Freeport boys lacrosse finds its sting as program trends upward

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, April 29, 2024 | 11:47 AM

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For the first time in their lives, the players on the 2024 Freeport lacrosse team have a coach who has played the game.

Devin Wolford took over after a year as offensive coordinator for La Roche’s lacrosse team. He played high school lacrosse for Hampton and won a WPIAL championship in 2015.

“I had missed out on several coaching opportunities,” Wolford said. “I wasn’t their first candidate, but I’m excited Freeport finally gave me a chance, and I’m going to make the most of this opportunity.”

Before Wolford’s arrival, the players had a parent as a coach through the youth league or at the high school level. Wolford brings a new dynamic, which the players find refreshing.

“It’s been a great atmosphere,” senior attacker Aidan Los said. “He’s brought a lot of culture that we haven’t had in the past and a lot of energy that the guys have bought into.”

Added junior long-stick middie Paul Micelli: “Last year our dads were coaching us, just trying to save the program. Coach Wolford brought a sense of comfort and positivity. This year it feels like a close-knit team.”

Wolford has brought discipline and a lacrosse IQ to Freeport, something he said the team was lacking. And he has received praise from many who have noticed a stark contrast.

“Referees have come up to me at the end of games and said it’s incredible what I’ve done in a short period of time with these kids,” Wolford said. “Many felt Freeport lacrosse was strictly physical because they didn’t know how to play the game. We’re not coming across as brutes on the field anymore. We’re playing with more finesse.”

The Yellowjackets got off to a 3-0 start, including a 14-5 win over North Catholic, a team Freeport had never beaten.

As of April 21, the team had an overall record of 5-3 and a Section 2-2A mark of 3-3, good for fifth place. The top six teams in each section make the playoffs.

Wolford’s coaching style, which is similar to that of a college coach, has been bolstered by the success of a hugely talented group of freshmen.

“The young guys have been crucial to our success and have stepped up tremendously,” Los said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be in the spot we are currently.”

Freshman attacker Camden Schlegel leads the team with 25 goals, 11 assists and 36 points.

“He is an offensive mastermind because he’s always in the right place at the right time to score,” Micelli said. “He makes it look easy out there.”

Schlegel knows he isn’t doing it alone and credits his teammates for making his job a little easier.

“I got to hand it to Los and midfielder Andrew Ross,” Schlegel said. “All I need to do is sit at the crease, and they’ll feed me these amazing passes. I feel like the offense as a whole works together, has great teamwork.”

Other freshman Yellowjackets seeing paying time are midfielder Brayden Riddell, who is Wolford’s second line face off player;, defender William McKivigan; and standout goaltender Dylan Toborkey.

“We lost both goalies from last year, so it’s tough when you have a freshman goaltender coming in to play with the big boys,” Wolford said. “But he’s held his own. He didn’t allow over 10 goals in any of our first four games, which is outstanding at any level of lacrosse.”

That group of freshman joins a solid returning group of sophomores and juniors, who came along at the end of last year and have matured by leaps and bounds.

“It is amazing to have them,” Wolford said. “Those guys are now primarily my captains and have been a huge boost in terms of leadership.”

Los, who is second on the team in points with 29 (23 goals, 6 assists), returned from a hip injury that cost him his junior year. He is the only senior captain among the four chosen by Wolford.

Micelli is a vocal leader who breaks down the team huddles at practice and gets the team ramped up with his pregame speeches. He also holds the team accountable.

“I have my captains being big brothers to everyone else on the team, making sure everyone’s OK,” Wolford said. “Micelli is one that makes sure our guys are staying on top of things in the classroom.”

Fellow defensive captain, sophomore Colton Mellish, is a player Wolford sees as going on to play either Division II or small Division I lacrosse.

“He’s so big at 6-foot-2 and will only get bigger and stronger as his career goes along,” Wolford said. “He’s been a leader on our defense that’s experienced and flush with talent.”

The final captain is sophomore midfielder and head face-off player Andrew Ross. He is one of the vocal leaders who rallies the team when their heads are down and gets them back on track.

“If we were a larger team numbers-wise,” Wolford said. “he would be our face-off specialist. He’s that good.”

The returning group of players also includes seniors Justin Jack, who is a long stickman; defender Mason Lowes; midfielder Cyprian Selinger; and junior attackman August Hanak.

“My expectations are exploding through the roof right now,” Wolford said. “They’re to the point where if we don’t make the playoffs, it’s going to be a disappointing season for us.”

Tags: Freeport