![The teams prepare to start another play with just a few minutes left in the first half. The Lions were in the lead at halftime with a score of 27-0. At half time, the team went back to the locker rooms. “[We ate] orange slices,” Malos said. “[Then] our team came out and got the win.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_2385-1200x800.jpg)
![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
Things have changed in our world since 2003; the appearance of the iPhone, the first African American President and an apocalypse was proven false to name a few. But one thing has remained the same for these past 10 years, the amount of West Linn Boys Lacrosse state titles stands at two, the last one coming in 2003. This year’s squad has plans to change that.
“We need to take no games off and always push through adversity,” Ryan Bowers, junior midfielder said about the quest to win the state title this year.
The Lions success starts up front with four seniors: Drew Crowther, Jack McMenomy, Cole Ferrara and Aaron Nelson. Ian Anderson, junior, Graeme Henderson, junior, and Ryan Close, freshman, will also see playing time at the attack position. Klose is one of the three freshmen who made the varsity team this season.
The Lions had no problem with scoring last year, outscoring their opponents 197-138, but they still were bounced from the playoffs by the Sherwood Bowmen in the second round.
“We learned last year that you’ve always give 100 percent and always try your hardest,” Bowers said.
The midfield is where the Lions show off their leadership. Captain Dalton Tuor, senior, looks to build on his successful 2012 campaign,in which he achieved First Team All Three Rivers League and Second Team All State. The other seniors in midfield for the team are Zach Guant, Marshall Miller and K’myn Pettitt-Delia who plays the long stick midfield position.
The junior class really gives the Lions midfield depth with Bowers, Sam Cook, Karter Ferrin, Ryan Lonsway and Nick Luther on the roster. Kieran Spence, sophomore, and Colin Squires, freshman who also plays long stick midfielder, round out the roster at the midfield position.
On the defensive end, the Lions are led by returning 2012 First Team All TRL defender Tanner Hampton, senior, and Phillip Meyer, senior. Louis Germain, junior, Pope McHenry, junior, and Jon Verbiest, junior. Dean Swanson, freshman, is the third and final freshman on the varsity squad this season. Protecting the goal this season will be Will Strickland, sophomore.
The Lions face a tough schedule as they face two teams from Washington: Curtis and Bainbridge high schools. Perennial power Lakeridge Pacers will also battle the team for the TRL and top seed going into the playoffs.
“I really expect to go to playoffs this year,” Bowers said. “Hopefully we get really far in the playoffs.”
