New Canaan Country School Varsity Lacrosse Finishes Season Undefeated

From New Canaan Country School: New Canaan Country School Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse scored an undefeated season with a 7-0 final record. The team, consisting of Upper School students (grades 7, 8 and 9), competed in the Fairchester Athletic League, made up of independent schools from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. The Country School Cougars netted 103 goals scored versus just 27 allowed, showing their strength at both ends of the field.

“The team’s success was based upon a willingness of all players to put ego aside regardless of role or position, and work together,” said lead coach Charles Khuen. “These boys really understand the concept of a shared goal. Many of them have been playing together since Middle School (grades 5 and 6) and have tremendous individual and collaborative skills.”

The midfield was led by the four ninth grade captains, Henry Alpaugh, Shane Baldwin and Carter George all of Darien, and Bo Ziegler of Rowayton. They were assisted by expert face-off specialist, Teddy Schoenholtz of New Canaan. The defensive lineup was marshalled by eighth grader, Jackson Alvord of New Canaan and brothers Thomas and Jeffrey Ricciardelli, also of New Canaan. Thomas, a sensational seventh grade goalie, made saves that were truly beyond his years, while eighth-grader Jeffrey, a southpaw talent, left defenses in fits all season with his elusiveness and shot accuracy.

Highlights of the season included quality wins against perennial rivals, Greenwich Country Day School and Brunswick School. From the first whistle and after just a single practice under their belts, the Cougars proved they had something special this year against GCDS, tallying three consecutive goals in the opening two minutes. The final score ended in a convincing 12-5 victory. In an away-contest versus Brunswick, the boys from New Canaan proved that they were legitimate contenders, as they held off a well-coached and experienced Brunswick team that was determined not to lose on their home field. The dust settled after a back-and-forth slug fest with the Cougars winning 10-8.

Maintaining their focus, the team knew they still had some tough tests ahead. After comfortably beating a strong Fairfield Country Day School in their first meeting 12-4, the team went into the away game confident of a repeat performance. However, the rematch proved to be much different, with the Cougars trailing for the first time all season going into the fourth quarter. It was a time when captains made their voices heard, and the team was forced to find out who they were -did they have the necessary resilience? The answer was clear. The team stuck together and rallied back to earn a much deserved, hard-fought 6-5 win.

“I’m very proud of these boys,” said Coach Khuen. “Their mettle was tested several times, but their commitment to the team is what clinched the wins.” Khuen was assisted this season by Coaches Marshall Johnson and Thomas Furbee.

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9. Located on a 75-acre campus at 635 Frogtown Rd in New Canaan, the school offers transportation to those families living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. For more, please visit www.countryschool.net.

Photo: New Canaan Country School Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse scored an undefeated season with a 7-0 final record. Members of the team included (front row from left to right): Jack Johnson, Thomas Ricciardelli, Sam Ives, Finley Bean, Jeffrey Ricciardelli, Cam Lawrence, Teddy Shoenholtz, Desmond Pratt, Owen Collins, (top row left to right) Coach Khuen, Alex Byrne, Jackson Alvord, Shane Baldwin, Bo Ziegler, Henry Alpaugh, Nate Stevens, Carter George, Carter Alvord, Dylan Koo, Austin Andersen, Kevin Barnard, Hayden Critchell and Coach Furbee. Photo credit: New Canaan Country School