The 2016 boys lacrosse state champions are ready to defend their title.

With the loss of many key seniors the Burlington team headed into a challenging and competitive season. Players are stepping up their game to fill the shoes of those who graduated. Coming off of two successive successful seasons, the Seahorses must raise their expectations to succeed.

“The last two seasons have been awesome. But this year we are looking to do even better,” said Alex Cate, a senior BHS captain.  

During the 2015 season the team made it all the way to the championships, losing by one point in a finger-nail-biting game. The team was disappointed with the loss, but also proud of coming all the way to the championship. In 2016, they started the season by taking home the Queen City Classic trophy. The Queen City Classic is an annual game between Burlington and our biggest rivals, Rice Memorial High School.  The team made it to the state championship yet again, this time when the final whistle blew they came in clutch with the trophy.

“Winning the Queen City Classic and the championship were two of our main goals last year. It was an amazing feeling that I hope we can achieve again this year,” said Henry Weldon, a junior midfielder.

On April 3, this year, BHS cinched the Queen City Classic yet again, defeating the Green Knights in a competitive match, coming through by one point.  Now the team concentrates on winning one game at a time to defend their title.

“If we want to be as successful this year as we have been in the past, we have to focus on one game at a time. This is what we have done in the past and it worked,” said another key Junior, Brody Snow.

All the players share the same mindset.

“We don’t just focus on winning the big games because, we believe that every game is just as important. If we look ahead of ourselves, it is easy to overlook our next opponent.”

Even though the team is talking transition year, they maintain high expectations for themselves. To win, they trust the talent of their rising players.

“Our young guys need to develop and be contributors this year,” Head Coach Mike Arcovitch wrote in an email. “I anticipate a good amount of freshman and sophomores getting some serious time.”

Duncan McDonald is one of the underclassmen who has to take on a big role this year.

“Us underclassmen have to come out with confidence this season. We are a crucial part of this team’s success. We are just as important as anyone else on the team,” he said.

The team is currently 2-2. With wins over Rice and Lamoille, a losses to Saint Albans MMU.

“My one and only goal now, is to win the next game,” said Simon Mendenhall, a junior defender.

Upcoming Home Games:

• April 19, 4:00 p.m. vs.  Colchester
• April 20, 6:00 p.m. vs. Plattsburgh
• April 28, 7:00 p.m. vs. Milton