New Face Ready to Lead Boys Lacrosse

Nearly all of the faces on the Wilmington boys lacrosse team. There is, however, one new face for the Wildcats.

Kieran Kavanaugh takes over as head coach, replacing Mike Fay who led the team to an improved 2011 campaign. Only two seniors graduated from that team, which showed progress after struggling in previous seasons.

“We have a great team, and I recognized that as soon as I started working with them,” said Kavanaugh. “I talk to (Fay) every day. We just want what’s best for the program. The players understood the concept I brought to the table and accepted it right away. It’s always tough transitioning to a new coach, but it’s gone well.”

Mitchell DeAmbrose, Brain Priem, and Ryan Kennedy are among the players in a strong group of junior forwards that seek to keep up an up-tempo offense that Kavanaugh said will also be structured and focused on a team approach.

Also a junior is Stan Dancewicz, who will be the team’s goaltender. Adam Siegel was the goalie last season and performed admirably, but Kavanaugh said the senior is still deciding if he will come out for the team after a lengthy hockey season.

But it’s the defensive side of the field that Kavanaugh expects his team to shine.

“Our defense, we’re relentless,” said Kavanaugh. “We only graduated one long pole, but we have four or five guys who could be starting. Unfortunately, I can only choose three. Our defense will be the centerpiece of the team.”

The team was scheduled to open at home against Woburn on Thursday, but due to soggy field conditions the tilt was moved to the Tanners’ home field.

Wilmington’s schedule continues on Tuesday as the Wildcats travel to face off against Lexington at 4 p.m.

Kavanaugh said with preseason behind them, his players know their attitude will go a long way in determining how many times the Wildcats will find the win column this season.

“Confidence is always a big aspect when youre going into the season,” he said. “If you’re not going in with that, it’s tough to come together and get wins. Confidence we have. We’re not lacking that at all. We know our teammates are great, so now it’s about going out and getting to work on the field.”