Two years ago, the boys lacrosse team boasted four All-State and two All-American athletes and was on the brink of a state championship before losing in the semifinal and finishing with a 25-2 record. 

Even more devastating was last year when, only two weeks after the team’s final cuts were made, LT was forced to cancel all co-curricular and athletic activities, three year player Will Johnson ‘21 said. This year, the boys roster will retain a plethora of talent and be completely locked in for their upcoming season, he said.

“There’s five other dudes along with myself that were on that team where we made a run at state and got a sectional dub,” Johnson said. “Being one of the younger guys on the team and having some of the older guys pave the way for you was awesome. I think for this year, I’m looking to become one of those leaders and show the younger guys what LT lacrosse is all about.”

With the goal of a seamless return, the boys have developed team chemistry through intramurals and refined their own skills individually with time at the gym and wall ball, College of Wooster commit Will Fink ‘21 said. Their time away from the sport has only enhanced their desire to return, he said.

“Everyone’s super pumped up just for intramurals and at the thought of the season,” Fink said. “No one is taking it for granted—what we have right now. Even off the field, we have our group chat which allows us to stay in touch and get closer as a team.”

In addition to Fink, this year’s squad includes two other college bound student athletes: Patrick Ryan ‘21, who is set to play at Concordia University of Wisconsin and Joey Veomo ‘21, who is committed to Benedictine University. Despite a strong core and deep roster, this year’s team will have the same goal in mind as years past: beat York and win the conference, varsity head coach Seth Molek said.

“Everyone’s going to have to be careful off the field knowing how fast and fragile our season is,” Molek said. “The goal’s always to win a state championship, but with state and sectionals still up in the air, we’re even more focused on a conference title no matter what, and York will have a good team this year. It’ll be tough so we’ll have to take it one step at a time.”

With LT already having a midseason shut down due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the varsity football team this year, the boys are sure to enjoy each day and compete in every game like it could potentially be their last, Johnson said. 

“Last year we were a day away from playing Hinsdale [Central] before we got cancelled,” he said. “Having that taken from us really hurt, but it also definitely makes us appreciate this season a lot more. We all just want to get after it and show what we’ve been working towards our whole lacrosse career.”

The boys are scheduled to take on 16 teams this season. The next game is May 27 against Fenwick High School at home.