The Exhilarating Atmosphere at Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Games
Attending a Cape Henlopen lacrosse game is an unforgettable experience. As soon as you step foot in the stadium, the energy is palpable. The cheering crowds, thumping music, and excitement in the air create an electric atmosphere unlike any other.
When the players sprint onto the field for warmups, fans begin roaring with thunderous applause and cheers of support. Chants of “Let’s go Hawks!” ring out through the stands as spectators clap and stomp their feet. You can feel the ground shake from the rumbling of the crowd.
Once the game starts, the noise level ramps up even higher. Every Cape Henlopen goal is met by an eruption of cheers and synchronized chants. Fans lose their voices yelling as lacrosse balls whiz past goalies into the nets. The fast-paced action keeps the crowd on their feet, anxiously tracking each pass and cradle down the field.
The sidelines are packed with Cape Henlopen students sporting blue and gold face paint and waving handmade signs. The bleachers are a sea of matching school colors and jerseys with players’ numbers. The palpable school spirit and camaraderie in the stadium is unmatched.
Halftime brings lively performances from the Cape Henlopen cheer and dance squads on the field. Their impressive stunts and high-energy routines garner standing ovations from the spirited crowd. Fans stock up on snacks and drinks to refuel for all the second half excitement yet to come.
As the game winds down, the atmosphere reaches a fever pitch. Students link arms and sway back and forth singing the school’s fight song. Each remaining minute ticks by agonizingly slow. Fans scream at the top of their lungs, living and dying by each possession. When the final buzzer sounds on a Cape Henlopen victory, the stadium explodes in jubilant celebration.
The electric energy and excitement surrounding Cape Henlopen lacrosse games creates lifelong memories for players and fans alike. It’s an atmosphere you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate.
Top Players to Watch on Cape Henlopen’s Lacrosse Teams
Cape Henlopen lacrosse consistently fields top tier teams loaded with premier talent. Their rosters feature many of the state’s standout players who make watching a Cape Henlopen lacrosse game a must for any fan. Here are some of the top players to keep your eyes on this season.
Leading Cape Henlopen’s boys team is senior attacker James Wilson. Wilson is a dynamic scorer who terrorizes opposing defenses with his quickness and dominant shooting ability. He uses a lighting fast dodge to blow by defenders and has a rocket of a shot with pinpoint accuracy. Wilson is coming off a junior season where he netted an incredible 89 goals, earning him first team all-conference honors. He has already committed to continue his lacrosse career playing Division 1 at Loyola University next year. Wilson is an explosive athlete and fierce competitor who leaves it all on the field each game.
Running Cape’s midfield is junior phenom Michaela Thomas. Thomas is a do-it-all midfielder who dominates possession for the Hawks with her ball handling skills and field vision. She exhibits precision passing to initiate fast breaks and also shows off flashy stick work weaving through traffic. A relentless rider, Thomas forces numerous turnovers that lead to transition chances. She has an instinctual knack for being in the right place at the right time. Thomas led the team in points last season as just a sophomore and is continuing her ascent as one of Delaware’s premier women’s lacrosse talents.
Anchoring the defense is senior long stick midfielder Sam Watts. Boasting a 6’3″ muscular frame, Watts is an intimidating presence who delivers bone-crushing checks to unfortunate attackers. His combination of size, speed, and physicality allows him to cover significant ground and shut off passing lanes. Watts gobbles up ground balls and jump starts transitions with his speed and pinpoint outlet passes. He will play for UPenn next year. Off the field, Watts is also an exemplary student who serves as a team captain and leader.
These standouts are just a few of the many skilled players that make watching Cape Henlopen lacrosse games this season a can’t-miss experience. Their jaw-dropping talent and game-changing abilities make them must-see players anytime they take the field.
Key Highlights and Stats from Cape Henlopen Lacrosse History
The Cape Henlopen lacrosse program has a long and storied history filled with countless memorable moments and accomplishments. Let’s look back on some of the key highlights and stats that define the rich legacy of Cape Henlopen lacrosse excellence.
The boys team has won 6 state championships over the years, including back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. Their first championship came in 2001, led by high-scoring attacker James Scott who set a state tournament record with 10 goals in the title game. Cape then went on another championship run in 2005 powered by a smothering defense that allowed just 3.2 goals per game. The Hawks have also been runner-ups 4 times and made the final four on 9 separate occasions.
On the girls side, Cape Henlopen has brought home 4 state titles, including going back-to-back in 2017 and 2018. Their most recent championship in 2018 was led by midfielder Lauren Clark, who scored a shocking 7 goals in the finals. Cape also won it all in 2013 thanks to lockdown defender Ashley Ward, who neutralized the opponent’s top scorer. In total, the girls have finished as state runner-ups 3 times.
Some of the top players to come through the Cape Henlopen program include Ryan Thompson, who went on to be a first team All-American at Albany, and Katie Schwarzmann, a two-time national champion at Maryland who won the Tewaaraton Award as the top college player in the country. Both had their jerseys retired by Cape Henlopen.
Over the past decade, Cape Henlopen has a combined record of 198-25, with their only losing season coming in 2011. The Hawks have dominated conference play, winning 9 league titles over that span, including 5 straight from 2014-2018. It’s clear that year in and year out, Cape Henlopen remains one of the state’s preeminent high school lacrosse programs.
With consistently elite teams and players, along with a continual tradition of winning, Cape Henlopen lacrosse has carved out their rightful place among the greatest dynasties in Delaware high school sports history. Their impressive achievements and stats cement their status as a perennial state powerhouse.
Getting Your Gear at the Popular Salesianum Team Store
One of the best places for fans to pick up lacrosse equipment and team apparel is the Salesianum team store. With a huge selection of gear, convenient purchasing options, and constant deals, it has become a go-to destination for lacrosse players and supporters alike.
The Salesianum store is fully stocked with all the gear players need to perform their best on the field. You can find high-quality sticks from top brands like Maverik and STX that offer great handling and improved shooting accuracy. All the protective equipment like helmets, gloves, pads, and cleats are available to keep players safe during those hard checks and cuts. Goalies can also get fully outfitted with sticks, helmets, and pads specifically designed for their position.
In addition to lacrosse gear, the store has an extensive collection of apparel to help fans show their Salesianum pride. Browse through jerseys, hoodies, jackets, hats, and more featuring bold Sals logos and colors. They also carry customized jerseys you can personalize with any name and number. The wide variety ensures lacrosse players and fans of all ages can sport Sals style.
The Salesianum store offers convenient purchasing options to make getting gear easier than ever. Their online store allows you to browse and order items 24/7 and provides speedy delivery right to your door. In-person shopping is also available on campus with flexible hours before and after school. Team sales reps are on hand to provide expertise and help select the best equipment for your needs and budget.
Be sure to also take advantage of the constant discounts, sales, and clearance specials available both online and in-store. The Salesianum store runs regular promos like 20% off your entire purchase to help lacrosse players save. With the high-quality gear selection and great savings opportunities, the Salesianum store has become a must-visit shopping destination.
Must-Have Lacrosse Equipment Offered at Salesianum Store
The Salesianum store stocks all the essential lacrosse gear and equipment needed for players to bring their A-game out on the field. Here is some of the must-have equipment that they offer to help take your game to the next level.
One of the most important pieces of equipment is a good lacrosse stick that gives you maximum control and handling ability. The Salesianum store carries sticks across all price ranges from brands like Maverik and Warrior that are designed for precise passing, accurate shooting, and quick dodging. For field players, they recommend a stick with a 30 to 32 inch shaft and a head with a mid to high pocket. Goalies have specialized sticks with oversized heads and shafts exceeding 40 inches to help block shots. The Salesianum staff can help players pick the perfect stick for their position and skill level.
High-quality protective gear is also a must to prevent injuries when battling for ground balls or absorbing checks. The Salesianum store has a large selection of padded gloves to protect players’ hands when cradling and catching passes. They also offer arm guards, shoulder pads, and rib pads for additional protection of players’ upper bodies. Goalies require full-body padding to cover their chests, arms, and midsections from bruising shots.
Additional equipment like helmets, mouthguards, cleats, bags, and practice gear will ensure players are fully outfitted for practices and games. Lacrosse helmets with face masks are essential for protecting players from head and face injuries. Cleats with rubber or plastic spikes provide superior traction on the field for quicker cuts and direction changes. Mesh bags conveniently transport all your heavy gear. The Salesianum store is truly a one-stop-shop for every essential piece of equipment.
By taking advantage of the expansive lacrosse gear selection at the Salesianum store, players can get all the equipment they need to take their skills to the next level. Their staff can also advise on the best gear for your game and budget.
Salesianum Store’s Large Selection of Custom Lacrosse Jerseys
One of the standout offerings at the Salesianum store is their massive selection of custom lacrosse jerseys. With tons of colors, designs, personalization options, and quick turnaround, it’s easy to get custom Sals lacrosse jerseys to support your favorite players.
The Salesianum store allows full customization of their high-quality lacrosse jerseys so you can design them exactly how you want. Choose from over 10 different team colors like navy, grey, black, and white to match Salesianum’s school colors or your own personal style. You can select from different fabric materials including moisture-wicking performance fabrics ideal for games and practices.
Once you’ve picked the colors and materials, you can customize the jersey with any name, number, and team name. Cheer on your favorite player by getting their name and number printed on the back. Or get your own name and number or nickname to become part of the Salesianum lacrosse team. The players really get a thrill seeing their names and numbers on fans’ jerseys in the stands. The Salesianum store can even help design custom names, slogans, and logos for youth teams and clubs.
The easy online customizer tool allows you to preview exactly how your jersey will look before ordering. Most custom jerseys ship out in 5-7 business days so you can rep your Sals pride on the field or in the stands in no time. The quality and intricate custom designs also make them great unique gifts for lacrosse players and supporters in your life.
With tons of colors and limitless personalization options, it’s easy to create custom lacrosse jerseys at the Salesianum store. Choose from their catalog of templates or get help designing your own custom jerseys to support the Sals in style.
Upcoming Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Games & Tournaments in 2023
The 2023 high school lacrosse season is fast approaching, which means exciting matchups and top tournaments on the schedule for Cape Henlopen lacrosse. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on all the action.
A huge early season game to circle is Cape Henlopen vs. Salesianum on March 25th. This rivalry matchup pits two lacrosse powerhouses against each other right out of the gates. Salesianum knocked Cape Henlopen out of the playoffs last season, so the Hawks will be seeking revenge on their home turf. Expect an intense, back-and-forth thriller between these two stacked squads.
The Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Tournament takes place April 7-9. Some of the top teams in the region like Smyrna, Polytech, and Sussex Central will face off in this annual showcase. Cape Henlopen always raises their game on their home turf, making for competitive battles. The atmosphere with local teams and fans converging on Cape Henlopen is electric.
As postseason play heats up, the game to watch is Cape Henlopen versus Sussex Tech on May 5th. This late regular season matchup could determine playoff seeding and bragging rights. Sussex Tech features a stout defense while Cape boasts an explosive offense, so expect fireworks when these district rivals clash. The stands will be packed as they fight for momentum before the state tournament.
The Delaware state tournament runs May 15-22. The Cape Henlopen boys and girls will both be contenders to make deep runs with their stacked rosters. If they can lift the state championship trophies again, it would be the perfect culmination to an exciting Cape Henlopen lacrosse season.
Be sure to catch all the thrilling Cape Henlopen lacrosse action this spring. With heated rivalries, a top local tournament, and playoff drama, it promises to be another memorable season.
Insider Tips for Attending Your First Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Game
Experiencing the exciting atmosphere of a Cape Henlopen lacrosse game is a must for any sports fan. If you’re attending your first Hawks lacrosse game, use these insider tips to make sure you have an awesome experience.
Arrive early to tailgate and get a lay of the land. Tailgating with other fans is a great pre-game tradition. Crack open some refreshments, toss a lacrosse ball around, and soak in the building energy. Getting to the stadium early also lets you explore the grounds, grab food, and check out the vendors before packing the bleachers.
Come prepared for the weather. Cape Henlopen Stadium is an open-air field with little shelter from the elements. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. For chilly spring games, bundle up with layers of Hawks gear. Always bring rain ponchos in case an afternoon shower rolls through. Don’t forget sunscreen and shades for those hot afternoon matchups. A small blanket or pad can make hard bleacher seats more comfortable.
Pack plenty of snacks and cash. Concession stands and vendors offer great food options like burgers, nachos, and hot chocolate. But lines get long when the action is intense, so having your own snacks on hand prevents missing the game. Cash ensures you don’t miss out just because a vendor can’t process cards. You’ll want cash for 50/50 raffles too.
Study up on the basics. Understanding lacrosse fundamentals like equipment, rules, and scoring helps you follow the flow better. Useful apps like Lacrosse Essentials give crash courses in the sport. Learn the Hawks’ top players so you can cheer loud when they make big plays.
Get into the spirit. Wearing Hawks colors, waving homemade signs, and joining in cheers helps make the atmosphere even more hype. Stand and clap for Hawks goals. Employ catchy chants like “C-H-L Hawks” and “Let’s go Hawks!” Start cheers in your section to rally the team. Your energy helps fuel the players.
Using these tips will help you make the most of your first Cape Henlopen lacrosse game. Get ready to have a blast and become part of Hawks Nation!
The Best Spots to Catch the Action at Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Stadium
Cape Henlopen’s lacrosse stadium provides awesome sights of the field no matter where you sit, but some seats give you a premium view of all the action. Here are the best spots to catch every pass, shot, and big hit when you attend a game.
The front row of the main bleachers puts you right above the sideline with an up-close perspective. You’ll hear the collisions when players get checked against the boards and see every dart throw in for goals. This vantage point also lets you heckle opponents near the bench and give sideline pep talks to the Hawks.
The midline seats at midfield provide great views of back-and-forth possession changes. Sitting around the 50-yard line, you can follow the ball moving up-and-down and watch plays develop. It also gives you a central view of the Hawks’ high-flying transition offense.
For an elevated viewpoint, climb to the top rows of the bleachers. Up here, you can see the entire field and follow the action end-to-end. Watch offensive sets unfold and see how the defense slides and rotates. The height also helps you appreciate the speed and athleticism down on the turf.
The grassy bank behind the opposite end zone is prime real estate. Relax on the hill with an end zone view perfect for watching goals get scored right in front of you. You’ll also have a great sightline to watch lockdown defense and dramatic saves as the action comes your way.
For diehard fans, standing on the walkway behind the sideline gets you physically close to the players. Here you can shout instructions like a coach and exchange high-fives when the Hawks come off the field. Just watch out for stray balls rocketing your way!
Every seat provides awesome sights and sounds. But to get the most thrilling perspective of Cape Henlopen lacrosse, be sure to catch a few games from these prime spots.
Supporting the Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Program as a Community
The passionate community behind Cape Henlopen lacrosse is a huge factor in the program’s success. There are many ways local fans, parents, and youth players can support the Hawks lacrosse teams beyond just cheering loudly at games.
Attending games consistently shows the players they have loyal fans even when the team struggles. Tickets and concessions sales also help fund equipment, travel, and field maintenance. Community members can join the Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Boosters which spearheads fundraising initiatives, organizes team banquets, and promotes the program.
Parents can support Cape Henlopen lacrosse by volunteering as team managers, stats keepers, videographers or photographers. Student managers, often younger lacrosse players themselves, assist at practices and manage equipment. Dedicated parents ensure operations run smoothly behind the scenes.
Youth lacrosse clubs act as feeder programs for Cape Henlopen High School. They develop fundamentals and passion for the sport at early ages. Club and rec coaches should coordinate with Cape Henlopen’s program to ensure alignment on skills, schemes, and terminology.
Local youth players can also attend Hawks games as lacrosse ambassadors. Interacting with them inspires younger kids to someday don the Hawks uniform. The Cape Henlopen boys and girls teams are also great about running camps and clinics to foster the next generation of talent.
The business community can hop on board by sponsoring fundraising golf outings or donating a percentage of sales to the lacrosse program. Having financial support eases the burden on families and the athletic department.
Cape Henlopen lacrosse thrives thanks to the tight-knit community rallying around it. There are countless ways for fans, parents and youth players to support the Hawks beyond game days.
Lacrosse Training and Development Programs at Cape Henlopen
Beyond the varsity and JV teams, Cape Henlopen offers excellent lacrosse training and development programs to build skills for youth players of all ages and experience levels.
The Cape Henlopen Youth Lacrosse Club is the main feeder program into the school teams. It provides a developmental progression for players starting as young as 1st grade up through 8th grade. The club focuses on teaching fundamentals like stick handling, passing, shooting, and positioning in an inclusive, fun environment.
For middle school players, Cape Henlopen runs a box lacrosse training program on school grounds during the winter offseason. The intensive small-area games in this indoor version improve their overall stick skills and lacrosse IQ through nearly constant possession and action.
The high school coaches run training clinics over the summer to keep players sharp and take newcomers under their wings. These clinics focus on position-specific skills and include seminars on nutrition, fitness, and recruiting for older players.
During the season, Coach Rollins opens practices for local youth teams to observe drills and schemes. Seeing the varsity team’s intense practices firsthand provides motivation and learning opportunities. Players also scrimmage the varsity team to test themselves against top competition.
The coaches emphasize continuity between all levels to teach the same techniques from youth through varsity. This ensures a smooth transition for players moving up through the ranks.
For kids who discover lacrosse later, the staff will work individually with them to quickly get up to speed on fundamentals before joining the team. Cape Henlopen’s player development infrastructure ensures no committed athlete gets left behind.
Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Alumni Now Playing in College and Pros
The Cape Henlopen High School lacrosse program has produced countless top-tier players that have gone on to excel at the collegiate and professional levels. Let’s look at some of their notable lacrosse alumni making an impact on the game today.
James Scott was a 4x All-American attacker for Cape who graduated in 2001 as the state’s all-time leading scorer. He played at Johns Hopkins University and won an NCAA championship in 2005. Scott currently plays in Major League Lacrosse for the Boston Cannons and also serves as an assistant coach at MIT.
Lauren Clark was a 3-sport star athlete who dominated as a midfielder for Cape Henlopen’s girls lacrosse team through 2018. She earned a scholarship to play at the University of Florida, where she led the team in scoring as a freshman. Clark now plays professionally for Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse Club.
All-state longstick midfielder Sam Watts was a feared defender for the Hawks boys squad before graduating in 2020. He played for UPenn in college, where he was twice named First Team All-Ivy league and helped the Quakers capture their first-ever NCAA tournament win in 2022.
Katie Larmore ruled the midfield for Cape Henlopen with her speed and stick-handling wizardry, graduating in 2016 as the school’s all-time points leader. She earned All-American honors at Stanford University and won an NCAA title with them in 2017. Larmore now plays for the US National Team.
Dozens more Cape lacrosse alums are thriving in college at schools like Towson, Drexel, Delaware, and High Point. The Hawks program clearly develops well-rounded players ready to excel at higher levels. Their sustained success is a point of great pride for Cape Henlopen High School and the community.
Top Rivalries and Opponents for Cape Henlopen Lacrosse
Cape Henlopen lacrosse’s action-packed schedules feature tons of thrilling matchups versus top-tier opponents. Their biggest rivalries and toughest foes always produce competitive, playoff-intensity games.
The Cape vs. Salesianum rivalry dates back decades and is one of the marquee matchups annually in Delaware high school lacrosse. These perennial powers clash in fast-paced, back-and-forth affairs with league title and state tourney implications on the line. Last season’s overtime thriller won by Salesianum exemplified this contentious rivalry.
Sussex Tech always gets fired up to take on their inner-county rival Cape Henlopen. This backyard rivalry pits familiar foes against each other in physical, defensively-minded slugfests. The two schools constantly battle for bragging rights in the Henlopen Conference. Their raucous regular season finales often decide postseason seeding.
Out-of-state powerhouse Calvert Hall from Maryland is a recurring early season opponent that tests Cape’s mettle. Calvert Hall’s brutal schedule prepares them for the nation’s most competitive high school lacrosse region. Matching up with their skill and physicality gives Cape’s squad valuable experience.
The Hawks also clash frequently with top programs like McDonogh, Boys’ Latin, and St. Paul’s. Facing Maryland’s lacrosse hotbeds provides awesome measuring stick games. Winning these interstate showdowns helps Cape Henlopen earn national respect.
Whether it’s a bitter rival, county foe, or nationally-ranked powerhouse, Cape Henlopen’s schedule is filled with must-see matchup. These games bring out the Hawks’ passion, tenacity, and resilience for all to see.
Youth Lacrosse Clubs and Camps in the Cape Henlopen Community
Supporting the growth of youth lacrosse is a priority in the Cape Henlopen community. Numerous youth clubs and camps in the area provide excellent instruction and development opportunities.
The Cape Henlopen Youth Lacrosse Club offers programs for boys and girls from 1st through 8th grades. Their rec leagues focus on fundamental skill-building in a fun, inclusive environment. The club teams compete in tournaments and travel to sharpen their game against top regional competition.
Sussex Storm Lacrosse Club is another major youth program serving over 300 boys and girls in southern Delaware. Sussex Storm’s box lacrosse training builds superb stick skills and lacrosse IQ for their rec and elite club teams. Their coaching staff includes several Cape Henlopen High alums.
Both the Cape Henlopen boys and girls varsity programs run clinics and camps during the offseason for K-8 youth players. Participants get firsthand instruction from the Hawks’ actual coaches to learn drills, techniques, and strategies the high school teams employ. Campers get to interact with varsity players as role models too.
Local youth coaches also emphasize continuity with Cape’s style of play. Having aligned systems and terminology eases players’ transitions to the high school game. Open communication between the youth and varsity programs helps build seamless development pipelines.
Thanks to excellent area youth clubs and camps, the future of Cape Henlopen lacrosse looks bright. Young players have awesome early development opportunities and inspiration to someday don the Hawks’ jersey.
How Cape Henlopen Lacrosse Boosts Delaware High School Athletics
The sustained excellence of Cape Henlopen High School’s lacrosse program provides a rising tide that lifts Delaware high school athletics as a whole in many ways.
As an established state powerhouse, Cape Henlopen constantly pushes other in-state programs to improve and reach new heights. Seeing the Hawks capture championships and earn national rankings motivates rival teams to elevate their own programs through better coaching, facilities, and training.
Cape lacrosse’s pipeline of DI college recruits also inspires Delaware’s next generation of players. Young athletes see that dominating on the Hawks’ teams can open doors to play at the highest collegiate levels. Cape has sent players on to stellar college careers at Hopkins, Penn, Stanford, Florida, and many other top programs.
The team’s demanding offseason training programs and emphasis on player development builds better all-around athletes. Multi-sport athletes who compete in football, soccer, basketball, and wrestling in addition to lacrosse gain tremendous physical and mental conditioning from Cape’s rigorous coaching style.
Cape’s high-profile rivalry matchups with national prep powers draw more attention to Delaware lacrosse on the whole. Their interstate showdowns are covered by media outlets well beyond state borders. This exposure helps lacrosse talent and interest grow statewide.
The Hawks lacrosse program clearly raises the profile of Delaware high school athletics. Their sustained excellence pushes rivals to improve, develops college-ready talent, and draws positive attention to the state’s overall sports landscape.