Boys' Varsity Lacrosse Team Continues to Make Strides

Five years ago, Cranford boys' lacrosse coach Al Reinoso took on the task of building a program from the ground up. Brick by brick, the foundation for success has been set, and big-time success looks to be just around the corner.

Cranford finished the past spring season with a record of 9-9, a respectable mark for any team, but not what the Cougars expected from themselves, especially after proving their mettle against some of the best teams in the area.

Cranford defeated Nutley 12-4 late in the season to clinch a .500 record behind the four-goal effort of senior Stephen DiGiovanni. Goalie Bobby Anstatt had 10 saves in the win.

A big reason for the program's rise was the play of the Hofstra-bound DiGiovanni, who finished his four-year Cougar career as the all-time leading scorer. His mark on the program is paving the way for future lacrosse stars.

"Steven DiGiovanni is ending his varsity career with school records in goals and assists," Reinoso added. "His quality of play has been rewarded with a full Divison I Hofstra scholarship...Around the state he is the representative of our program and has really helped put our program on the map on the state level. On top of his accomplishments and accolades he has truly been a pleasure to coach...He is dedicated to all aspects of his athletic and scholastic life.  He has been and will continue to be a role model for the younger players of the town and the program. Needless to say Steven will be missed."

Reinoso is just as proud of another player who made big strides this past season. Michael Sheehan's focus and dedication made him a key cog in the Cougars' wheel, and in the fall, will continue his career at Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

"Michael Sheehan put in the off-season work this year to distinguish himself as a player his senior year,"Reinoso said. "He worked relentlessly this fall and winter to improve his game and become a vital asset to the team. Together he and Steven often provided the one-two punch we needed to be successful. Although he did not have the total sum points to show for it, he nonetheless was instrumental in our offense with his ball-handling and his stick-handling ability, taking the pressure off of Steve.  We often looked to him to initiate our offense off the dodge and it was his ability in this that helped us control the ball and start offensive plays.  Others would get the points on the finishing but Mike helped start a lot of these plays. Because of his huge improvement, he will be playing next year at Farleigh Dickinson University."

With the loss of several top players, Reinoso will be looking for the next group to step up and take charge. And with 60 players in the high school program, he's confident the program will continue to grow.

"Due to these losses and the loss of other seniors the development  of our young players is going to be critical to the improvement of our play for next season," he said. "Outstanding young defensive prospects like Alex Fries  and John Dinsmore will be looked upon to improve and battle for starting positions next year to help returning seniors Will Bender and goalie Bobby Anstatt and stabilizing the defense."

And the offense is expected to light up the scoreboard as well.

"The return of all three attackmen Luke Diano, JR Rubin, and Tom Fitzgerald should be a great advantage for us in bolstering the offense. We will look to these players and others at the midfield position to help us offensively."

The tireless efforts of Reinoso, his coaching staff and the student-athletes, have made this program one to watch in the years ahead. And every opponent knows it.

"Overall we are very excited about the future prospects of our team. We have a lot of young talented players that will use the off-season to develop their skills."