Thomas: 2009 Preview

March 24, 2009 -

Thomas



14-5	7	10

March, 2009 - Webster Thomas ended their league season first in Monroe County Division II with a 10-0 record (12-4 overall). Seeded fifth in the Class A tournament the Titans defeated fourth seeded McQuaid Jesuit in the quarter finals but lost to first seed Canandaigua in the semifinal in a close game (10-9) which was one of the best games of lacrosse in the tournament last season.

Canandaigua scored six of the first seven goals and with 7:24 remaining in the second quarter was leading 6-1. Thomas, however, scored 8 of the last 12 goals and nearly came all the way back. The Titans scored the only three goals in the fourth quarter and the last four goals of the game as they attempted one of the best comebacks of the season. The Thomas Titans are looking even stronger this season.

Graduation only took eight players from the Titans, but only two who were named to All County lists. However the loss of Max Gurowski and Jake Ziegler (LeMoyne) will be hard felt for the Titans. Gurowski was the leading assister last season and Ziegler was one of the most demonstrative defensemen in the Section.

Offensively, the return of leading goals and points scorer Nick Scalzo is a big plus for the Titans. Scalzo finished last season with 57g-22a, tenth in goals and fifteenth in points in Section Five. Joining Scalzo in the attack are junior Jack Hinderland (3rd leading scorer with 32g-13a) and junior Brad Hutton (eighth with 12g-9a). Hutton will replace Gurowski both in position as well as the "Quarterback of the offense."

The midfield also has some high powered scoring threats with Kyle LaVallee (fourth with 20g-13a), Pat Morrill (fifth 16g-10a), Kenny Tomeno (seventh 17g-9a), Billy Gurowski (ninth 10g-6a) and JT Hauck (tenth 14g). With eight of their top ten scorers returning to either the attack or the midfield, the Titans can produce offensive threat from anywhere on the field.

Defensively, the Titans are just as strong. AJ Glagolev (1st) returns as a dominant defenseman. Glagolev is joined by Mason Hill and Joe Amico to anchor a senior laden defense. Between the pipes, the Titans have two strong choices. Seniors James O`Neil and Austin Fox split time last year and both were strong goalies. O`Neil finished the season with 111 saves (57%) and Fox finished with 85 saves (57%).

Coach Rob Ruller is ready for the season. "We are excited about our schedule, we think this will make for an outstanding regular season." Ruller has welcomed former Victor Head Coach Mark Foeder as an assistant coach this season. Coach Ruller says, "A bunch of returners and a new coaching staff has brought a lot of excitement to the program."

The Titan's are prepared to be a top team in Class A this season. They have the mix of offense and defense that is necessary when Sectionals comes around. Coach Ruller writes, "After making the Sectional semifinals the past two seasons the Titans hope to take the next step and challenge for the Sectional title." This is the season for Thomas to step up and go all the way. Coach Ruller has scheduled out of league games against Aquinas, McQuaid Jesuit, Canisius and Brockport.

Top Returning Players:

James O`Neil - Goal - 12 - MC-2 2nd
Austin Fox - Goal - 12 - MC-2 HM
Billy Gurowski - Mid - 12 - MC-2 HM
Joe Amico - Def - 12 - MC-2 2nd
Pat Morrill - Mid - 12 - MC-2 1st
Mason Hill - Def - 12 - MC-2 2nd
AJ Glagolev - Def - 12 - MC-2 1st
Nick Scalzo - Att- 12 - MC-2 1st
Kyle LaVallee - Mid - 12 - MC-2 1st
Brad Hutton - Att - 11 - MC-2 HM
Jack Hinderland - Att- 11 - MC-2 2nd
Kenny Tomeno - Mid - 11 - MC-2 2nd
Kyle Rothfuss - Att - 10 MC-2 HM
JT Hauck - Mid - 10 - MC-2 HM