The Revival of McMahon Lacrosse

By: Justin Louis

Spring sports are about to get started here at Brien McMahon High School. You might see more Lacrosse sticks being carried in the hallway. The lacrosse team begins a new chapter in their program as the season begins this week.

The history of McMahon lacrosse goes way back. Between coaches Epstein and Stockfish, from 2006-2015, McMahon lacrosse has made either FCIACs and States every year.
However, last year was a difficult year for the lacrosse team as they struggled through a mediocre 5-11 season. The season last year did take a toll on this year’s, captain, Shane Kilcoyne (‘17).

“Last season was definitely a shock to the system. The new coach brought in a new vibe and a new way of doing things. It had it’s growing pains like everything else does, but I think this year, kids are a lot more use to the expectations and how he wants things done.”

One of the main problems that the program had last year was due to the fact that not many people played lacrosse. Head coach of the lacrosse team, Jon Dana explained how the difference showed at McMahon. “The youth in other towns that I’ve coached in is strong from kindergarten-8th grade, because it was a big buy in for the community. The big difference at McMahon was that we had a lot of new players as Freshmen, Sophomores, all the way up to Seniors.”

The conference that the lacrosse team plays in is called the FCIAC; is loaded with powerhouse teams, such as Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Staples, Ridgefield. Captain Will Haskell (‘17) knows it isn’t easy playing in this conference. “Darien, New Canaan, are always pretty good. The FCIAC is one of the most, if not the most, competitive division in conference in Connecticut.”
With the new season on the horizon, new goals are set out to be achieved. The next question that comes into frame is whether they are ready to return to FCIACs and States. The head coach and the captains all have that same goal in mind. Get back into FCIACs and States.

Shane Kilcoyne says, “I want us to make States and FCIACs, that’s my goal. I want us to go there, perform well, and who knows maybe come back with a championship if everything goes well and if we work hard."

​In 2015, Coach Stockfish and the team pulled off a huge upset against 4th seed Xavier in the state tournament. That team had a record of 9-10, and went all the way to the State Quarterfinals as the 20th seed before losing to Greenwich.