High school lacrosse players are often stereotyped as being lazy party animals. This year, the MHS lacrosse team certainly does not reflect this stereotype. If you happen to have zero period gym on a Tuesday or Thursday, you might see some of the Dodgers doing core workouts after lifting in groups. And what you probably don’t realize is that some of these athletes set their alarm clocks for 5:30 in the morning.
With new coaching staff additions for the Dodgers, players didn’t know what to expect this preseason after a rough season last year against some of the top competition high school lacrosse has to offer. Former Dodger and all American, Rob Novack, would step in as defensive coordinator for the maroon and Gold. While Head coach Mark Sweeney and assistant coach Bruce Dugan would return for Madison. Novack, a division III stand out at Farleigh Dickinson University, is a strong supporter of the Madison lacrosse tradition. “You’ll see the offense in practice and realize that you’re working harder than them everyday,” Novack explained to the defense on Monday. “That’s the way it’s always been.”
This season, the Dodger coaching staff has stressed the importance of each individual players responsibility to stay in shape and practice stick skills. “It’s all about that extra inch. How bad do you want it?” Coach Sweeney said in the huddle. “Give everything you’ve got and a little bit more. That’s all we can ask of you.”
With this season’s new demeanor, players have begun to lift on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. A new vibe has come to the practices and chalk talk sessions. Players are focused and ready to play.
The Dodgers go on the road to face Governor Livingston Thursday at 4:30 in their first scrimmage of the season.