As the boys lacrosse team enters a new season, the state runner ups have assumed new leadership. The team warmly welcomed Geoff Harty, former assistant coach, to take over Viator’s program. Harty’s rise in position was met with a warm welcome from the members of the team.
“He understands the guys at a different level and wants to give everyone an opportunity to excel in their own role,” said junior Emerson McGrath.
Not only is he an amazing coach who pushes his athletes every time they step on the field, but he cares about them off the field.
“[Harty is] a players coach, more of a friendly relationship and team building atmosphere,” said senior Carson Wilder. “the ability to joke around with the guys, but turn a switch on when it’s time to be serious.”
After being so close to a state title last year, the boys are extremely motivated to reach it this year. Carson Wilder spoke on the behalf of the team saying that he does believe the team can win state, but he said, “nothing will be handed to us, we have to be ready to go every time we step on to the field. Any team can come out and punch us in the mouth if we aren’t prepared and ready to go.” Coach Harty shares this motivation with his players and strives to guide his players to a great season. He identifies the strengths of the team to be the “six total returning starters and returning face off guy, Michael Tauscher, who was first team all state last year.” Harty states he sees that the team “has to replace a lot of scoring from last year with Nicky Pastore and Cade Faulkner graduating.” But remains hopeful in saying “We also have a number of returners like Emerson McGrath, Keaton Franzen, Franco Caputo, Driese Raap that will help fill that gap.” Harty has a strong, talented roster that he will lead through the season to achieve great things. Emerson McGrath confirms this by saying “with different guys in many different roles we entirely trust Coach Harty. He will without a doubt lead us to many big wins and give us lots of opportunities”. A lot of pressure lies on the backs of the players given that they aim for a state title. Each game is one step closer to this goal. Coach Harty describes that he is most excited “for their big rivalry games with Benet and Loyola Academy.” These highly anticipated games fuel the boys through practices each day. During daily practices Harty’s goal remains the same: “to improve everyday and if we can do that one step everyday we are going to end up at the state championship like last year.” The boys are clearly extremely motivated and are, as Emerson McGrath described, “not satisfied and hungry for more”. Luckily, the team knows that they always have a supportive and determined coach on their sideline.
