Vernon lacrosse team finishes successful season

VERNON — It’s not all that difficult to find positive things to say about the 2015 Vernon High School boy’s lacrosse program, but at the top of that list is the fact that the Vikings took nothing for granted, meaning they approached each and every game with a fiery intensity.

Vernon coach Harry Shortway recalls one game specifically which showed all of the qualities his team possessed this season.

“Several games stand out as most impressive, because we came from behind to win," Shortway said. “But overall our victory over North Warren (an 8-6 road victory on April 29) for the Pooley Division title is the most outstanding. North Warren was winning at halftime, 5-3. The boys put it together in the third quarter and ended up winning the game against a tough team."

Shortway said the team had a frustrating 5-15 record the year before.

"We evaluated our motives as to why we play the game and what it would take to win again," he said. "Our lacrosse goals were to win the Pooley Division and again be over a .500 winning percentage. We set lacrosse goals that emphasized personal growth objectives because character and priorities count. We implemented the following for personal and team growth.’’

The Vikings finished with an overall record of 10-8 and they were 6-0 in the Pooley Division. A big reason for that success was the dedication shown by the team’s captains.

“Our captains James Freeman, Anthony Musciotto and Cam Sparta set positive examples on and off the field," Shortway said. “All three earned post-season honors, delegated tasks and ensured that tasks were completed. The team believed in their leadership and followed them.’’

Shortway gave an example of an underclassman who fully bought in to the program’s philosophy.

“Sophomore Chris Ast showed continual improvement throughout the season with his hustle and ability to be coached," Shortway said. “He became a player to rely on to clear the ball."

The Vikings will seemingly carry plenty of momentum into the spring 2016 season.

“Ten lettermen will return,"Shortway said. “Our freshmen team is solid with a record of 15-2 (this spring). There will be intense competition to earn a spot on the 2016 roster."

NOTES: Vernon reached the NJSIAA North Group II Sectional Tournament as the No. 9 seed and were defeated by eighth seeded Pascack Valley.