Marcus Whitman Returns Experience

Program Outlook

Marcus Whitman enters the 2026 season in Class D after a 4–13 finish in 2025. While the record reflects a challenging year, the Wildcats showed competitiveness with seven games decided within five goals. With most of last season’s scoring returning and a roster that gained varsity experience, the emphasis this preseason is on turning continuity into more consistent results.

New Coaching Chapter

Joe Urlacher begins his first season as head coach at Marcus Whitman. His scholastic record starts at 0–0 as he steps into the role after playing high school lacrosse at Canandaigua and college lacrosse for St. John Fisher University. This season marks a transition on the sideline, paired with a roster that already has significant game experience and it gets Coach Urlacher excited," I could not be more excited for this opportunity, especially with this group of young men. This is a new chapter for our program, but the players already have a strong foundation of experience along with a few freshmen looking to make an impact. Our focus this preseason will be on building chemistry, playing hard, and finding our identity as a team." 

Roster Overview

The Wildcats graduated three seniors, all of whom played key roles, including one All-League honoree. In 2026, Marcus Whitman returns six rising seniors, three juniors, and six sophomores. That makeup provides a blend of leadership and youth, with many players having already logged meaningful minutes last spring.

Returning Award Winners

Several returning players bring league recognition back into the lineup. Tariku Blueye returns after a strong season with 29 goals and 22 assists, earning All-League Second Team Attack honors. Ayden Clark is also back following a 50-goal season that earned him All-League Third Team Attack recognition. On the defensive end, Jacob Bodine returns after earning All-League Second Team Defense honors, while Aiden Dunton and Brady Freida add experience in defensive midfield and at the faceoff position. In goal, Tyler Speers returns after recording 154 saves and earning All-League Third Team Goalie honors. This group forms the core of a team that brings back nearly all of its offensive production.

Statistical Overview

In 2025, Marcus Whitman scored 121 goals while allowing 199, averaging 7.1 goals per game and 11.7 goals against. The Wildcats return 111 goals, accounting for 92 percent of last season’s total, along with 40 assists, representing 68 percent of the assist production. The team recorded two wins by five or more goals and played seven games decided within five goals, including one one-goal win and two one-goal losses.

Games This Year

The 2026 schedule includes a mix of league and non-league contests. League games, designated as FLW matchups, include games against Mynderse-Romulus, Bloomfield-Honeoye, Gananda, Midlakes, and Waterloo. These contests will be key measuring points within league play. The remainder of the schedule consists of NL games against teams such as Haverling, Geneva, Dryden, Newark, Brockport, and Wayne.

Season Focus

 With a first-year head coach and a roster returning the majority of its scoring, Marcus Whitman enters the season focused on growth and consistency. Experience across the lineup provides a foundation as the Wildcats look to build on last year’s competitive moments.