Beginning with a focus on unity and team play, the LCA Boys Varsity Lacrosse team achieved individual and team success on many levels during the 2012 season. From record setting performances to exciting games to becoming closer as a team, the Lions season was a success. Finishing with an overall record of 6-8 and a league record of 2-5, LCA finished 5th in the Eastern Independent League.
Season highlights include two convincing victories over Chapel Hill (9-2) and Waring School (14-8) in LCA’s home opening games. On April 20, the Lions traveled to Rocky Hill (RI) for an out of league game, and despite a 9-15 loss, LCA’s senior attack man, Brian Callahan (Acton) set the school’s goals in a game record with 7 goals. As impressive as that accomplishment was, Callahan beat his own record in a game on May 7 at EIL rival Landmark School. In a 12-11 victory, Callahan tallied 8 goals – all of which were assisted. It was a great team effort in which LCA avenged an earlier loss at home to Landmark.
LCA was able to defeat rival, Concord Academy 13-0, for Senior goalie, Justin McDonald’s (Waltham) first shutout of the season. McDonald graduates from LCA and the lacrosse program while holding every LCA save record – 30 in a game (2010), 181 in a season (2011), and 581 in a career (2009-2012). On a rainy Monday in May, LCA trounced EIL foe, Bancroft school 18-5 in what can be characterized as LCA’s most complete performance of the season. In a great team effort, LCA narrowly lost to EIL power, Pingree School 5-8 on Senior Day. The Lions were down 5-6 with 3 minutes remaining and the tying goal alluded them as they struck the post twice. LCA finished the season at Boston Trinity Academy and came away with a solid 13-4 victory.
On the year, several Lions stepped up their play. The defense was anchored by senior goalie Justin McDonald, junior defensemen Eric Donovan (Winchester), Matt Kiernan (Lexington), and sophomore Derek Vander Brug (Woburn). Junior face-off specialist Adam DeCosta (South Boston) was key in winning possession for the Lions by winning close to 70% of face-offs taken. Junior midfielder George Iliopoulos (Lexington) was consistently LCA’s best clearing threat and finished with 16 goals and 7 assists. Senior long stick midfielder Matt Biron (Tewksbury) played great defense throughout the season. LCA’s attack was led by senior Brian Callahan who finished with 29 goals and 3 assists, and Sophomore Peter Wheatley (Winchester) who scored 18 goals and dished out 9 assists.
The 2012 Lions were captained by Seniors Erik Wilson (Arlington), Justin McDonald (Waltham), and Brian Callahan (Acton). “Our captains helped lead our team with consistency and encouragement. They were outstanding team leaders,” said LCA Head Coach Ryan Patrie ’03. McDonald and Callahan both received selections to the Eastern Independent League All-League team and Eric Donovan received a selection as Honorable Mention. McDonald was also voted to the US Lacrosse All-Academic team. While setting records as the lacrosse goalie, McDonald also carried a 3.91 GPA and helped to lead LCA’s service project group, Helping our World (HOW).
When asked about the 2012 season, Coach Patrie ’03 remarked, “I’m proud of this team. They worked hard day in and day out and dedicated themselves to being better players and better young men.” Although LCA graduates 4 seniors from the team, the foundation has been set for the future of LCA lacrosse. As Freshmen attack man Peter Cusanello (Lexington) commented to Coach Patrie on the day after their final game saying, “The 2013 season has already begun, coach.”
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