Boys lacrosse preview: County teams look to rise to next level

Medina County's four boys lacrosse teams have their eyes on reaching greater heights in 2024. Defending Suburban League champion Wadsworth is working through some ailments early on while trying to replace a talented senior class headed by Kyle Yurchiak, the first Gazette MVP. On the other side, Highland, which is in its second season as an official sport, and Brunswick return a vast majority of talent. The Blue Devils and Medina are already off to hot 2-0 starts, Wadsworth won its first contest and the Hornets lost a close one. Here's a closer look at the county teams: Brunswick Coach: Jerry Golod (3rd season, 12-26 record) Last season: 10-10, 1-3 Greater Cleveland Conference Key letterwinners lost: Zach Merrill (HM All-Gazette) Letterwinners: Will Fink (All-Gazette, M, sr.), Charlie Vlcek (All-Gazette, G, so.), Brian Hill (HM All-Gazette, M, jr.), Carson Updike (HM All-Gazette, M, so.), Colin Parker (A, sr.), Kevin Jarold (M, sr.), Collin Horley (D, sr.), Michael Romano (D. sr.), Brian Davidson (M, sr.), Josh Watkins (M, sr.), Logan Earley (A, jr.). Newcomers: Liam Werner (A, fr.), Myles Hansel (M, so.), Parker Bates (M, fr.), Sam D'Attoma (D, so.). Noteworthy: Vlcek broke the Brunswick season records with 254 saves and 15.9 per game as a freshman and leads a defense that is hoping to be much improved. l Brunswick has scored 20 goals against GlenOak and 19 against Westlake to open the season. Highland Coach: Nate Howard (2nd season, 10-7 record) Last season: 10-7, 4-3 Suburban League Key letterwinners lost: None. Letterwinners: Jack Howard (All-Gazette, A, sr.), Conor Luipold (M, sr.), Ben Fearn (D, sr.), Alex Fredmonsky (D, sr.), Evan Grant (M, sr.), Ryan Przybysz (A, sr.), Josh Beers (M, sr.), Colton Foust (M, jr.), Luke Berkmeyer (M, jr.), Dullon Buran (A, jr.), Matt Steinmetz (G, jr.), Josh Messina (D, so.), Eli Howard (M, so.), Tommy Fearn (D, so.). Newcomers: None. Noteworthy: The Hornets return nearly everyone from last season and hope that familiarity can turn four one-goal losses into victories. l Led by All-Gazette attack Jack Howard (49 goals, 20 assists), as well as honorable mention selections Przybysz and Grant in the midfield and Buran on the attack, Highland has a variety of offensive weapons. Medina Coach: Jake Kubasta (9th season, 87-54 record) Last season: 10-7, 3-1 Greater Cleveland Conference Key letterwinners lost: Nick Beard (All-Gazette), Cole Rosenwald (All-Gazette), Andrew Ceccoli (All-Gazette), Mason Clay (HM All-Gazette). Letterwinners: Cam Miller (A, jr.), Brendan Federinko (M, sr.), Cole Mejac (D, sr.), Evan Ryba (D, jr.), Anderson Tabora (M, sr.), Jack Schwendeman (M, sr.), Sam Hainley (M, sr.), Connor Huml (G, sr.), Zach Kuczkowski (D, sr.), Lach Talley (A, so.). Newcomers: Matt Mellart (A, sr.), Brady Watson (A, sr.), Eddie Adomaites (M, sr.), Camden Ballachino (M, jr.), Alan Grimsic (D, jr.), Tim Gildea (M, jr.), Anthony Bernard (M, jr.), A.J. Sandusky (M, jr.), Evan Brown (D, so.), Johnny Nunn (M, so.), Alex Whittier (D, so.), Will Ivey (A, so.), Caleb Miller (M, fr.). Noteworthy: Behind goalie Huml, the Bees defense is off to a great start, allowing 3.5 through two games. l Sandusky comes to Medina from Walsh Jesuit and will handle faceoff duties. Wadsworth Coach: Matt Milano (3rd season, 28-10 record) Last season: 15-5, 7-0 Suburban League Key letterwinners lost: Kyle Yurchiak (Gazette MVP), Josh Pasco (All-Gazette), Timmy Edurese (All-Gazette), Jared Pasco (HM All-Gazette). Letterwinners: Grayson Croghan (A, sr.), Owen Ripplinger (D, sr.), Ivan Rains (M, sr.), Ryan Zrelak (M, sr.), Brayden Turano (M, sr.), Jackson Erksa (HM All-Gazette, A, jr.), Mason Blake (D, jr.), Gavin Redfern (M, jr.), J.D. Clendenning (A/M, jr.), Tristan Pitts (M, jr.), Caden Piekarski (M, jr.), Cam Croley (M, jr.), Zane Roush (M, jr.), Colton Leavitt (M, so.), Zach Kiko (G, so.). Newcomers: Carlos Inestroza (M, so.), Ben Fisher (G, fr.). Noteworthy: Coming off a record-setting season led by a talented senior class, the Grizzlies are working to find new spots for a number of players, especially on offense and goalie. l Parker Ross will miss the season due to a torn labrum suffered during football season. Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.