Tigers know what to expect as CHSAA members

FARMER'S KORNER - Last spring was a humbling season for the Summit High School boys lacrosse team.

The Tigers, once known for their mountain-region dominance as a club, debuted as a state-sanctioned high school squad and wound up with a 3-9 record.

The losing season was something of an eye-opener for SHS head coach Jay Beckerman.

"(The '07 campaign) was a shock," Beckerman said after Friday's practice in reference to. "We went 24-2 or 26-2 playing mountain schools like Durango, Battle Mountain and Aspen. We figured (Colorado High School Activities Association) competition would be a little tougher, but that we could go .500 and maybe make the playoffs. ... The competition was incredible. It's nice to have gone through that and know what we're up against (in the future) instead of going in blind."

With last year chalked up as a learning experience, how dangerous will the current team be to its opponents?

"We have some big shoes to fill on defense and we have to get our offense clicking," senior leader Brock Barto said. "But I think we'll be able to do pretty well and make a little bit of noise out there. ... I'm still shooting to be above the .500 mark."

Beckerman is optimistic like Barto.

"As far as attack, first-line midis and first-line defense, I'm looking forward to the season," the coach said. "I'm very enthusiastic."

Braxton Campbell and Shamus O'Neill will be among the scoring threats up front; Michael Dudick, Michael Daniels and Max O'Neill will roam the midfield; and Barto, Sonny Magrino and Taylor Miller make up what Beckerman described as "probably the most solid defense we've had in years."

The Tigers' goalie will be Nick Hrycaj, a senior in his first year on the varsity squad.

"I didn't have a choice," Hrycaj said of his post between the pipes. "They were like, 'Here's a stick, get in the net.' I used to play hockey goalie, so I guess (the coaching staff) figured I knew the concept."

Beckerman seems to like having Hrycaj mind the net, even though it's not the former field player's favorite position.

"He's a natural," Beckerman said. "He gets jacked up, makes great saves and does things that a second-year goalie shouldn't be able to do. ... There were maybe six times last year (on JV) where he made a save and did a dead sprint to the other side (to fire a shot on the opposing goalie or distribute the ball). That just shows he's got a flair for the game - he's into it."

If SHS can adhere to its coach's top priority, than Hrycaj shouldn't have to face an overwhelming barrage of shots.

"Discipline," Beckerman said. "That's all it is - being focused, very specific and staying with your job. If the defender against the ball gets beat and you have five guys slide to the ball, than you have five guys wide open. If the one guy who's supposed to slide, slides, than it's a disciplined defense and you're not going give up easy goals."

The Tigers will begin their season Thursday against Wheat Ridge at Trailblazer Stadium.



Four to watch:

Brock Barto, Sr., Defense

Braxton Campbell, Sr., Attack

Michael Dudick, Sr., Midfield

Max O'Neill, Jr., Midfield



Adam Boffey can be contacted at (970) 668-4634, or at aboffey@summitdaily.com.