It is no question that Central Catholic is recognized for its athletic prowess, yet some of its sports attract more attention than others (and for good reason). Central Catholic’s Lacrosse Team is nothing short of a disappointment, as the varsity squad has failed to break .500 since my freshman year.

With numerous coaching changes and severe miscommunication, the team has struggled to make a successful run. Despite the negativity surrounding the team, however, Coach Jordan Dykla dutifully attempts to instill a sense of positivity within the squad.

It is uncertain what the upcoming 2020 season will hold, but one thing is for sure, The Central Catholic Lacrosse Team will come on top.

As Lacrosse is not the most popular sport, it is important to provide a background of the game. Central Catholic Lacrosse, a PIAA sport, is played at the Varsity and Junior-Varsity levels. The game is fast-paced, and provides players with intense teamwork, requiring experience with stick skills, endurance, speed, and physical contact.

Lacrosse allows for a variety of athletes to succeed: the physical player, the tiny, elusive dodger, the ground-ball man, and the facilitator. Each different player uniquely contributes to the game depending on his athletic ability, size, and lacrosse skills. Impressive lacrosse players arrive at all shapes and sizes.

The Central Catholic Lacrosse team began conditioning in October and official practice started on Monday, March 2nd.  Not only does the team have returning stars such as Harrison Reinhart, ’20 Ramsey Lewand ’20, Blake Thomas ’21, and Tommy Iurlano ’21, but the young and incoming players hold promise for the squad as well.

The freshmen made their presence known this year, making every effort to attend preseason scrimmages and practices. This type of commitment is always appreciated from the younger players, as it ensures success for the future of the program.

Many of Central Catholic’s players express a hopeful outlook on the 2020 season. In a team meeting, players were able to discuss their respective goals for the season. Nolan Paul ’22, seeks to “create a winning culture.” Winning is not everything, as many teams fail to acknowledge the culture surrounding their team. Central Catholic aims not only to win, but to create a culture that fosters positive attitude and communication.

Ellis Gillespie ’21 stresses the importance of building a future for the program, “Teach better skills to the young kids so that whenever we’re gone, the team is still growing.” Winning in the moment is nice, but it is crucial to focus on the bigger picture. Nate Steitz ’21 reminds the team to recollect its talent after each game, “Every game is a new game.”

It is imperative that Central Catholic’s team does not let their emotions take over, as maintaining a calm mentality is essential to success. A successful lacrosse squad must have good communication on and off the field. Luke Kania ’21 reinforces this idea, “Throughout the year, our team must develop chemistry.”

If there’s one thing Central Catholic’s Lacrosse lacks from the start, it is team chemistry. In comparison to other high schools, Central Catholic does not have many “feeder schools”, schools in which are directly connected to the high school and are expected to continue their athletic and academic career there.

Although Central’s athletes are at a disadvantage as they’re spread all throughout the area, they are still able to create a team chemistry in minimal time.

As the season approaches, Central hopes to capitalize on as many opportunities possible. With the coronavirus, there is no guarantee what will happen, but the team hopes the season will continue in order to prove themselves as a WPIAL competitor.