Wooster boys lacrosse team has lofty ambitions
Wooster High boys lacrosse coach Reid Delaney took the Generals from an 8-9 record in his first year to 11-6 a year ago, including a 4-2 mark in Region 5 that had them seeded sixth out of 21 teams.
This season, with 16 lettermen returning, it won’t be a surprise if Wooster keeps ratcheting up the win total.
“We only graduated three starters, and each of their replacements earned a letter last season,” said Delaney, named Division II Coach of the Year after the 2023 campaign. “A majority of the guys remain the same, which allows us to build upon our offensive and defensive concepts without having to reteach or start over.
“We return nearly all our starters from the year before, so we are loaded with strengths.”
In addition to Delaney, two of his players earned All-Ohio recognition last year. Senior Cooper Laughlin led Wooster in scoring, and Delaney said he should be in the running for Regional Player of the Year as an attackman while junior Liam Harwood was an all-state midfielder who led Region 5 midfielders in scoring as a sophomore.
“Offensively, we return 80% of our scoring from last year,” Delaney said. “We return two All-Ohio offensive players, and we also expect some major advances from returning starters Braylon Dawson (junior attack), Drew Thomas (sophomore midfielder) and Braeden Flint (junior midfielder).
“Our face-off specialist Logan Beery won 78% of his draws and was named second-team all-region as a freshman. With a year of experience under his belt, I expect Logan to take a big step forward.”
The defense also will have a wealth of experience, led by junior Jake Haas, a second-team all-region pick a year ago.
“Jake and (senior) Ethan Shetler are bringing experience and upperclassmen leadership to an already experienced group,” said Delaney, who also has sophomores Kellen Smith, Max Haas and Laim Ozar (goalie) back.
Also on the deep roster are returnees in senior midfielders Grant Hoffman and Sam Jewell, junior midfielders Brady Mingay and Charlie Williams, and sophomore attackman Grady Hahn.
“All the kids I am listing played last year and earned letters as they filled in spots,” Delaney said. “This year they will be looked upon to start and take over major roles.”
The Generals bolted out to a 2-0 start by opening the season with wins over Highland and Copley, both at Follis Field. The home schedule resumes on April 13, and Wooster will play seven of its last 11 matches at Follis including Senior Night on May 3 against Wadsworth.
“We’ve got a strong group of returning players and some younger guys ready to step up and fill those roles,” Delaney said. “I’m excited to see how the group meshes and builds their identity.”
Delaney thinks his team can finish the regular season as a top three seed, but the Generals have bigger plans.
“Our goal is to win our regional playoff tournament and get to the Final Four,” he said.