The boys lacrosse season has just begun for Suffield High School, but the incoming freshmen players are already starting to turn heads on the field. The boys have seen rising success throughout the last 3 years since head coach Rayce Bianchi took over the program. However, an important piece to that success has been the freshmen during those years. We took a look into the class of 2029 and how they have been preparing for the upcoming season, what they’re expecting, and what they bring to the table.
Finn Tobey, a freshman midfielder for the program, talked about his perspective on how he’s excited to play with familiar faces, but also the nerves of playing with the big kids.
“I’m excited because I know a lot of the kids on the team and a lot of the upperclassmen. But yeah, I’m a little nervous – the kids are going be a lot bigger than they used to be.”
Bryce Hedge, an incoming attackman who plays the X position for the program, told us how he’s been preparing for the upcoming season by playing for his club team, such as Valley Lacrosse, and going out to practice with his friends to keep his skills sharp. He’s super excited to get out onto the field and join the program this spring and the nerves aren’t affecting him.
Bryce was asked about what he is bringing to the table this year: “I think I can make a positive impact on the team. A lot of people say I bring good energy to teams. I am one of the top goal scorers every season I play. I also have a lot of assists. I’m just looking forward to playing a good season.”
Defenseman Logan Golembiewksi shared with us his rigid routine and mindset going into the season. Logan has been staying on his feet this off-season with little rest days.
“I’ve been weightlifting 5 times a week, practicing wallball, and playing with Valley which practices every week and plays in tournaments during the fall. I’m nervous because it’s a new thing but I’m excited to elevate my game and play better competition.”
Head coach Rayce Bianchi was asked about what excited him for this upcoming season and responded, “I think the biggest thing that excites me about the season is that every starter is returning. We got a great group of young talent as well as some great leaders in that senior class and we’ll continue to grow over the years… we got some freshmen coming up that can make an immediate impact.”
Suffield over the past few years has seen growing success in the boys lacrosse program. There is a consensus floating around that this upcoming team might be something special. Coach Bianchi responded that he felt the same: “what’s special is to see what this group of seniors has come to. My first year here was their freshmen year, so to see them grow throughout those 4 years and the relationships we’ve built along the way has been something very special to me.”
It’s safe to say this year for the Wildcats boys lacrosse team that the odds are looking good and the future is looking bright. Something special is brewing up this spring for the sport and it is definitely a storyline to be looking out for later on this school year.
