The varsity boys lacrosse team has a reputation to protect as they enter the 2016 season. After winning the state championship last season, players are focused on defending that title for as long as possible.
“I have very high expectations for our team coming off our state title,” senior Jack O’Connor said. “I think if every player comes to practice and works hard, we will achieve success.”
During the 2015 season, the squad finished the regular season with a record of 13 wins and two losses, falling to Priory and O’Fallon. During the playoffs, the Longhorns managed to get vengeance against O’Fallon in the first round with a 12-5 win and against Priory in the championship game with a 13-9 victory for the state title.
“I think this season will go very well,” senior midfielder Jack Russell said. “We’re going to try and build off of our success last year.”
This year they are going to play their playoffs at the top division of Missouri lacrosse, which includes MICDS, SLUH and Chaminade.
“There are going to be a lot of really good teams in our division,” senior Jacob Ransom said. “Chaminade and MICDS are going to be two of the better teams and they’re going to be a tough competition for us but I think we’ll be pretty competitive as well.”
Ever since the team won state last year, players are trying to work hard by working out during the off-season to make sure that they are not rusty and in shape to defend their state title.
“I’ve been in the weight room a lot more,” Ransom said. “I also try to have my stick in my hand more so I don’t get caught off guard with the season starting and being rusty. I just want to be ready for the season to start right off the bat.”
However, it is difficult for the lacrosse team to find practice time so early in the season due to the sport being non-school sponsored.
“There have not been any open gyms or captains practices because it’s too cold and we do not have access to the school facilities because we’re not school-sponsored,” senior Alex Karrenbrock said. “This makes it really hard to get everyone prepared early and 100 percent ready for the season.”
The first game of the 2016 season takes place on Sunday, March 6 at Parkway West Middle against Blue Valley West High School. Opening face off is at 10:00 a.m.
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