Steven boyle lacrosse. Steven Boyle: Lacrosse Coaching Excellence and Player Legacy

Who is Steven Boyle in the world of lacrosse. What coaching positions has he held. How did his playing career at Johns Hopkins shape his coaching approach. What impact has he made on Drexel’s lacrosse program. How does his offensive strategy contribute to team success.

Table of Contents

Steven Boyle’s Journey from Player to Coach

Steven Boyle’s lacrosse journey is a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport. After an illustrious playing career at Johns Hopkins University, Boyle transitioned seamlessly into coaching, bringing his wealth of experience to the collegiate level.

Boyle joined the Drexel University men’s lacrosse staff in the summer of 2014, taking on the role of assistant coach and offensive coordinator. This move came after a successful three-year stint as an assistant coach at Brown University, where he honed his coaching skills and developed a reputation for offensive innovation.

Collegiate Playing Career Highlights

Graduated from Johns Hopkins in 2010 with a degree in political science
Member of the 2007 NCAA Championship team
Recipient of the Bob Scott Award for top freshman
Three-time All-American
Led team in scoring as a senior (32 goals, 23 assists, 55 points)
Career totals: 95 goals, 69 assists, 164 points

Boyle’s playing career at Johns Hopkins laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy. His experience as a high-scoring attackman and his understanding of championship-level play have undoubtedly influenced his approach to offensive strategy and player development.

Offensive Mastermind: Boyle’s Impact on Drexel Lacrosse

Since joining Drexel’s coaching staff, Steven Boyle has transformed the team’s offensive capabilities. His innovative strategies and player development skills have propelled the Dragons to new heights in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and on the national stage.

Key Achievements at Drexel

Led Drexel to CAA Championship game appearances in consecutive seasons
Guided the team to NCAA Tournament qualification in 2021
Consistently ranked among top scoring offenses in Division I
Developed multiple All-American and All-CAA players

Under Boyle’s guidance, the Drexel offense has become a formidable force in college lacrosse. In the 2021 season, the team averaged 13.62 goals per game, ranking 12th nationally alongside powerhouse programs like Syracuse and Bryant. This offensive prowess has been a crucial factor in the team’s recent success, including their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014.

Offensive Strategy and Player Development

Boyle’s offensive philosophy emphasizes versatility, creativity, and efficiency. His ability to develop both attackmen and midfielders has resulted in a well-rounded offensive unit capable of scoring from multiple positions and in various game situations.

Hallmarks of Boyle’s Offensive System

Balanced scoring distribution
High-percentage shooting
Effective man-up play
Adaptability to opponent’s defensive schemes

The success of Boyle’s system is evident in the statistics. In recent seasons, Drexel has consistently featured multiple 30-point scorers and has had five or more players score at least 19 goals in a single season. This balanced attack makes the Dragons’ offense difficult to defend and allows for sustained success even when facing top-tier opponents.

Expertise in Special Teams: Man-Up Unit Excellence

One area where Boyle’s coaching acumen truly shines is in the performance of Drexel’s man-up unit. Under his guidance, the Dragons have become one of the most efficient extra-man offenses in Division I lacrosse.

Man-Up Unit Achievements

Led the nation with 39 man-up goals in 2019
.473 extra-man percentage (4th in Division I) in 2019
Consistent top-15 national ranking in man-up efficiency

The success of Drexel’s man-up unit is a testament to Boyle’s strategic planning and his ability to prepare players for high-pressure situations. This proficiency in capitalizing on extra-man opportunities has been a game-changer for the Dragons, often providing the edge needed to secure victories in close contests.

From Player to Coach: Translating On-Field Experience

Steven Boyle’s transition from player to coach has been marked by a seamless application of his on-field experiences to his coaching methodology. His understanding of the game from a player’s perspective allows him to connect with and develop young talent effectively.

Key Aspects of Boyle’s Coaching Approach

Emphasis on fundamentals and skill development
Integration of modern offensive concepts
Focus on player psychology and in-game decision making
Adaptation of professional-level strategies to the college game

Boyle’s playing career, which included a stint in Major League Lacrosse after being drafted 12th overall by the Boston Cannons in 2010, provides him with insights into the highest levels of the sport. This experience informs his coaching, allowing him to prepare players not only for collegiate success but also for potential professional careers.

Building a Winning Culture: Beyond the X’s and O’s

While Steven Boyle’s tactical acumen is evident in Drexel’s offensive statistics, his impact extends beyond the playbook. As an assistant coach, he plays a crucial role in shaping the program’s culture and developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Elements of Boyle’s Program Building

Fostering a competitive yet supportive team environment
Emphasizing academic excellence alongside athletic achievement
Developing leadership skills in players
Preparing athletes for success beyond lacrosse

The holistic approach to player development under Boyle’s guidance has contributed to Drexel’s sustained success both on and off the field. This commitment to excellence in all aspects of the student-athlete experience aligns with the university’s values and enhances the program’s ability to recruit top talent.

Innovative Offensive Schemes: Staying Ahead of the Curve

In the ever-evolving landscape of college lacrosse, Steven Boyle has demonstrated an ability to stay at the forefront of offensive innovation. His schemes blend traditional lacrosse principles with modern concepts, creating an offense that is both effective and exciting to watch.

Characteristics of Boyle’s Offensive Innovation

Integration of data analytics in game planning
Utilization of multiple offensive sets and formations
Emphasis on off-ball movement and creating mismatches
Adaptation of offensive tempo to game situations

Boyle’s willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies has kept Drexel’s offense dynamic and unpredictable. This innovative approach not only produces results on the scoreboard but also prepares players for the evolving nature of the sport at higher levels.

The Future of Drexel Lacrosse Under Boyle’s Guidance

As Steven Boyle continues to refine and develop Drexel’s offensive system, the future looks bright for the Dragons’ lacrosse program. His combination of playing experience, coaching expertise, and innovative thinking positions the team for continued success in the competitive world of Division I lacrosse.

Areas for Potential Growth and Success

Sustained national rankings and tournament appearances
Development of more All-American caliber players
Expansion of recruiting reach and talent acquisition
Establishment of Drexel as a perennial lacrosse powerhouse

With Boyle’s offensive prowess complementing the overall coaching staff’s efforts, Drexel lacrosse is poised to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a consistent threat on the national stage. The continued development of high-scoring offenses and well-rounded players under Boyle’s tutelage will be key to achieving these long-term goals.

Steven Boyle’s journey from collegiate star to influential coach exemplifies the positive impact that passionate and knowledgeable leaders can have on a lacrosse program. His ongoing contributions to Drexel’s success story serve as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and players alike, demonstrating the power of translating on-field excellence into effective leadership and instruction.

As the lacrosse world continues to evolve, coaches like Steven Boyle play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. Through his innovative offensive strategies, player development skills, and commitment to holistic athlete growth, Boyle is not just building a successful team at Drexelâ€”he’s contributing to the advancement of lacrosse as a whole.

The impact of Steven Boyle’s coaching extends beyond the confines of Drexel University. His success serves as a case study for effective offensive coordination in college lacrosse, influencing coaching strategies across the country. As teams seek to emulate the high-scoring, efficient offense that has become Drexel’s hallmark, Boyle’s influence on the tactical landscape of the sport continues to grow.

Boyle’s Coaching Legacy in Progress

Inspiration for aspiring coaches and players
Model for transitioning from player to successful coach
Contributor to the evolution of offensive lacrosse strategies
Developer of future lacrosse leaders and professionals

The story of Steven Boyle’s coaching career is still being written, with each season bringing new challenges and opportunities for growth. As he continues to guide Drexel’s offense and shape young athletes, his impact on the program and the sport at large is likely to deepen, solidifying his place among the influential figures in college lacrosse.

For players under Boyle’s tutelage, the benefits extend far beyond their collegiate careers. The offensive concepts, work ethic, and strategic thinking they develop can translate into success in professional lacrosse and various other pursuits. Boyle’s emphasis on intelligent play and adaptability prepares athletes for the multifaceted challenges they’ll face both on and off the field.

Long-term Benefits of Boyle’s Coaching Approach

Enhanced lacrosse IQ and decision-making skills
Development of versatile skill sets applicable to multiple positions
Cultivation of leadership qualities and team-first mentality
Preparation for potential professional lacrosse opportunities

As Drexel’s lacrosse program continues to evolve under the guidance of coaches like Steven Boyle, it serves as a beacon for prospective student-athletes seeking a balance of academic rigor and athletic excellence. The program’s rising profile, driven in part by its offensive success, enhances the university’s ability to attract top talent and compete at the highest levels of collegiate lacrosse.

Looking ahead, the principles and strategies championed by Boyle may well influence the next generation of lacrosse coaches. His success in blending traditional fundamentals with innovative tactics provides a blueprint for aspiring coaches seeking to make their mark on the sport. As these ideas permeate through various levels of play, from youth leagues to professional ranks, the legacy of coaches like Boyle will be evident in the evolving style and strategy of lacrosse.

The journey of Steven Boyle from accomplished player to respected coach illustrates the cyclical nature of sports leadership. Today’s star players, under the guidance of mentors like Boyle, may become tomorrow’s innovative coaches, continuing the tradition of excellence and innovation that drives the sport forward. This ongoing process of knowledge transfer and skill development ensures that lacrosse will continue to evolve, providing excitement and opportunities for future generations of players and fans alike.

In conclusion, Steven Boyle’s impact on Drexel lacrosse and the broader landscape of collegiate lacrosse is a testament to the power of passionate, knowledgeable leadership in sports. His journey from player to coach, his innovative offensive strategies, and his commitment to player development have not only elevated Drexel’s program but have also contributed to the ongoing evolution of lacrosse as a sport. As Boyle continues to guide young athletes and shape offensive strategies, his influence on the game is likely to be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations of players and coaches to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the lacrosse field.

Steven Boyle – Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach – Men’s Lacrosse Coaches

Steven Boyle joined the men’s lacrosse staff in the summer of 2014. A former standout player at Johns Hopkins, Boyle came to Drexel after serving as an assistant at Brown for the previous three seasons.

Boyle serves as the team’s offensive coordinator. The Derry, New Hampshire native was the offensive coordinator at Brown where he assisted with the development of the Bears’ attackmen and midfielders while at Brown. Prior to his arrival at Brown, Boyle was the offensive coordinator at St. Paul’s School for Boys in Baltimore.

The Drexel offense has been a key factor in the Dragons reaching the CAA Championship game the last two seasons and reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2021 for the first time since 2014. Boyle’s group scored at least 10 goals in all but one regular-season game and led the CAA with 13.62 goals per contest, which tied for 12th in the nation with Syracuse and Bryant. Drexel had five players score at least 19 goals and had four 30-point scorers in just 13 games. Reid Bowering was named an Honorable Mention All-America, while Ryan Genord was a USA Lacrosse All-American.

Boyle’s offensive unit led the CAA in scoring during the 2019 season and finished 13th in the nation with more than 13 goals per game. Drexel’s man-up unit scored 39 goals, the most in the nation, one more than Penn State. The team also had a .473 extra-man percentage, which was fourth in all of Division I. Three of Drexel’s offensive players were named to All-CAA teams in 2019. In 2018, the Dragons also scored more than 10 goals per game and led the CAA in shooting percentage (.315). The previous season, Drexel’s man-up unit led the CAA and finished 13th in the nation.

Boyle graduated from Johns Hopkins in 2010 with a degree in political science. He was a member of the 2007 NCAA Championship team and was awarded the Bob Scott Award given to the school’s top freshman. A three-time All-American, Boyle led the team in scoring as a senior with 32 goals, 23 assists and 55 points. The team’s Outstanding Attackman Award winner in 2009 and 2010, Boyle finished his career with 95 goals, 69 assists and 164 points. He was selected 12th overall in the 2010 Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Boston Cannons and played in the league until 2015.

Steven Boyle – Men’s Lacrosse

2009: Honorable Mention USILA All-American Finished fifth on the team in scoring with 38 points on 21 goals and 17 assists – Each of those three totals surpass his 17-game totals from 2008 – this despite missing one full game (MSM) and most of another (Loyola) Had 10 multi-point games to his credit this season, including eight games with three or more points Totaled four goals and two assists for six points in the season-opener against Siena and added a goal against Princeton Four goals against Siena tied career high, while six points was, at the time, a personal best Posted three goals, including a pair of extra-man tallies, in the win over UMBC and added one goal and two assists against Hofstra Made it three straight three-point games with a two-goal, one-assist effort against second-ranked Syracuse Made it four straight multi-point games with a two-goal showing against top-ranked Virginia and pushed the streak to five straight with one goal and one assist at North Carolina Matched then career high with three assists in the win over Albany Fired home three goals and added a career-high four assists for a personal-best seven points in the 15-7 win over Navy Added one goal and two assists at Towson Sat out the game at Mount St. Mary[apos]s and played sparingly vs. Loyola, but did score a second-quarter goal against the Greyhounds Returned to the starting lineup against Brown and recorded two goals and two assists.

2008: Finished third on the team in scoring with 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points Totaled at least three points in each of the first three games before being held scoreless against Hofstra Scored JHU[apos]s first two goals and added an assist to fuel the win over Albany in the season-opener and added two goals and one assist against Princeton as well Tied career high with five points on three goals and two assists vs. UMBC Scored one goal and had one assist against Syracuse and notched the 50th point of his career with a third quarter assist against the Orange Added two assists against Virginia and North Carolina Did not score against Duke, but assisted on the first of Michael Doneger[apos]s three goals in the win against

Maryland and added an extra-man goal against Navy Came back with two goals and one assist in the win over Towson and two goals in the win over Mount St. Marys[apos]s Enjoyed the most productive NCAA Tournament game of his career with three assists in the first round win over Hofstra (three assists tied career high and matched the total number of points he had in four NCAA games last season) and netted the first NCAA Tournament hat trick of his career against Navy Keyed JHU[apos]s 10-9 upset of top-seeded Duke in the NCAA Semfinals with two goals and one assist and added a goal in the national championship game against Syracuse Has posted at least one point in 29 of 34 career games.

2007: Honorable Mention USILA All-American First JHU freshman attackman to earn All-America honors since Terry Riordan and Brian Piccola in 1992 Played in all 17 games and started the final 16 Finished tied for second on the team in points (37), second in assists (14) and tied for third in goals (23) 37 points and 23 goals are tied for the most ever by a freshman under head coach Dave Pietramala Tied for eighth in the nation in points and goals among all freshmen Registered at least one point in 14 straight games to open career before being held scoreless by Georgetown and Delaware in the NCAA Tournament Had one goal and one assist in career debut against Albany and came back with three goals in a 7-6 double-overtime victory against Princeton in the Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Classic to earn game MVP honors Three-goal effort against theTigers ignited a four-game surge that saw him total 11 goals and four assists in four straight JHU wins over Princeton (3g), UMBC (1g, 3a), Hofstra (3g) and Syracuse (4g, 1a) Four goals and five points against Syracuse were career highs Surged into the NCAA Tournament with seven goals and three assists in wins against Towson (2g, 2a), Mount St. Mary[apos]s (2g) and Loyola (3g, 1a) Scored one goal in NCAA First Round win against Notre Dame and added one goal and one assist in the NCAA Championship game against Duke.

At Pinkerton Academy: Totaled 434 points in four varsity seasons of lacrosse Accumulated over 100 points as a sophomore (52g, 53a), junior (75g, 61a) and senior (50g, 72a) Three-time All-America selection Earned New Hampshire All-State honors four times and was selected as the New Hampshire Offensive Player-of-the-Year in each of his last three seasons Helped Pinkerton to a 76-4 record with a state championship as a senior and state runner-up finishes during his freshman and junior years Team lost in the state semifinals his sophomore year Also earned three varsity letters in football and totaled 10 interceptions during his career as a safety.

Personal: Steven F. Boyle The son of Gary and Jayne Boyle Born February 12, 1987 Older brother, Brian, played lacrosse at Penn State Political science major.

Boyle[apos]s Career Statistics

Year GP/S G A Pts Sh. GBs Pen.

2007 17/16 23 14 37 53 26 0/0:00

2008 17/16 19 15 34 54 23 1/0:30

2009 14/13 21 17 38 61 16 2/1:00

Totals 48/45 63 46 109 168 65 3/1:30

Boyle[apos]s Career Highs

Goals: 4, vs. Siena (2-20-09)

#8 Syracuse (3-17-07)

Assists: 4, vs. #11 Navy (4-18-09)

Points: 7, vs. #11 Navy (4-18-09)

NCAA Lacrosse Preview: No. 8 Johns Hopkins (Men)

Wed Jan 22 2020 | Gary Lambrecht | College

Joey Epstein returns after being named Big Ten Rookie of the Year.

US Lacrosse Magazine released the Nike/US Lacrosse Division I Men’s Preseason Top 20 on Dec. 17. Team-by-team previews will be unveiled on uslaxmagazine.com through the end of the month and will also appear as part of the magazine’s NCAA preview edition in February.

Don’t get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.

No. 8 Johns Hopkins

2019 Record: 8-8 (3-2, Big Ten)
Coach: Dave Pietramala (20th year)
Assistants: Bill Dwan, Bobby Benson, Larry Quinn

All-Time Record: 991-341-15
NCAA Appearances: 47
Final Fours: 29
Championships: 9

2020 Schedule

Date	Opponent
Feb. 8	Towson
Feb. 15	@ Loyola
Feb. 22	North Carolina
Feb. 29	@ Princeton
March 7	Syracuse
March 10	Mount St. Mary’s
March 14	@ Navy
March 17	@ Delaware
March 28	Michigan
April 4	@ Rutgers
April 11	Penn State
April 18	@ Ohio State
April 25	Maryland

Save the Date

April 11

A year after getting swept by the Nittany Lions — a 20-9 regular-season rout and an 18-17 overtime classic in the Big Ten title game — the Blue Jays could be primed to go toe-to-toe again with Penn State at Homewood Field. A victory could carry large NCAA tournament implications for Hopkins.

Defensive Woes Prompt Petro to Blow Up Depth Chart

After watching the Blue Jays suffer through one of their more unsatisfying seasons on defense in 2019, Hopkins coach Dave Pietramala decided to send many of his freshmen, sophomores and juniors home for the summer with a declaration to ponder.

Upon their return to Homewood for the start of the fall semester, not a midfield, close defense or goalie job was secure for 2020. The fall season and beyond would redefine the meaning of competition for older players and underclassmen alike.

“From the middle of the field on down [to the goalie], not one person’s job was safe when they came back,” Pietramala said. “The fall, the winter and the preseason would be used [for coaches] to come to the conclusion as to which guys would give us the best chance to do the things we expect a Hopkins defense to do.”

“And we have followed suit,” he added. “During the fall, not one group at any position started one drill together and stayed together the next. We kept things as competitive as they could be. Some guys were getting more runs in practice in a day than they’ve gotten in the past over a week. We want to breed competition every single day.”

By the time the Blue Jays had finished 8-8 last year — narrowly avoiding their second losing season in 19 seasons under Pietramala — the head coach had made up his mind.

The Blue Jays had allowed 13 goals per game, among the highest in the nation. In six of their defeats, they surrendered at least 16 scores. In the end, Hopkins negated the production of a solid offense that averaged just over 12 goals.

Pietramala said the problems boiled down to poor communication, lack of trust, slow reactions, inability to read offensive players’ eyes and body language with confidence — all of the things that create too many good looks at your net.

So the fall took on a whole new flavor, with the defense and its rotations and supposed depth chart.

“There was constant shuffling in all of the position groups. We changed the combinations in every drill, at every practice, every week,” Pietramala said. “We started our third goalie in our Penn scrimmage. We did that kind of thing with a bunch of guys.”

“Normally, the [depth chart] writing would be on the wall by now, but I don’t know that to be the case with anyone on our defensive roster,” he added. “What I do know is we are building good depth and everyone is fully engaged. And we’re going to be a better defense for it.”

Projected Starters

A – Joey Epstein – So. – 48 G, 25 A
A – Cole Williams – Sr. – 27 G, 19 A
A – Forry Smith – Sr. – 21 G, 5 A
M – Alex Concannon – Sr. – 18 G, 8 A
M – Brett Baskin – Jr. – 13 G, 4 A
M – Connor DeSimone – Sr. – 4 G, 13 A
FO – Kyle Prouty – Jr. – 57.6 FO%, 66 GB
LSM – Jared Reinson – Jr. – 10 CT, 17 GB
SSDM – Matt Hubler – Sr. – 33 GB, 3 CT
D – Owen Colwell – Sr. – 11 CT, 31 GB
D – Jack Rapine – Sr. – 13 CT, 26 GB
D – Owen McManus – So. – 11 GP
G – Ryan Darby – Jr. – 13.04 GAA, 44.8 SV%

Tewaaraton Watch

Joey Epstein, A, So.

As a first-team conference choice and Big Ten Rookie of the Year, Epstein set records for a Hopkins freshman with 48 goals and 73 points, easily team highs. A third-team USILA All-American, he also was the school’s first freshman attackman to earn an All-America nod since Steven Boyle in 2007.

X Factor

Ryan Darby, G, Jr.

In a season to forget for the Hopkins defense, there were plenty of breakdowns in communication and coverage, plenty of high-percentage looks for opposing shooters. But Darby, who emerged from the fall in a fight for his spot with senior Jacob Giacalone, must be a better stopper in 2020.

National Rankings

Category	Rank	Value
Offense	23rd	12.13 GPG
Defense	58th	13.0 GAA
Faceoffs	26th	54.0%
Ground Balls	55th	28.75/game
Caused TO	65th	6.31/game
Shooting	30th	29.0%
Man-Up	5th	45. 6%
Man-Down	30th	67.3%

6-foot-2, 200

The Blue Jays have made an effort to get bigger on defense and at midfield, and the raw numbers at Homewood say that is happening. The number of midfielders and defensemen measuring at least 6-foot-2, 200 pounds has reached 11. Nine of them are underclassmen.

Enemy Lines

“Hopkins had an up-and-down year that was highlighted by back-to-back wins over rival Maryland. They have enough returning to be a top-tier team but will need better than 45 percent in goal to get to where they want to be.”

Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships Guide

Thanks for visiting the Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse scholarship and program information page. Here you’ll receive information about the college and details on their Men’s Lacrosse program like who to make contact with about recruiting, names of past alumni, what scholarship opportunities are presented and how to begin the recruiting process.

Drexel University Men’s lacrosse Program Recruiting and Coaching Personnel

If you’re looking to get recruited it is critical to understand who to talk to – and NCSA has got the information you’ll need. The Assistant Coach of the Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse program is Steven Boyle. Additional essential staff are:

Defensive Coordinator Tucker Durkin

Head Coach Brian Voelker

For anybody who is considering being a member of Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse program these are the individuals you’ll want to get in touch with. It’s possible to choose to get in touch with them through email utilizing the link above or call the college to get more details about the college and Men’s Lacrosse program prior to deciding if it is a suitable fit for you.

Build a Free NCSA Profile to Start Connecting with Coaches

NCSA gives student athletes the resources and info they need to enhance their odds of being recruited by a Men’s Lacrosse program, whether it is at Drexel University or another school. Since 2000, NCSA has been connecting athletes and coaches which is a vital part of the recruiting process. This year on it’s own there are 27060 Men’s Lacrosse student athletes utilizing the NCSA network, technology and scouting professionals to get their highlights before 1642 coaches at 695 colleges Men’s Lacrosse programs nationwide.

If you’d like to join the Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse program you have to start building relationships and a highly-visible, professional quality recruiting profile. Starting that process as early as possible is essential to your success. So create your free profile to become a verified NCSA Men’s Lacrosse athlete and begin connecting with coaches at the Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse program today.

Lacrosse: Irish to open NCAA Championships against Drexel

#4 ranked/#6 seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s lacrosse (7-3) will open their NCAA Championship effort against the #9/#10 ranked/unseeded CAA Champion Drexel Dragons (10-2). The game will be hosted by the Denver Pioneers at Peter Barton Stadium, 5:00 pm EDT, ESPNU.

The Draw

Not unexpectedly, North Carolina was seeded #1, followed by Duke and Maryland. The shock came with Notre Dame’s #6 seed, far lower than projected by anyone. The team has every reason to feel slighted about it.

The slight is justified in the reason given by the committee, that Notre Dame didn’t play anyone good out of conference. It appears to be a standard unequally applied. We suspect the truth is more that the committee needed to send the Irish out west to adhere to the long-standing tournament travel rule and came up with a reason to justify it. Regardless of seeding, the Irish are still playing one of the opponents the were projected to play.

More importantly, the seeding will result in Notre Dame playing at home in the quarterfinals should they beat Drexel. That’s not a bad consolation prize.

The Opponent

This is the fifth all-time meeting against the Dragons, with the Irish holding a 4-1 record. The only loss was at Drexel in 2010, when the Irish fell in overtime. The teams last played in 2012, with the Irish squeaking by 6-5, also played in Philadelphia.

Drexel comes into the came hot and on a 9-game win streak, including a win in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament this weekend. That win earned them the conference’s automatic qualifying berth in the NCAA tournament.

The Dragons only have one common opponent, Robert Morris, who they beat 19-13 (compared to Irish win, 19-7). They have had a successful season which includes wins over ranked UMass, Delaware and Hofstra.

Their coaching staff is led by Johns Hopkins legend Brian Voelker, who is assisted by Steven Boyle and former Schmeisser Award winner and current member of the PLL’s Atlas, Tucker Durkin.

Drexel, on paper, is unusual in that their scoring isn’t particularly deep, but what they have is very prolific. Players like Sean Donnelly (25g, 19a) and Aidan Coll (32g, 11a) score a ton of goals. Canadian grad student Reid Bowering has been on fire since his return from injury, scoring over 4 points a game in his last 5.

Jimmeh Koita is their primary faceoff specialist. He hovers around 50%, but he is a very big guy weighing 215 lbs. That sort of size will require both Gallagher and Leonard to produce equally to avoid getting worn down.

On the defensive end, #17 SSDM George Grippo is a player to watch. He’s good on defense and is very effective getting the ball forward in transition.

Stylistically, they play good defense, and on offense seem to use a lot of pass-down picks and other plays to activate their off-ball strengths. Not altogether different than many of the teams the Irish played at the beginning of the season.

Where we are most impressed with them, in the games we watched, they did a great job of trapping midfielders and in an instant breaking out in transition. The Irish will need to be disciplined in the middle of the field.

Our Notes

Drexel is a good team that has well earned its #9/#10 rank. They are dangerous and can beat the Irish if they don’t show up ready to play. But we have to be careful not to overthink this. The Irish simply have to play like they have in any of their games to date. Meaning no disrespect to the Dragons, the Irish are a deeper, faster and bigger team. If the boys play to their strengths, all will be fine.

To see if this is happening, we’ll observe:

1. Faceoff percentage: Notre Dame can’t let Koita play them to a draw. They need a firm possession advantage.
2. Fast start: The Irish have been off for two weeks and are coming off exams, so there is some risk of sleepwalking. They’ll need to concentrate on taking command early.
3. Slow down transition: We have every confidence the defense can win a 6-on-6 battle. The key is to make sure transition attempts are slowed and the Dragons are reduced to a half-field offense.
4. 13 goals: This is the border between being worried and being more relaxed, as it has been all season. The Drexel defense doesn’t give up goals cheaply, so it will be on the offense to keep up the pressure to get the team quickly to this total. If they can do that, we’ll feel good about their chances. If they struggle to score, we’ll worry to the buzzer regardless of how well the defense is playing.
5. Altitude: Denver is hosting the game. With neither team coming from altitude, fitness will be an issue. The Irish depth needs to shine.

It’s tournament time. Just survive and advance.

NCAA Party Pooper

This week the NCAA announced it will only permit a travel and sideline squad of 45 people, which to our understanding includes coaches and staff. This is a real bummer, as it would seem to require 20+ boys to stay home this weekend. It has been heartbreaking reading of the disappointment of the players on social media.

Considering this news came only hours before CDC guidance was changed to permit maskless contact without distancing for vaccinated persons, we are very disappointed for those students affected. As of this writing, the CDC change does not appear to have resulted in any travel rule change.

To those players who are impacted by this rule and their families: Please understand and know that we here at 18 Stripes, and the entire Notre Dame lacrosse fan community, recognize your contribution to the team. We know you earned the right to compete in this championship with your teammates. Notre Dame men’s lacrosse would not be in this position if not for the contributions of each of the 56 student athletes.

#GoIrish

2 fields in sight, but football first for now

DERRY, N.H. — The thought, no matter how fleeting, weighed on Steve Boyle as the summer approached.

One of the top lacrosse attackmen in the country, Boyle had verbally committed to eight-time national champion Johns Hopkins University in January. And with football practice commencing in August, Boyle couldn’t help but wonder whether it was worth risking injury to return to the gridiron for his senior campaign at Pinkerton Academy.

Not only did Boyle receive a vote of confidence from Johns Hopkins’s head coach Dave Pietramala, but he also got the OK from his high school lacrosse coach. Which meant he simply couldn’t tell the football coach no.

”We didn’t have a conversation, but there really wasn’t a doubt in my mind he’d play this year,” said Brian O’Reilly, who is both the football and lacrosse coach at Pinkerton. ”Besides, I don’t think the Pinkerton lacrosse coach would have been very happy if he didn’t play football.”

With a healthy Boyle leading the charge, the Astros posted an 8-2 mark during the regular season and are headed to the state football playoffs this weekend.

Regardless of the outcome, Boyle will officially sign his national letter of intent to attend Johns Hopkins at a ceremony Monday afternoon in the Pinkerton Alumni Center. It’s the final step in accepting a full scholarship from the school that won the NCAA Division 1 national title last year.

”I think playing football really helps you with your toughness on the lacrosse field,” said Boyle, a Derry, N.H., native whose older brother, Brian, plays lacrosse at Penn State.

”I’ve thought a lot about playing at the college level for Hopkins and I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work if I want to go in and make an immediate impact. But right now there’s a lot of hard work to do at Pinkerton.”

That work starts Saturday afternoon when Derry, N.H.-based Pinkerton hosts Manchester Central in the opening round of New Hampshire’s Division 1 playoffs. The winner advances to next week’s championship game to meet the winner of Saturday’s other semifinal between Manchester West and Salem.

After losing to Manchester Central in last year’s championship game, the Astros are hungry for revenge. But what’s remarkable is that Pinkerton is even in the playoffs in what most deemed a rebuilding year.

Even with Boyle’s decision to return, Pinkerton brought back just three starters overall and just one on defense. The Astros took motivation from the rumors of their demise and stormed to an 8-1 mark before falling to Brockton — the defending Eastern Mass. Division 1 Super Bowl champion and the Globe’s top-ranked team — in a turnover-plagued, 35-10 loss this past Saturday.

”I would be disappointed if we didn’t win the championship now,” said O’Reilly. ”All the teams in the playoffs are teams we’ve beaten this season and if you beat someone the first time, but don’t the second time, that’s disappointing. There’s no moral victory here for just making it to the championship round.”

Boyle spearheads the defense from his safety position. The 6-foot, 185-pound speedster has already tied the school record with 10 interceptions this season, returning four of those for touchdowns.

Offensively, Boyle is the starting tailback behind senior fullback John Sughrue. The pair provides a little bit of thunder and lightning, with Boyle being a shifty runner prone to ripping off 25-yard dashes and Sughrue the workhorse that piles up yardage in smaller chunks.

Sughrue, also a long-stick midfielder on the lacrosse team, knows Boyle’s first love is lacrosse, but he’s keeping Boyle focused on the gridiron.

”We play in an indoor lacrosse league in the winter that’s getting ready to start up,” said Sughrue, a Freemont, N.H., resident and a senior captain for the football squad. ”I make sure Steve and the guys are focused on football. Even if I have to slap them around a bit.”

Sughrue admits it’s hard not to look ahead to the spring with so many lacrosse players on the football roster. Despite overwhelming success the past three seasons, the Astros lacrosse team doesn’t boast a championship trophy to show for it.

”That championship is our motivation this year,” said Boyle. ”This is our last chance and we’ve been so close over the past three years. We want that title.”

Boyle’s father, Gary, was an assistant football coach with O’Reilly in the late ’70s, so O’Reilly has literally watched Boyle grow. By the sixth grade, with his brother Brian already making waves as a freshman, O’Reilly knew the younger Boyle was destined for big things.

Steve Boyle registered 52 goals and 53 assists as a sophomore on the lacrosse team while guiding his squad to a 19-1 mark and earning the state’s player-of-the-year award. He garnered that award again last season after posting 75 goals and 61 assists while leading the Astros to an 18-2 record.

With 302 career points (152 goals, 150 assists), Boyle is 132 points shy of his brother’s school scoring record of 435 points (222 goals, 213 assists).

”If he stays healthy and posts numbers like he did last year, he’ll break the record,” said O’Reilly. ”But I don’t think being second to his brother would bother him much.”

Indeed, Boyle says sharing the lacrosse field with his brother as a freshman remains his favorite high school memory (there’s the slight chance the two could see each other in a college playoff game in 2007 as well).

But Boyle simply refuses to let his team finished runner-up to another squad in the quest for a state title.

”Steve’s got that monkey on his back, but we’re going on safari,” said Sughrue, who has assigned roles based on player nicknames and college mascots. ”Steve’s the blue jay, I’m the lion, and [senior attackman] Chris [Guilherme] is the rhino. We’re going to get that monkey.”

Chris Forsberg can be reached at [email protected]

High School Announces Inductees to Hall of Fame

Member of the Hall of Fame Committee at Londonderry High School have announced eleven new members to the school’s Hall of Fame. The eleven inductees of the Class of 2019 will be honored at an induction ceremony and banquet scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, in the Londonderry High School Cafeteria starting at 6 p.m.
The Londonderry High School Hall of Fame, established in 1986, recognizes students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members that have brought recognition to themselves and Londonderry High School through their efforts both during and after their time at the Londonderry High School.
The Hall of Fame was recently revived in 2016 when the first class in 20 years was inducted.
“This year’s class of inductees into the Londonderry High School Hall of Fame is incredibly deserving of enshrinement,” remarked Principal Jason Parent. “With their accomplishments before, during and after their time at Londonderry High School, these inductees set an example for what can be accomplished as part of the LHS community. We congratulate them all on their selections to the Hall of Fame.”

This year’s inductees are:
Zach Bencal – Student- Class of 2009
Zach Bencal was one of the best performers to ever come through the LHS Drama program. He is currently performing in Aladdin on Broadway as Babkak. Zach held lead roles in drama throughout his four years. Zach went on to graduate from the Hartt School of Music with a degree in musical theatre. He musically directed an off Broadway musical called The Athem.
Dana Boyle – Student- Class of 2010
Dana Boyle currently lives in Charlottesville, VA and received BA Sociology in 2014 and M.Ed. Higher Education in 2015 at the University of Virginia.
She is currently an Assistant Director, of Donor Relations at the University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science. A part-time Color Analyst/Broadcaster for NCAA Women’s Lacrosse at ESPN. Part-time Varsity Head Coach at Western Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, VA.
Boyle attended LHS from 2006 to 2010 where she an outstanding lacrosse player and was voted a U.S. Lacrosse All-American in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
At University of Virginia she was on the Academic Honor Roll in 2012, 2013, and 2014. All-ACC Academic Team 2013 and 2014. All-ACC Team Women’s Lacrosse Team 2013, and was a four-year Scholarship recipient as a member of the UVA Women’s Lacrosse team
After college she was the Central Virginia Coach of the Year (High School Girl’s Lacrosse, Division I).
Cliff Chulada – Student- Class of 1980
Cliff Chulada currently lives in Bow, N.H. where he is an Athletic Trainer/Health and Physical Educator. He attended LHS from 1978 to 80, and worked at the school from 1982 to 85.
Chulada was part of the first graduating class at LHS and was a three sport athlete and a Athletic Trainer at the school.
Chulada scored first varsity soccer goal in LHS history. He won the “Name the School” contest by providing the name “Lancers” and original Lancer logo. He was member of group that designed the original Lancer letter jacket (blue body/red sleeves and the first LHS graduate to return to the school’s athletic staff.
Sherry Farrell
Community member
Sherry taught at LHS from 1987-1994 as a Homeconomics teacher. She was also the Varsity Cheerleading coach from 1990-1994. She created the career education curriculum while at LHS and was a member of the original Hall of Fame Committee. In 1992 she was named teacher of the year. Sherry currently holds the position of Town Clerk in Londonderry. She has a profound love of Londonderry and is continuously giving back to LHS.
Gerry Gulezian
Community Member
Jerry Gulezian has been a substitute teacher at LHS for 21 years. He has also been involved in many school activities including: Chairperson and member of Ambassadors Program at the high school; the school’s first PTSA president in 1980, and an active member in 90s; Participant of Pay It Forward Program; Assistant Coach for the varsity baseball team; and a host on the TV20 sports shows for three years, which highlights high school sports teams and students.
Gulezian was also a member of the Middle School Building Committee he has been a TV broadcasters for the Lancer football games for the last 17 years. He has given out scholarships from the Londonderry Lions Club, over the last five years to high school students, and broadcasted the high school basketball games. He and Skip Burbine developed a Summer Tennis Camp to feed high school tennis team. Coached baseball at all levels and was a flag football coach while being part of LAFA. Vice president of Londonderry Lacrosse Association.
Steven Sullivan- Student- Class of 2003
Steven graduated from LHS in 2003 with honors. He was a member of the LHS Honor Society and the LHS band. He graduated from Tulane University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Arts Magna Cum Lade in Art Studio and a minor in French.
He was the recipient of the “Tulane 34” Award for Leadership Service and
Academic Excellence. While at Tulane he painted a 144’ mural at the Sophie B. Wright Charter School after the damage from Hurricane Katrina. He included the students by creating a paint by number system.
In 2008 he joined Peace Corps. and is currently a member of the Londonderry Arts Council where he participates in the Art in Action and Art of the Common. His art is displayed in the Leach Library.
Katie Lannan – Student – Class of 2008
Katie was a reporter for The Lancer Spirit. She was the Editor-in-chief during her senior year.
Senior year she was awarded the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Award for journalism. She and another student were selected to be representatives of NH at the National Journalism conference in D.C. Since September 2015 Katie has worked at the State House News Service, an independent wire service that covers the state Legislature, the Governor and various agencies. She frequently gives back to LHS by speaking to the journalism classes. She also speaks at Emerson College, Suffolk University, Emmanuel College, and Middlesex Community College.
Kim Lindley-Soucy
Faculty
Kim started teaching at LHS as English Department Head in August, 1993. She became the Curriculum Coordinator for the Humanities in 2007 and received her Doctorate in 2006. At SNHU she teaches in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. She has taught Case Study, several courses in Qualitative Research, and this summer and this fall she is teaching Applied Research. She is an outstanding Lancer.
Courtney MacLaren
Student – Class of 2001
Courtney excelled as a gymnast and a track start at LHS. She currently holds the beam record from December of 1999 with a 9.4 score. She also excelled in track as a DI champion in the pole vault and a New England champion in the pole vault. She holds the freshman record in pole vault at 10’ Courtney went on to Northeastern as a Vaulter.
Anne MacLean – Faculty
Anne MacLean is currently a residence of Merrimack, NH and is a Physical Education/Wellness Teacher at LHS.
She has worked at LHS since 1984 as a Wellness and Physical Education Teacher. She also coaches the Unified Basketball and Track teams.
She has won Teacher of the Month awards, Coach of the Year, All Area Coach, and has coached the Unified Track and Field Champions from 2013 to 2019.
Anne was the Varsity Field Hockey Coach at LHS from 1984 to1993 and the LHS Varsity Women’s Track Assistant from 1984 to 1990.
Charlie Wilton- Staff
Charlie Wilton is the Head custodian at Londonderry High School. He lead multiple renovation projects at Matthew Thornton and at LHS. He puts in countless hours making the school buildings and grounds a first rate facilities. He also supports the staff in all of their activities, including banquets, fundraising projects and school initiatives. He is dedicated, a true Lancer.
For ticket information on the ceremony, call the High School athletic office at 432-6941 ext. 2307.

National Lacrosse League Entry Draft

The National Lacrosse League Entry Draft is an annual event where general managers of National Lacrosse League teams select suitable players for their rosters from the programs of the US College and Canada’s junior lacrosse system.

A player is considered eligible for a project if he is 21 years old, or less than 21 years old and has used or transferred all NCAA or NAIA requirements. [1]

1st Circle Projects Selection

2013 NBL

The 2013 Entry Project took place on September 16, 2013 at the Toronto Rock Sports Center in Oakville.[2]