalie Thomas Halloran record shutouts. “Lee is big and physical, and he constantly matches up with the opponent's best attackmen,” said Olszewski, whose 13-10-1 team won the Marmion Cadet Classic last year. Coach “O” was oh-so thrilled after only a couple of practices in early March. “The players have set a good tone early and have shown tremendous improvement from last year,” he said. “I'm really excited. If they can keep up what they're doing now, I expect a great season and good run in the postseason as well.”
Grayslake North
The Knights' three-pronged attack — senior Colin Chatten, junior Matt Schlagetter and sophomore AJ Fish — won't be pleasant for defenses. “It'll be a handful,” said North coach Brad Fish, whose fourth attackman is senior Patrick Walker. “All three apply constant pressure.” Chatten, a member of Team Illinois in the offseason, amassed 50 goals and provided 12 assists last spring — the program's third season as a varsity club. Twenty-four Knights returned, including 10 current sophomores, from last year's 8-10 squad. “Up and down,” coach Fish said of the 2010 season. Grayslake North's defense features junior Josh Kortenkamp and sophomore Ben Smith, in front of junior goalkeeper Dylan Cotter. “The defense,” Fish added, “will need to set the pace for us.” Other defensemen: junior Bryce Hermson and sophomore Shane Pech. At least six sophomores, including Brandon Bong (also a face-off man), should see time as middies this spring. Senior middie Rich Downes is the club's other face-off regular.
Hinsdale Central
The Red Devils have one of the oldest lacrosse programs in the state and they welcome 13 new varsity players this spring. “They all played JV for us last year,” Hinsdale Central coach Vic Pasqualicchio said. “The remaining players have all had at least one year of lacrosse.” The Red Devils should be strong on defense and with their attack but have some work to do in the midfield. “We have a bunch of returning players on defense and attack but midfield is a work in progress right now,” Pasqualicchio said. “We're trying to find the right positions for each of the midfield players either on the offensive side of the field or the defensive side.” Junior Cole Potkul and seniors Matt Lord and Mike Kaesler anchor the defense while junior Brendan Flaherty and seniors Sean Embree and Hunter White man the attack. Long stick midfielder Matt Stefani and seniors Jack Kelly and Mike Baker also return and newcomers Zach Kerrigan, Nick Sellinger and Kevin Mohl all will play big roles.
Hoffman Estates
Hawks coach Joe Garofalo welcomed back a trio of 2010 all-Mid Suburban picks: senior goalie Jon Pape, senior middie Evan Chikeles and senior attack Steven Gliniewicz. “A lot of experience, a lot of senior leadership,” Garofalo said. “What I also like: The kids were dedicated in the offseason.” Pape played for an elite travel squad against East Coast teams in the offseason. “Jon is active and vocal, with a nose for making saves,” Garofalo said. Chikeles, another Hawk with travel-team experience, is considering D-I Jacksonville (Fla.) as his next lax stop. Gliniewicz finishes well and owns nifty pre-shot moves. “He has the ability to consistently find the back of the net,” added Garofalo. Senior middie/face-off man Brian Creeron was one of Hoffman's most versatile players last spring.
Lake Zurich
New LZ coach Kyle Dresser, a Grayslake Central graduate, played lacrosse at Eastern University (Pa.), home of the Eagles. His plan for 2011: Soar with Bears. “We will be very fast and physical on defense, and we also have good shooters,” said Dresser, who succeeded Nick Marks, now an assistant coach at Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College. Dresser's top middies are seniors Tom Logan, Sean Learas and Billy Clement. Learas possesses NASCAR speed. “He also has a good roll dodge,” Dresser said. Look for senior Ryan Faetz to fray more than a few nets. Grant Soucy, a dandy defenseman, is one of the top sophomores in the area. “Grant,” said Dresser, “has phenomenal stick skills.”
Libertyville
The Wildcats certainly won't be light on seasoned seniors. “As juniors, they saw heavy minutes,” said Libertyville coach Brady Sullivan. His top senior middies are John Luehrsen and Jack Wittenborn. “(Luehrsen) – he's ready, so ready, for the season,” Sullivan said. Senior defensemen Ty Benson (Augustana-bound) and Matt Molitor are set to stall attacks. Sophomore A.J. Schmidt (MF/D) served as a steady force for the team's second-line defense last spring. “We're deep on defense,” said Sullivan, who welcomed back 19 players from his 2010 playoff roster. “And many of them put in the extra work in the offseason; that will show early in the season.” Other middies to watch include senior Brian Rooney and junior Zach Friedman. Senior Bill Stock is Libertyville's top scoring threat.
Loyola
The Ramblers and coach Rob Snyder expect to be in the state championship picture by season's end once again. Senior attackmen Luke Cowan and Brendan Dolan lead the way offensively, and anchoring the defense is junior Dylan Harris. “He could be as good a defenseman as we've ever had,” said Snyder. The midfield will rely on juniors Conor Person, Brendan Dowdle, Dylan Brennan, Dan O'Malley and sophomore Jack Ruf — among others. Snyder has a varsity roster of 37, with only eight seniors. “Our coaching staff always has high expectations for our team,” Snyder said. “We feel we can compete for the Illinois state championship.”
Marmion
The program at Marmion continues to grow as the Cadets will take the field for their third season this spring. Coach Kevin Griffin said there are only about 450 kids in the school and 80 of them are involved with lacrosse. “We're still young but we're hoping to compete in our conference and improve our knowledge of the game and stick skills,” Griffin said. Players to keep any eye out for include senior midfielder Colin Smith, senior attackman Paul Marek and junior attackman Troy Griffin. A big part of the program's emphasis has been team building and helping others. The team is scheduled to participate in a parade and will donate some time at “Feed My Starving Children” in Aurora.
Montini
Considered to be someone with a tremendous heart and a great team player, first-year head coach Pat Larmon finished up his college career at UMass in 2007. Larmon brings his knowledge and experience to the Bronco this spring after spending a good portion of time with the team last year. “We're probably returning 18 kids and only graduated two seniors,” Larmon said. “My hope is that we can get quality wins at the varsity level. We have our own personal goals. We're realistically trying to compete with every team on our schedule at the varsity level. The ultimate goal would be to win 75 percent of our games and if we can do that in our first year in varsity, I'd be very very impressed.” Phil Giordano, who helped anchor the defense of last November's Class 5A state champion football team, will lead the defense with junior Brian Piper and sophomore Billy Spingola. Senior midfielders J.R. Tampese and Zak Aisch will also play significant roles.
Mundelein
Expect plenty of senior moments from the Mustangs this spring. A bunch of greybeards play for seventh-year Mundelein coach Justin Hart. “Experience should be one of our strengths,” Hart said. The club's top attackman is senior Joe Schaul. “Physical,” Hart said of one of the team's all-North Suburban candidates. His quick guy: senior long stick man Ryan Vander Ploge, also a senior. The Mustangs also will rely on consistent efforts from seniors Alex Steagall (attack), Jake Pawlicki (D) and Bobby Mendel (MF). “We should be able to score a lot of goals,” Hart said. “I like what we have, offensively.”
Naperville Central
It's taken a couple of years for coach Blake Zinn to resurrect the program at Naperville Central but the Redhawks appear primed for even greater success after last spring's semifinal finish in the Lacrosse Cup. “We're ready for a breakout season with a good match of senior leadership and young talent,” Zinn said. “We are returning nine starters from last year.” Future Aurora University players Tony Stawiarski and Danny Loyall are proven difference-makers as midfielders, while speedster Ryan Nakamota and Matt Rossier are expected to finish on the crease. Things appear just as solid defensively where Alex Sokolwoski returns to lead the defense.
Naperville North
The Huskies, who finished 12-9 last season and in 7th in the Illinois LaxPower Rankings, expect even bigger things this season. “These guys are so unselfish and move the ball so well,” Naperville North coach Kevin Banages said. “I think we'll have an even better season than we did last season from the off-season work and the commitment they've put in. Our goal is to finish within the top five in the state.” As the head coach of the Adidas National Lacrosse Classic All-American Team and an assistant for the Under Armour Midwest All-American Team, Banages has been blessed to be surrounded by some of the most talented players. He also has one at Naperville North with Conor Stout-Shoger, a first team all-DuPage Conference selection a year ago, manning the attack. On defense, the Huskies should be very solid with Matt Sagen, Patrick Conway and Matt Hoyle leading the way. Max Albrecht is another player who should be a big-time difference-maker. “This is my third year and we've progressively gotten better,” Banages said. “We've moved up in the rankings, at least, and hope to continue to get better this season.”
Neuqua Valley
Mark Cummings is the new head coach for the Wildcats after serving as an assistant for two years. In order for the Wildcats to have a winning season, they'll need strong contributions from both a good group of experienced seniors as well as from inexperienced kids, including quite a few freshmen and sophomores, who will be stepping into to fill some voids left by graduation. “We have a good group of returning seniors,” Cummings said. “Namely midfielders Mike Soukup and Pete Scavetta, along with attack Mike Beatty and defenseman Austin Savage.” Beatty was a first team All-DuPage Conference selection last year. Scavetta has committed to play at Adelphi University. The Wildcats won't be that big so they're hopeful they can beat teams with other attributes. “We are not very big but hope to make up for that with speed and quickness,” Cummings said. The team will get tested early as it will compete in the North/South Shootout Spring Tournament hosted by Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South.
New Trier
There doesn't appear to be any slowing down for the six-time defending champs as coach Tom Herrala welcomes back an impressive array of returning talent. Most prominent is Virginia-bound senior midfielder Mick Parks, an All-American last season. Other key seniors include attackmen Chad Sawyer and Charlie Carothers, midfielders Patrick Callahan and Robbie Marren, and defender Taylor McGinnis. Goalie Jack Connelly is a junior but is a third-year varsity player and started in last season's state championship game. As usual, the Trevians will not shy away from top competition. They'll open the season in Baltimore with contests against Loyola Blakefield and The Landon School before returning home for dates against Brother Rice (Mich.), Culver Military Academy (Ind.) and Western Reserve (Ohio). The regular-season rematch of last season's state championship game against Loyola is May 12.
Palatine
The Pirates finished 3-15 a year ago. “We have a lot to prove this year,” Palatine coach Heath McFaul said. “I'm looking forward to seeing how our team responds to the challenge.” Three solid returnees — junior middie Austin Marrison, junior defenseman Ryan Sullivan and senior attackman Andrew Stoffer — suited up for Team Illinois and attended East Coast recruiting camps in the offseason. McFaul, on Sullivan's lax future: “D-I is a possibility.”
St. Charles
St. Charles is aiming for its fifth consecutive trip to the final four in the Class A state finals. They've lost to eventual state champion New Trier each time. There's no denying that St. Charles lost a lot to graduation, with eight of last year's seniors being talented enough to find roster spots at the NCAA Division I, II and III level. The team also had five all-state players a season ago and only McGushin returns. The Stony Brook recruit will be protected in the cage by senior defensemen Trace Evans, Cooper Jones and Grant Ferowich. On the other side of the field, seniors Brian Sullivan and Jesse Nagelberg and sophomore P.J. Bogle are expected to be the playmakers and will split time between attack and midfield depending on strategy and the opponent. While the team certainly lost a lot to graduation, the players stepping into their roles should make for a pretty seamless transition. “Once again, we have a great group of seniors,” St. Charles coach Andy Thompson said. “I have been so fortunate over the past four years as the varsity coach to have had such motivated, passionate and athletic senior classes. The seniors this year are so positive and enjoy coming to practice everyday to work and be together as a team.” Plenty of new faces illuminate the defense while Thompson forecasts five or six different players scoring 20-plus goals this spring. “I think we have a lot of good sticks on offense and will look to attack all over the field rather than from just one spot because of this.”
St. Francis
The Spartans are making the big leap into the lacrosse world as they are making their debut this spring season. Coach Dan Tuskey said the team will be anchored by the Los brothers with freshman Jake Los in the cage and junior Evan Los heading the attack. Sophomore Max Porter is also expected to provide what Tuskey called “offensive fireworks.” One thing is for certain, the Spartans won't be intimidated with standout football players Jack Porter and Michael Stole joining long stick midfielder Jack Web to stop opponents' scoring threats. “Youth and speed will highlight our midfield,” Tuskey said. “Sophomore Colin Baumgartner, senior Moses Lang and junior Cody Vorgert will lead the first line and freshman Joe Keefer will also bring some experience beyond his age to the midfield.”
St. Viator
None of the Lions' seniors played organized lacrosse before high school. One, though, plans to suit up — and stick up — for D-I Siena in 2012. Middie Brian Goss is fast, powerful — and all-state material. “He likes to create plays in transition, and he has an up-tempo style,” St. Viator coach Bill Sanford said of the second-year captain. Viator finished 9-9 a year ago, 6-1 in the Catholic League. Sanford's other seniors to watch are Conner Murphy (D), Chad Holsworth (attack) and Mike Krzoska (MF/face-off standout). Murphy, noted Sanford, is “a crafty stick-handler.” Holsworth, an adept passer, missed the last five weeks last season after suffering a broken collarbone. Few in the area are as competitive as Krzoska is. “We have a unique mix of skilled seniors, developing juniors and impact sophomores,” Sanford said. “If we can create some depth of attack and be prepared to compete, we will enjoy 2011.”
Schaumburg
In early March, Saxons coach Matt Phelps said his goalie situation was “up in the air.” What was certain then, as the first week of practice unfolded: Sam Korbel's role in 2011. “Strong leader,” Phelps said of the junior long-stick man, an all-Mid Suburban pick a year ago. Juniors Zack Beck and Mike Petrey get to run around as reliable middies. Don't be surprised if sophomore Anthony DePinto emerges as Schaumburg's leading scorer. Senior attackman Jon Rizetto also has a knack for deflating goalies' dispositions. “We should be an improved team,” Phelps said. “Many kids played in the offseason, unlike past seasons.”
St. Ignatius
Hinsdale Central graduate Drew McCaffrey takes over a program that already has established a strong tradition of winning since being founded in 2002. The Wolfpack earned Metro League championships in 2007, '08 and '09.
Stevenson
The Patriots reached the Final Four of the IHSLA state tournament for the first time in program history last spring, falling 7-6 to state power Loyola Academy in a memorable semifinal. The highlight before that postseason clash: a 9-8 regular-season defeat of potent New Trier, which would edge Loyola 7-6 for its sixth straight state championship in June. “We're looking to have another solid season, with another deep playoff run,” said Pats coach Brian Larsen, named IHSLA coach of the year in 2010. Graduation 2010 wasn't kind to Stevenson. Gone: All-Americans Matt Harris (now a defenseman at perennial powerhouse Syracuse) and Tim Engel (attackman); leading scorer and all-North Suburban first-team pick Jack Huber (Albany); and all-North Suburban first-team selection Vince Manglardi (D). “Graduation hit us hard,” said fourth-year starting goalkeeper and Albany-bound Max Huber, Jack's brother. “But we have some new guys who are ready for the spotlight.” Max Huber and classmate Kevin Harris earned all-state honors as juniors. Huber excels after saves, whipping outlet passes that fuel the Pats' electric transition game. Foes at the other end of the field have to deal with senior attackman Adam “Cookie” Cooke, Stevenson's No. 2 scorer a year ago. Pats junior Brendan Sheehan is a valuable middie/attackman combo player, and senior middie Ryan Spitzer is the team's primary face-off man. Mark Harris — yep, from that same talent-laden lax family — will hit fields as a sophomore attackman. “We should be strong, defensively, with a lot of veteran leadership,” said Larsen, who noted a couple of out-of-state transfers fortified his club.
Vernon Hills
The Cougars fielded only a JV team last year. This year? Varsity, JV and freshman squads will hit the fields. A robust 70 came out for lax. “Big growth,” said Cougars coach Brian Miller, a midfielder back in his prep days (Stevenson, Class of 2002). “I guess a lot of guys on last year's team got their friends to sign up. Much of the focus (in early practices), with so many first-year players out, has been on stickhandling skills. We're going to be very, very athletic.” His senior captain, middie Mike Glover, is very, very bright (4.6 grade-point average). “A smart player, too, with a great shot,” Miller said. “But what I really like about him is his balance; he has a serious side and a fun side. Mike also is good at taking a younger player aside and saying, ‘Hey, try doing it this way.' He has the leadership qualities you want in a captain.” VH's varsity has a sophomore goalie, Cody Christie. Miller's top juniors are Tyler Amidei (D), Brad Feinman (D) and Tyler Peterson (MF). “Unbelievable work ethic — everybody has one,” Miller said. “And they have such great attitudes.” Miller played lacrosse at Illinois State University. “But only here and there,” he said. Three knee surgeries, all to repair the same ACL, limited Miller's playing time.
Warren
The big question mark for the Blue Devils, a first-year IHSLA varsity team last spring: Will senior Brad Hauser, a 6-foot-4, 235-pounder who has been playing junior hockey in Minnesota, return to Gurnee to attack for Warren? The big exclamation point: senior and fourth-year captain Garrett Van Schaick! Ohio Wesleyan-bound GVS served quite ably as a middie the past two years. But he gets to be a game-changer on defense this year. “Defense – that's his natural position,” said Blue Devils coach John Vignocchi. “He's an absolute stud.” Look for senior Jake Cymbal to make plenty of noise as a middie. Five other head turners: sophomore Jon Glende (D) and seniors Austin Czisny (G), Matt Larsen (attackman), Dakota Lenzi (attackman) and Mitch Kulczycki (MF). “Our back line, with its experience, will be extremely strong,” Vignocchi said. “They're all leaders back there — vocal leaders.” Sturdy, too. “Warren produces gigantic athletes, and we have those on our team,” the coach added. “Put a long stick in those athletes' hands … they look bigger than gigantic.”
Waubonsie Valley/Metea Valley
The recognition has arrived before the first game of the season for Waubonsie Valley. Goalie Scott Brown, defender Nicholas Rodgers, midfielder Zach Wood and attackman Nick Wood were selected to the Illinois Regional Adidas Team. This spring the four (Nick Wood is injured to begin the season but should be back) are aiming to have the most successful season in program history. “We were in the final four a couple years ago but you have to work to be a champion,” Waubonsie Valley coach Mike Julius said. “I've been happy with their response so far. We're just going to take it one game as a time and not take anyone lightly.” Julius said Brown will split time in the cage with senior Scott Barger and added that speedy brothers and midfielders, Blake Irwin and Brett Irwin, will also be key. Junior Ryan O'Sullivan also plays a significant role in the midfield and Evan LaPoe will do the same with the defense. The Warriors also are hoping for a strong season from Victor Trowbridge.
West Chicago
West Chicago is coming off its most successful season. After making it to the second round of the Lacrosse Cup playoffs last season, West Chicago returns 13 members from last season's team. Riding on high expectations for this group of seniors, including defender RJ Korbriger and attackman Tyler Zanoni, the Wildcats hope to improve on last year's success. “Our focus has and will be on playing one game at a time and constantly improving throughout the season,” West Chicago coach Dave Pater said. “The players, coaches and fans are very excited to see us perform. The school has done an excellent job accommodating us whenever they can and that is a credit to Doug Mullaney and Clay Reagan, for helping an emerging sport grow in the school and community. Our players have worked hard in the off-season promoting the game to students at the school which has driven up our numbers.”
Wheaton Academy
This will be the first year that the Warriors have a lacrosse club that is officially sanctioned with the school. The team will only field a JV squad this year, but it shouldn't take the Warriors long to find success with coach Bruce Wilson at the helm. Wilson, who won a high school state championship as a player in Maryland in 1982, coached youth lacrosse teams for the Wheaton Park District that went undefeated in the regular season for three straight years. “We'll have a team of about 17 guys, which is what I want,” Wilson said. “18 is ideal for a team size if everyone is going to play.” Howie Mill will anchor the defense, Thomas Oster and Joe Ocampo will be the team's top midfielders, while freshman Daniel Wilson and John Prichard will lead the attack. Nate Martinez, the sophomore football quarterback, and Matt Casto are also expected to be two of the standouts for the Warriors.
Wheaton North
The Falcons are coming off a tremendous year, having won the 2010 Lacrosse Cup. This season they make the move from the B-Class to A-Class after last year's success. While the competition will toughen this year, the Falcons have plenty to be excited about this spring as the team will feature 21 seniors, including 18 who contributed last season. “We'll be a very senior-heavy team,” Wheaton North coach Chris Weed said. “It's an exciting big step for our program to obviously move up and play higher-caliber teams, but this is a well-knit group of kids who are excited to put our program on the map and catapult things.” The Falcons enjoy the peace of mind of having a stellar goalie as captain Alex Meek will be the man in goal. Senior Reilly Dixon, the team's point leader last season, returns to lead the attack while junior Brendan Dunlap will be the leader in the midfield.
Wheaton Warrenville South
The Tigers are coming off a 13-7 season that had them finish in sixth in the final Illinois LaxPower Rankings. The Tigers certainly won't sneak up on anybody and will look to a solid combination of veteran leadership and promising newcomers for similar success this spring. “The team has a solid core returning from last year's squad,” Wheaton Warrenville South coach Mike Blouin said. “Many athletic underclassmen will round out the varsity.” U.S. Air Force Academy-bound Jacob Kazar is a team co-captain and will lead the defense. Another co-captain, senior Seth Fuller, will be a leader in the midfield, along with junior Tyler Cook and long stick midfielder, Sam Prete. “I think we have our sights set on winning conference and have a good shot of that,” Blouin said. “We've got an untested group of kids and a challenging schedule, but I think we're stronger athletically than we have been in a few years. I expect the team to grow and hopefully peak come playoff time.”
York
The B-Class Dukes are in their fifth season. York graduated 18 seniors, including nine starters from last season's 7-10 squad. Therefore, there are a lot of holes in the lineup for coach Don Canfield to fill. “The roster is very young with five sophomores, 15 juniors and only five seniors,” Canfield said.” The Dukes return Tony Kuhn in goal and Evan Mack and Jason Guziewski on defense, attackman Colin Grubbs, as well as midfielders John Spokas, Brewer Callahan and Connor McDonnell. A difficult schedule from the beginning will test the team, with a date against Lyons Township in late March and a couple with Oak Park and River Forest and Fenwick the first week of April. “The program's still growing and there's a new Elmhurst youth lacrosse league started that has 200 kids signed up already,” Canfield said. “Eventually we'll start seeing most of the kids coming into high school with a lot of experience.”