Solid nucleus of
returning stars makes Wildcats contenders
BY ED WRIGHT
March 26, 2010,
12:55 a.m.
First-year Plymouth lacrosse
coach Brian Walsh has inherited a team stocked with talent and
experience.
"We only lost three starters from last year and our junior class
is very strong," said Walsh, an assistant coach for the Wildcats the
previous two springs. "I'm very excited about our defense. We have all
juniors starting, including our goalie, Michael Justus.
"And our attack should be strong, too, with seniors Ryan
Renault and Pat Smiatacz, who have started since they were sophomores.
Pat was an all-stater last year and Ryan was a nominee, so they'll
provide a lot of offensive punch."
The three graduated starters were All-State mid-fielder Connor
Martin, who barely missed making Michigan State University's club team
this winter; Danny Norris and Norm Freda.
The Wildcats' mid-field will be led by a trio of juniors: Mike
Olevnik, who will serve as a captain along with Smiatacz and Renault;
Drew Leice and Connor Downey.
"Our mid-field is the one area we're rebuilding a little bit,
but they're all good players," said Walsh.
Walsh spoke highly of his trio of talented captains.
"Ryan is a right-hand attack who has a great shot," said Walsh.
"He has great finishing moves inside. He loves the game and is always
working on his shooting. He's always looking to get better.
"Pat, like Ryan, is a hockey player who is very intense. He
dodges well and does a nice job of feeding other players. He sees the
field very well.
"Mike is good on face-offs and he'll be one of the main players
who will help replace Connor. He's a good leader, too, like the other
two captains."
Another instrumental player will be junior defenseman Ben
Burkman, who earned honorable mention All-State recognition as a
sophomore.
"I think Ben has a chance to be second- or third-team All-State
this year," Walsh said.
The Wildcats open the 2010 campaign Friday night at home against
Brighton. On Saturday, they'll travel to Rockford to take on the Rams.
