High Hopes for the Boys Lacrosse Team

For years, the boys lacrosse team has struggled.  It seemed like the program was in a cycle of unused talent.  As a result, the system has undergone a coaching cleanse, with all new coaches on the JV and Varsity teams. The only coach carrying over is former Candlewood and JV lacrosse coach, Mr. Cascio, who is taking the position of Assistant Varsity coach. The program revival has the team ready to work again, and excitement for the upcoming season is high, as it should be.

In the fall, it was obvious that this season would be unlike those in years past when Varsity head coach Tom Rooney gathered his players and their parents for a meeting.  The ex-Port Washington coach made it clear that there would be no more losing seasons at West.  He set up a winter training clinic every Wednesday night for the entire team, so when the season began, Hills West would be ready to get after it.  Rooney also scheduled tournaments, a winter league, and early spring scrimmages against teams like the defending state-champions Cold Spring Harbor and Calvert Hall, Maryland, the sixth-ranked team in the country.  He said that in order to be the best, you must beat the best.  The players have faith in their new coaches, too.  This is evident in their win over Cold Spring Harbor and their success in a tournament that was played on Saturday, March 19th.

There has been no doubt that Hills West has had the talent to be great in the past.  This is also a very talented team this year as well, but it feels different from years past.  The lacrosse team is ready to go, and with only one week until the first game, it seems like the long, overdue thirst for something great may finally be quenched.