Thursday, January 12, 2017

JV LACROSSE GOES INTO ITS SECOND SEASON AS NEW ADDITION TO WHS ATHLETICS

By JOHN STEINMANN

PHOTO BY LAURA CARLSTROM

For those who are not aware, Washingtonville started its very first junior varsity lacrosse program at the high school in 2016. In addition to the latest Wizard’s team, a new coach was appointed to lead the players: Mr. Gray, a teacher at our very own middle school. If you are an underclassman looking for a new sport, or already play lacrosse, this team may be for you. The tryouts for the second season will start on Monday, March 6th. A meeting will be held after school in the small cafeteria some time in February. Listen to announcements for more information on the sign ups as the exact date is still to be determined.

Upon speaking with Mr. Vyskocil, the director of athletics at the high school, he was able to elaborate more on the junior varsity team by saying, “They are hoping to play twelve games this season opposed to the ten games they played last season.” He also stated that, “The team is a ‘feeder’ team to the varsity lacrosse program, and a way to better the players before they play at a higher level entering varsity.”  The new program is a wonderful way to teach more players the sport of lacrosse because they will get the opportunity to play in more games.  Previously, it was difficult for freshman and sophomores to get playing time as they were younger and less skilled at the sport.  This new team allows the athletes to play at a more realistic level with other athletes their own age and skill level.  Younger players may have otherwise been discouraged to join the varsity team.

With this new program, the entire Washingtonville lacrosse community will have the chance to advance greatly in the near future. Junior varsity adds a new step for the players coming out of their youth.  Instead of having to jump right into varsity and play with athletes older and more aggressive, younger athletes will be able to play at a level where they are comfortable. 

While this is a great opportunity for those younger players who should take advantage of it, it was not always this way for lacrosse players in previous years.  David Carlstrom, a senior and the former goalie for the varsity lacrosse team, said this about not having the program when he played, “We were put in a tough spot going from youth into varsity, and we had to mature and grow quickly into the sport.” If David and the rest of his team had the program available at the time, who knows how there past seasons may have turned out. 

If you’re looking to play lacrosse this year, make sure you get your physical. If you have any questions, contact the Washingtonville Athletic Department or ask a friend who plays. Best of luck to the team this year.

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