Moeller set for strong lacrosse season ;VE s·~h"t.bN'/J 3/31/ c.f tJ
By Chris Yeager
Contributor
Moeller achieves this season. "The team only goes as far as its seniors take it," said Starvaggi, who recorded a third-period assist last Saturday. He mentioned goalie Joe Lynch, defensemen Chris Walsh and Neil Wunder, Widmeyer, Ryan Hanson, and Vicario as those who have to pull up the underclassmen by year~end tournament time. Vicario, Starvaggi, and Widmeyer each said making a run at a state title is one of the team's goals. Sat~rday's outcome against Scioto provided insight on how much · to con. ah ead 1·f M oe ll er ts 1tes tend. Coach Shannon said Moeller had beaten Dublin Scioto the last two regular seasons. Yet, Scioto is this year's Ohio High School Lacrosse Association defending champion. "One of the chalh~nges this year is how quickly we- and we've put a lot on our seniors - can bring along the underclassmen. We've got to get them blended in." Whatever happens during the year, Vicario learned what he needed to learn about himself and lacrosse. "For sure, I'm· looking into club lacrosse," Vicario said of his college considerations. 'Til be keeping a stick in my hand." ,
In skipping his junior year season, It's as though Moeller lacrosse player Vinnie Vicario tried to convince himself the game hadn't gotten under his skin. "My heart wasn't in it last year," said the senior attacker. "I just didn't think I had it. It was going to be a much bigger commitment going up to the varsity team." A Loveland resident, Vicario told himself there were other things he wanted to do, like get a job. Then he started · M oe ller•s you th Senior attacker · CHRIS YEAGER/CONTRIBUTOR . co ach mg m Vinnie Vicario program. He watched his throws during a game against friends playing. Something Dublin Scioto. under his skin started itching pretty hard. second-period goal in the 14"About halfway through 4loss to Scioto. last season I decided to come Vicario and teammate back," Vicario said. David Starvaggi are attackers, Moeller opened its season those playing nearest the last Saturday against Dublin opponents' goal. Both said Scioto, the state's top-ranked they love their positions lacrosse team, at Norwood because it gives them the Stadium. Vicario was back opportunity to score. attacking again. But Widmeyer appreciates "He's the soul of our team," range. Perhaps that's why he's said head coach Dan Shan- content with his place as a non. "He's a great leader. He midfielder. "It's the most demanding loves the kids and the kids love him. Not having him last position," said Widmeyer year was tough." said. "You have to know how Vicario said he would have to play both offense and picked up his stick mid-sea- defense. And you have to be son last year, the rush of good at both." affection for the game was so Like Vicario and Starvaggi, strong. Widmeyer is a senior. An "But that wasn't going to experienced core of players .. happen," he said. "While the might be the Crusaders' chief rest of the team was playing, team strength this year. "So is our camaraderie and they kept up their skills." Vicario didn't waste the will to win," Widmeyer said. time available to him for get- "We have a lot of seniors on ting back up to speed. He the team who played football, started throwing and catch- so leadership is nothing new ing against walls. He worked to a lot of them." on a shot cage set up in his For Andy Starvaggi, a senbasement. Running and rope ior from the Loveland-Lanjumping brought back his den area, the seniors' on-field wind. stability and skill levels will be Vicario has played soccer, essential to whatever success baseball, and basketball. He's • been a hockey player since fifth grade. "Lacrosse is the most physically taxing sport I've played. It's a big field. There's a lot of running and a whole lot of physical contact."· While Vicario makes the most of his sole varsity sea": son, Landen-Kings Mills area\ resident Grant Widmeyer started hiS third varsity cam-
eastsports@communitypress.com