Sachem North Lax Operating As "We" Not "I"

At a Sachem North lacrosse practice last week, this year’s theme was loud and clear every time head coach Jay Mauro spoke to his team: “It’s about ‘We,’ not ‘I’.”

“I think the kids have bought into it,” he said. “It’s about getting it together and becoming a better team. We’re going to do it through hard work, because talent is only going to take you so far. Believing in each other is a crucial part of this team.”

This year Sachem brings 15 future college players to the field and a core of senior leaders, many of which are full-time laxers. Mauro said every senior recognizes the sense of urgency on them to win, which is no easy task considering they’re ranked as the fourth best team in arguably the toughest county to play lacrosse in the world. Expect Ward Melville, Smithtown West and West Islip to bring their powerful punch as usual.

“It’s going to be a battle every time we step out here,” Mauro said. “You can’t take any game for granted.”

Dalton Crossan, last season’s leading scorer, is out for at least six weeks with an ankle injury. He scored 59 goals as a junior, good enough for breaking into the top five all-time in Sachem history.

Look for Cody Petillo (Rutgers), Kyle Rhatigan (Limestone) and Shawn Murphy (NYIT) to make up the top attack line.

A group of six offensive middies will follow with Eric Talbot (NYIT), Jack Gannon (UMBC), Shane Deboer, Joe Caridi, Matt Battelli and Anthony Ross. At defensive middie you’ll see Tyler Novak (Florida Southern) and Chris Haun. In the face-off circle you'llsee a number of athletes, including Mike Calvagna, Justin Smith, Corey Gamblin (NYIT) or Caridi.

At long stick you’ll have Tyler Andreassi (Stony Brook), Paul Cappola (Adelphi) and Zach Schulte (Suffolk). Brendan Schade (Belmont Abbey) will get the starting nod in net.

Mercurio to be honored

Former Sachem lacrosse coach Rick Mercurio will be honored during the game on Saturday, March 31, which starts at 6 p.m. Mercurio spent more than 25 years coaching at Sachem North and East.

“When someone does that, they put all that time and effort in to the community, the kids, the schools,” said Mauro, who played for Mercurio in the late 1990s, “they deserve to be honored.”

Sachem has increased its historical awareness in recent years, honoring Sachem lacrosse legend Doug Shanahan by retiring his No. 26 in 2010, as well as honoring Sachem basketball legend Nicole Kaczmarski, retiring her No. 23 basketball jersey this past season.

Sachem will play Mercer Island High School from Washington on March 31 where alum Kevin Mincio is an assistant coach.