Marcus McLaughlin had been coaching lacrosse on the club level over the past six years, but he really wanted to become a head coach for a varsity high school team. Luckily for him, Norwood happened to be looking.

“I came to Norwood wanting to build a lacrosse culture, giving the guys the opportunity to be a real competitive lacrosse team,” Mclaughlin said. “After our first practice, I noticed that they were all hungry for lacrosse knowledge. They absorbed everything that we gave to them and implemented it into the game.”

Under the first-year varsity coach, the Mustangs were able to go 9-6 during the regular season, and although not an overwhelming win to loss ratio, they did manage to earn a spot in the Division 2 State Tournament. Norwood was awarded a 30 seed and squared off against number three Reading Memorial, a team that went 15-3 during the regular season. Reading Memorial shut out the Mustangs and sent them home after a first-round loss.

“It is definitely huge to get that playoff experience under their belts,” the Coach said. “It’s not an easy task playing in the tournament, but this team is capable of doing so. We need to keep improving and show we can win a game. This is a gritty group where anything is possible.”

Senior captain John Lynch was Norwood’s top guy on offense and led the team in points and initiated things on the field for the Mustangs. According to McLaughlin, Lynch will do anything for the team, including dropping back to midfield to play defense. All his efforts didn’t go unnoticed around the league as the senior was named the Tri-Valley League MVP

Senior captain Billy Connolly also had himself a great campaign, and although it didn’t show on the stat sheet, the younger players all looked up to his work ethic. The Mustangs other two captains, John Walenten and Mathew Kiklis, also made an impact. On defense, Walenten was a strong force in takeaways, while Kiklis put the ball in the back of the net on numerous occasions for the Mustangs while running through the opposition’s defense like it was standing still.

“The captains were a big piece of this team,” McLaughlin said. “It’s difficult as a new coach stepping in with all the new personalities, but they were huge and instrumental in bridging that gap between the coaching staff and the players.” They all had great work ethics and put us in a position to help lead this team and get the guys to all by win to what we were looking to do.”

After the captains, a big part of the team’s success was due to sophomore goalie Frank Fruci. McLaughlin noted that the sophomore goalkeeper posted an insane 65% save percentage (above 50% is noteworthy in lacrosse according to the coach). 

“He was a brick wall between the pipes and kept us in all our games giving us a chance,” the Mustang Coach said. “He actually stole a few games for us singlehandedly. He was mentally and physical ready; as only a sophomore, it’s exciting to watch him back there, he’s electrifying.”

Another sophomore who showcased his skill this past season was Jack Forbush, the team’s long stick middie. 

“Jack’s an engine that really surprised me,” McLaughlin said. “He runs up and down the field all game long and only comes out when it’s beneficial for the team.” He was very instrumental in his ability to push the ball in transition.”

In addition to saying goodbye to the captains, Norwood will be without three more seniors when they take to the field next spring. Mark Trahon, a standout hockey player, was convinced to pick up a lacrosse stick this season and became a lock-down defensive mid-fielder for the Mustangs. The first-year player picked up the nuances of the game rather quickly and looked like a natural lacrosse player on the field. Despite only playing one season, he will be missed.

Another first-year senior was Jason Gillis, who led by example. Having played the sport years before on the youth level Gillis was not up to speed on the high school level, but was able to pick up where he left off many years ago and really inspired the younger athletes.

Last but not least, offensive mid-fielder Langston Coyle showed his speed with his downhill dodging  and was one that was not afraid to be physical and make contact if necessary.

Having made the State Tournament was a big gain for the Mustangs and McLaughlin is hoping that these players all come back with that same tough and gritty play they exemplified this season. 

“This team likes to prove others wrong; in the past teams liked to count Norwood out,” the first-year coach said. “But these guys showed up for work all year long and only care about what is in front of them. They are looking for the coaching staff to show them more so that they can get better.”

Photos courtesy of Coach Marcus McLaughlin