Riverhead boys lacrosse coach Vic Guadagnino is behind his competition this season. It’s nothing new.
Two years ago, when Riverhead made the playoffs for the first time in history, they were the only playoff team in Division I that played home games on grass. Everyone else played on turf.
“It’s my worst nightmare,” Guadagnino said. “It’s come down to the haves versus the have-nots in our sport. You always hope you overcome but all my friends that coach on turf have been out since last Wednesday.”
Riverhead played Shoreham-Wading River this Wednesday in a scrimmage at Dowling College; it was the first time the Blue Waves played outside on a full field this season. The first non-league game is on Monday against Sachem East.
“Because the frozen ground was so frozen and now it’s thawing, we’re not allowed to practice on our fields because they think we’re going to tear through everything,” Guadagnino said. “Our fields just don’t drain well.”
Limited to indoor training and outdoor availability, the Blue Waves hope to get back to the playoffs this year. Division I and Division II no longer exist in Suffolk County lacrosse. Section XI has now divided the overloaded divisions into leagues. There will be 12 league games. You win six and you’re in.
But fields and weather are just temporary obstacles in the grand scheme of things. The lacrosse team has announced that they’ll be playing this season for Tony Lawrence, the founder of Riverhead lacrosse. His ex-wife and daughter were murdered last month by her ex-boyfriend, who then turned the gun on himself.
“The weather will change,” Guadagnino said. “But Tony’s life is changed forever. We’re wearing a domestic violence memorial for Danielle on our helmets. Her initials will be there in purple and white. We dedicated this season to the Lawrence family.”
Key returners this season will line up as midfielders. High-caliber players like Mark Andrejack, Blake Carrara and Austin Fitzpatrick will balance a team that seems to have new faces everywhere else.
Dowling commit John Roca returns to the goal where he’ll split time with sophomore Hofstra commit Jacob Coleman. Roca will get the nod early in the season as Coleman rehabs an off-season injury.
Raheem Brown and Dan Hubbard are the known starters on defense with the third spot still up for grabs. Connor Clinco, Brian Moultan and freshman Paul Tocci are in the running.
On attack will be rotating group of Andre Juarez, Kerry Thomas, sophomore Chris Flood and another freshman in Dalton Lucas.
“We’re well represented from the freshman class to the senior class,” Guadagnino joked.
But all jokes aside, this season is more than just wins and losses. It’s a season for the Lawrence family; a family that has given this community this special game. Riverhead lacrosse will fight not only to make the playoffs but also raise awareness with an angel looking down from above.
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