Young Wildcat Squad makes Big Progress in 2010
This year’s 2010 boys’ varsity lacrosse team competed admirably at the highest level in New England Prep School lacrosse. With ten players returning from last year’s roster, the 2010 squad knew that the secret to this season would be hard work and perseverance. The Wildcats struggled early in the season, but progress was apparent with each passing day. A good mix of experienced older players, talented younger rookies, and a can do determination gave the Wildcats the skill and spirit necessary to go into every game with confidence and high expectations. The team’s positive attitude and competitive drive was recognized by all as the Wildcats were awarded the Bill Pottle Northern New England Lacrosse League Sportsmanship award for 2010.
Two successive one goal losses against rivals NMH and Holderness at midseason did not dampen their spirit. In the season’s final week, the Wildcats beat New Hampton 14-6 to avenge an earlier 11-5 loss and then lost to a very talented Tabor Academy 9-8 in the final minutes of play. KUA finished the season with a 5-9 record. Three year varsity player and team captain Ben Hayden was awarded the Chris Koval Award and All-league honorable mention honors. Senior Tommy Harrison was awarded the Herbert Joslyn Award and was selected to play in the senior East-West Division I All-star game. Juniors Kevin Vieira and Drew Simoneau were also named NNELL All-Stars. Simoneau was also honored with the “Tough as Nails” Ground Ball Hog award. Three year varsity team members Franklin Boswell-Taylor and Cullen Boyle, along with two year graduating seniors Michael Maggiore and Nathan Braginetz, BK Chun and post graduate Josh Rombach factored heavily in this year’s success. Boyle was awarded the Bison Award and Maggiore earned the Most Improved Defensive Player recognition. Junior Chris Morse developed into an all around versatile player in the midfield, sharing face-off duties and playing in all situations from clears and rides to settled offense and extra man. Newcomers to the team and to the sport, Ryan Cole and Dennis Kravchenko, put their athletic talents to valuable use this spring. Cole teamed up with Harrison and Vieira on close defense and Kravchenko stepped into the middie short pole defensive role and a dangerous dodging threat on offense. Junior Sam Wyskiel came into his own late in the season and was selected as the team’s Most Improved Offensive Player. First year junior Spencer King proved his versatility rotating back and forth between long pole and close defense. Juniors Sheldon Stansfield and Steve Schwarz practiced with the varsity and played with the JV squad throughout the season.
Junior Miles Hancock was a force with his long pole in midfield, especially on face-offs and one on one situations, covering many of the top midfielders in the league. CJ Frates led the Wildcat attack with great hustle and heads up play around the net. Max Abendroth missed half of the season with a nasty ankle sprain and returned to provide power and strength at attack. Abendroth was awarded the team’s rookie of the year. Sophomore Ian Timpone demonstrated the smoothest stick control and precision passing on the team. He found his rhythm this year and his potential grew noticeably with each passing day. Sophomore Tim McNair demonstrated his athleticism and enthusiasm with his hard work and passion for the sport. Sophomore Joe Loftus made big plays at both ends of the field and gave the Wildcats the depth and experience they needed. Josh Huett displayed great hands and position play and worked his way into the down a man rotation and a key member of the long pole unit. Brett Gruber was solid in net in his role as the back-up keeper. He stepped against Tilton and allowed only 4 goals in his one start. Post graduate Leslie Smith competed hard all year and scored the final goal of the 2010 season, a rocket blast over the Vermont Academy goalie’ shoulder.
