Kelsey Landauer ’12
Staff Writer
Running the mile is just the beginning of a long, competitive week of tryouts. Girls’ lacrosse tryouts began on Mon. March 22, despite the adverse weather conditions.
After participating in drills, the girls performed skills that head coach and U.S teacher Cathy Schager taught them, and then spent the last half hour scrimmaging.
Throughout the process Schager has been scouting out her ideal varsity squad for this season. The final leg of the process was the all day jamboree in Danbury that took place on Sat. March 27. In the jamboree the Wreckers facd off against Danbury, New Milford, Brookfield, and Fox Lane High School.
After playing in the tourament style jamboree, the final squad was established. The process is “inherently high pressure,” according to Schager, but the process is fair, and the girls are given a full week to show their stuff.
“What really matters is how you play,” said tri-captain Lexa Koenig ’10.
With limited spots available, the girls must not only demonstrate skill and athleticism, but also dedication to the game.
“I’d rather have a super scrappy kid who’d do anything to win than a kid with a lot of skill who’s heart isn’t in it,” said Schager. With almost 70 girls trying out this year, there is a large pool of experienced players to choose from.
A strong team will be necessary in the upcoming season due to some close calls in the previous season, which ended with a 9-9 record.
The girls won close games against Trumbull, Ridgefield, Ludlowe, and Danbury. Schager fears that these teams will “come back looking for blood.”
“We have so many versatile and talented players that I feel really confident about our success throughout the season,” said tri-captain Blair Barone ‘10.
The returning varsity members share the common goal for this season of winning the Division II State Championships. The girls made the State Tournament the previous two years, and last year made it to the quarterfinals.
Schager is also aware that some of her girls have been working really hard in the off season on club teams, and more determined than ever to take home the title.
“A lot of the younger girls have been playing together in the off-season and it really shows in their confidence and skill on the field,” said Barone.
Although the competition may be out to get Staples this season, they are prepared to come out on top once again. The talent that is entering the team this season can only increase their chances of having a successful season, and fulfilling their dream of a State Championship.
Schager looks for “hunger, heart, and hustle” in her players. With these three components demonstrated on the field, the Staples girls lacrosse team will be unbeatable and ready to take on any challenge that comes their way in the 2010 season.
