After only winning 2 games last season, the Parkway South boys club lacrosse team has very high expectations for this season. Their impressive skills on the field and the dedication and chemistry they show proves that they could be a great team, according to junior Kyle Delanty.
This team has a lot of talent and is ready for the season opener, according to sophomore Will Hanley.
Because former goalie Roman Chromy graduated last year, senior Brogan Stevens will fill the role this season.
Delanty commented on what he is most looking forward to.
“I am super ready for the first game of the season, as well as Senior Night, for sure. I’m most excited to beat Parkway West, though,” Delanty said.
The lacrosse program at Parkway South isn’t school-sponsored, so the program as well as the athletes and adults have to work extra hard to provide equipment. Sophomore Eli Mesina talks about the issue.
“We all have to work hard to make fundraisers happen. It also sucks that we have to practice at South Middle, when other schools get to practice on their fields,” Mesina said.
Hanley discusses the problem as well.
“It’s just rough having to fit in practices at a field that isn’t anywhere close to the quality of turf or other grass. It’s also hard to raise enough money to get good jerseys, so we are often stuck with jerseys that have been used for years,” he said.
Mesina said another thing the players have been focusing on is becoming better as a team during practices.
”Our team chemistry and bonding has improved dramatically since last season. We feel like one unit on the field. We are more confident as a whole as well. We make do with what we are given,” he said.
Hanley reminisces on his favorite memory from his lacrosse career–being called up to varsity as a freshman.
“It was the first playoff game of the postseason, and I got called up. I was a little nervous, but I was confident. We had been practicing extra recently in preparation for this game- I was ready, and it was super fun,” he said.
Eli talks about the games this season. Their next game is on March 12 at Francis Howell. The Patriots already played their first home game of the season, but were defeated by Marquette, 16-12.
“Be there,” he said. “It’s an amazing sport to watch.”
