TC LACROSSE READY FOR 2006 SEASON!

(This article appeared in the April 2006 Crusader Monthly Newsletter)

The Tampa Catholic Lacrosse (LAX) team enters it’s third season under Coach Tim McGoff, but this season will be the first as a sanctioned FHSAA varsity sport. Although TC has been playing other Hillsborough County schools the past two years, they have been considered “club teams” mostly organized and adopted by their local high school. Because Tampa Catholic is the ONLY school in the Tampa area competing on the sanctioned varsity level, Coach McGoff decided to play in the more experienced Orlando league and will be facing very stiff competition.

In the home opener against East Ridge, the Crusaders lost a heartbreaker in overtime, 6-5. But the Crusaders rallied back in an away game at Olympia (Orlando) against a larger, more experienced school. Trading goals throughout the game, the Crusaders were able to wear

down Olympia and late in the game scored 3 unanswered goals in a stunning 8-6 victory. The third game was an exciting 12-7 home win over Lake Brantley, who has one of the best LAX programs in the state.

The 2006 Crusader team captains are led by Adam Steele, a junior attackman who leads the team with 12 goals in 3 games. Joey Hernandez, a third year midfielder and founding member, is invaluable due to his speed and aggressive play. Steven Kovach, a senior defenseman, uses his leadership and athletic ability to anchor the middle of the Crusader defense.

Returning starters from the 2005 squad include junior midfielder Bryce Bonsack, sophomore attackman Nick Gutierrez, sophomore midfielders AJ Nolan and Rocky Borseth; and sophomore goalie Will Greaves.

This young Crusader team forms the foundation of a strong program that should be competitive for years to come.