Men’s lacrosse team looks to open season on high note
March 12, 2008
By: Andrew Browning <abrowning@hilite.org>
Sunday the men’s lacrosse team takes on Ravenwood (TN) High School at home at noon in its second game of the season. Chad Russell, long-stick middie and senior, said it is imperative that the team starts the season with success. The Hounds’ opening home games on Saturday against Lakota West (OH) High School and Lakota East (OH) High School were cancelled due to snow, so the Hounds’ game at home against Bishop Chatard on Tuesday was the team’s first action this season.
“It’s very important (to start the season well) because in the past we’ve always played really good teams that have put us down in a slump,” Russell said. “So this season we’re really trying to get in shape so we can come out with wins.”
“It’s always important to start off on a high note because you want to build from last year and continue to improve,” Assistant Coach David Schwartz said.
Russell and Schwartz said that the team’s ultimate goal this season is a State championship, but they both said that the team must first learn to play together as a cohesive unit.
“Our overall goal is to win State, but what we really need to do is come together as a team,” Russell said. “In the past we’ve had really good players but haven’t played as a team.”
“We talk a lot about how our team is made up of a bunch of players and each player makes the others better,” Schwartz said. “The key is for each player to elevate the play of his teammates.”
Russell said that senior leadership is essential to achieving that team unity. He also said that individuals should not worry about how long they play, but instead focus on how hard they can play.
“Our senior leaders will have to step up and bring us together,” Russell said. “You shouldn’t care about what line you’re on, but you should care about what you can contribute to the team.”
Schwartz said his main concern this season is that the team may show some rust in its first few games due to a limited amount of practice time because of the lingering winter weather.
“We’ve had a lot of cold weather and a lot of snow so we haven’t really had a chance to get outside a lot and practice…. So right now our biggest concern is the amount of practice time,” Schwartz said.
Russell said one factor that will help improve the Hounds’ chances for success this year is the strong team chemistry.
“(I’d describe us) pretty much as a group of friends. We get along really well, which is really good during the season for team unity,” Russell said. “Not one of us dislikes another.”
Schwartz said that he has known for years that the Hounds are a special group.
“It’s really a great bunch kids. I used to coach the middle school team and I had the Junior Class and Senior Class as middle school players,” Schwartz said. “It’s amazing to see how mature they act and how well they get along, and also to see how they continue to grow as players.”
Comments
Got something to say?
Loading ...