Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/12/23
This is one of a series of scholastic previews for the 2023 season
Upper Merion
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference
Coaches: Brady McCormick 16th season (118-124), Matt Stilwell Associate HC/Defensive Coordinator 5th Season , Rob Devers JV Head/Varsity Assistant 5th Season, Conor Crowe (’11) Goalie Coach 3rd Season, Nick Shendge (’14) Offensive Coordinator 2nd
2022 Record and accomplishments: 12-5, 4th Seed in District 1 2A Playoffs, 1st Playoff win in program history
Key Players: Casey Lamey – Sr – M/A (1st Team All-PAC), Truman McCormick – Sr – D (1st Team All-PAC), Andrew Haney – Sr – M, Justin Besz – Jr – A (Honorable Mention All-PAC), Ryan Bekcer – Jr – FOGO, Lincoln Jones – Jr – M, Kevin Roseland – Jr – A, Aidan McDonnell – Jr – DM, Michael Scavello – Jr –D, Collin McCormick – So – A, Nathan Uhl – So – G
Others to Watch: Qwynne Seals – Sr – DM, Nick Valente – Sr – D, Noah Canale – Jr – M
Coach’s Outlook for 2023: “The 2022 team was one of the most successful teams in school history. The team has become one that has worked hard to truly build a winning culture back into this program and winning a District game was proof to them that their hard work could payoff. The coaches have loved the heart, hustle and never-say-quit attitude that they bring to every day whether it is offseason workouts, practices or scrimmages. It has made coaching this team a true joy again.”
Pope John Paul II High
League: Pioneer Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Matt Bildstein (3rd season as head coach, 8-9 record last year, 9-18 record overall. Assistant Coaches: Kris Gucwa, John Bildstein
2022 Record: 8-9
2022 Team Honors: Qualified for District Playoffs, Lost to Penncrest.
Opener date & opponent: March 17, @ Archbishop Wood.
Key returners: Connor Gucwa, Senior, Attack/Midfield. Eric Zadroga, Senior, Attack. Cole Miller, Senior, Midfield. Hugh Trexler, Senior, Defenseman. Gavin Vigilante, Senior, LSM. Dillon Murphy, Junior, Midfielder. Sean Fallon, Junior, Goalie. Denny Owens, Sophomore, Defenseman. Ian Young, Sophomore, Attack,Midfield. Ryan Lamson, Sophomore, Midfield.) Joey Moffa, Sophomore, Defenseman.)
Key newcomers: Luke Pallante, Senior Midfield. Patrick Devlin, Junior, Defense/LSM. Tyler Szalabofka, Sophomore, Midfield.
Coach’s Outlook for 2023: “With only graduating 1 key starter, I hope our returning experience will help us build off an 8 win season, and district playoff appearance and that will translate into more wins and new heights for this program. I expect us to compete to the best of our abilities, no matter the opponent and to see continued improvement each day at practice and in games. We want to improve each day and I believe if we take care of the little things we will have a chance to be successful and reach our goals.”