Last year, Meridian’s boys lacrosse team was dominant during the regular season, boasting a 12-2 regular season record. The team did well in the regional tournament, unfortunately losing in the championship game. Then, in the state tournament, another rough loss ended their season. It was a good season, but not the result that they had hoped for.
This year, Coach Stewart and his team will try to replicate their excellent regular season play, hopefully leading to a more fruitful postseason.
“In the past few seasons our teams have been defensively strong, and opportunistic on the offensive end. We relied on our defense to hold leads. Time will tell whether this season holds to that,” said Stewart.
This defensive style, despite being a coach’s dream, is player born.
“My coaching style is to provide the framework for players to be successful by putting them in the best positions. I am not interested in dictating a particular playing style or scheme. I want to gather players’ input and play to their strengths,” said Stewart.
By scheming to his players strengths, he has created a winning team that naturally functions better together. A style of play that works for all players, both old and new, is a recipe for success.
Every year, seniors graduate and new freshmen and sophomores make the team. Oftentimes these new players look up to their older counterparts. Stewart said it best: “…we do observe older players naturally mentoring younger ones. For example, faceoff specialists often have a particular bond, with older, more experienced players at that position passing on tips to players coming up from Youth to JV or JV to Varsity.”
Coach Stewart looks to challenge his team day in and day out on the field. Whether it be practices or games, he looks for strong competition so when it comes game time, it’s second nature. High competitiveness will make the team ready for playoffs.
“We expect to challenge ourselves against strong competition to prepare ourselves for the playoffs,” said Stewart.
The team’s first game will be Wednesday, Mar. 19, at home against James Madison.
