Sammamish Lacrosse Club

Plan to attend the 6th annual SLC Parent Party and Fundraiser on April 26th at the Newport Shore Yacht Club at 6:30pm.

An evite will be sent out soon. Hope to see youa ll there!

 What a difference a year makes.  Two new teams will make their debut in Division I this 2012 season, after breaking from the pack of Division II last season.  Woodinville and Sammamish earned their new spots after winning undefeated regular seasons before facing each other in the DII state championship game.  Woodinville bested Sammamish 10-7, with senior attackman JD Chapman leading the way, tallying four goals and two assists to cement the victory.  Now, the Falcons will need to look elsewhere for leadership and scorers, but the squad feels confident entering this season having tested and proven themselves with a winning formula.   

“Winning the DII championship was simply an outcome of hard work, trust in each other, and our attitude that we are a lacrosse family on and off the field. I think that this year we have a better sense of tradition because of it and that we carry that sense of trust and family with us,” said returning Woodinville head coach Gavin Molitar. 

However, Sammamish found themselves on the opposite end, failing to capture the title despite an undefeated regular season.  A defeat can often be a boon to returners.  Sammamish did not forgotten that bitter taste and will look to earn their place among the top of the state’s crop in DI.

“It’s (losing the state final) proved to be a huge motivating factor.  The players have been in the weight room and playing lacrosse year round. They have come into this season focused and much better prepared. We obviously have a chip on our shoulder from having such a successful season last year to walking off the field without that championship,” said Sammamish returning head coach Tyler Farrar.

The successful season drew more attention to the two emerging programs.  Like all programs, drawing from a large base, especially a prominent high school is a foundation for continuing success.  The Falcons draw from 4A high school Woodinville, while the Totems draw from 4A high school Newport (including Sammammish and Interlake high schools).  The surrounding middle schools will also be important feeders to these programs' desires to remain in DI.  There is a ‘revolving door’ analogy used with many DII teams that move up to DI, only to bust and fall back into the pool again.  Woodinville and Sammamish hope to avoid that scenario by establishing and strengthening their relationships with these foundations.  This 2012 season will be marquee for both squads' future.

“I feel privileged to coach in a program that truly embodies the idea that we are family,” said Molitar.  “For example, some of our high school kids are coaching the youth players one or two days a week. As the years come and go it’s the relationships and what these kids pass along to each other that will keep us competing in DI.”

“The strength of our youth and middle school programs are continuing to feed the high school program with very talented athletes and we’ve been able to expand and grow our coaching pool for the entire program that year in and year out we should be able to field very competitive teams from all age groups,” added Farrar. 

In a bit irony, these two teams were placed in the same newly assembled Northeast Conference of DI.  In addition, their first game of the season is against each other, a quick rematch to the 2011 final game. 

“I am sure it is no accident that it is our first game (against Sammamish) this season. I have great respect for Tyler Farrar and his ability to coach a highly competitive team. Right now, they are my number one concern,” said Molitar.

“Its tough since our last game nine months ago was a loss to Woodinville in the state championship, so its fresh on everyone’s minds.  But bottom line, they are a great program rising looking to make playoffs their first year in D1 just as we are, so last year doesn’t matter, we need to focus and win this game for our 2012 playoff goals,” said Farrar. “We’re just looking to get games going; it’s been a long offseason with this first game circled on a schedule for a long time.”

Not only will the two have to face each other at Woodinville high school next Tuesday March 13 at 8pm at Woodinville High School for their first game. Their other conference opponents are some of the eastside’s top dogs like Bellevue and Issaquah.  This first game could be season defining for both teams.  The Falcons will be led defensively by returning goalie Dalton Combs, whose emotion in cage is a catalyst for his team.  Offensively, they will need to find a way to score without last season’s hero JD Chapman.  Junior captain Colter Clinch, senior captain Evan Schnitzius and sophomore stand out Daniel McKee will lead the hard charging Falcons. 

“I learned that success comes from finding a role for every player on your team, and I know that this season we must perform well at every aspect of the game, not just the set offense and defense,” said Molitar.

For Sammamish, senior attackman Tyler Wright proved to be a mismatch all over the field and has the ability to put the team on his back for short periods of time.  He will be supported by Neil Hones an old school style midfielder and Morgan White the returning sophomore goalie.  Look for this rematch to be an intense hard fought battle.  Both teams have a lot to prove stepping into DI together, but only one will emerge victorious and to the winner goes the momentum and bragging rights.