Lacrosse captains lead by example

GOSHEN — Coach Michael Dunne at Goshen High School shared with The Chronicle (below) why he chose Jake Cassel, Hunter Mullane, Justin Lorenzo, and Nick Torres to be captains of the boys' lacrosse team, while also summing up some of their achievements and future plans. All are juniors except for Nick, who is a senior.
Jake Cassel #22, Midfield
Jake Cassel is a leader at practice, which translates to the game. He is always working hard on the field and is one of our vocal leaders. I am a big believer in leading by example and Jake is one of those athletes that displays that type of leadership.
Noteworthy statistics:
3-year captain
21 goals/10 assists/face-off 30 — 56.536 Average
Ground balls — 26
Improvements:
Jake is very coachable and understands the game plan very well. He has taken on a bigger role on the field and he helps his teammates play better as one unit.
Academic achievements:
Academic Merit Roll
Two-time Student Athlete of the Week
Selected to attend global young innovators initiative at Harvard University
Team spirit:
Jake is always pushing his teammates on the field to be better. He treats practices like games, which challenges all of the athletes on the field.
He's verbally committed to play lacrosse at SUNY Morrisville.
Hunter Mullane # 10, LSM
Hunter is dedicated to his craft. As a long stick middie, he is expected to pressure the ball all over the field and will draw the other teams’ best midfielder. He holds his teammates accountable during practice and games, which shows a focus and game sense needed for the position. He is a natural leader on the field and he is always going 150 percent during practice and games.
Noteworthy statistics:
Hunter averages 8 ground balls per game
Improvements:
Hunter has improved his one-on-one defense and has become a better leader on the field.
Academic achievements:
Hunter is a member of the National Honor Society. He was a Student-Athlete of the Week. He is currently taking Advanced Placement and Honors courses.
Team spirit:
Hunter is that player in practice who will pressure you. He goes into each drill as if it is the opening face-off of a playoff game. His teammates are aware of his presence, and that helps them take their game to the next level.
Hunter is also Captain of the Goshen High School Varsity wrestling team.
Justin Lorenzo # 4, Goalie
Justin has been and continues to be an anchor in goal for our team. He is very athletic and understands the game very well. He is very consistent on the saves he should make and does a great job on tough shots as well. He uses his athleticism very well when clearing the ball and is a very well-rounded leader on the field.
Noteworthy statistics:
3-year captain
127 saves on the season
67 save percentage on the year
He also has an assist
Improvements:
Justin is using his voice more during practice and games. As a goalie, he is expected to guide his defense during the game, which he has been doing a great job with this season.
Academic achievements:
Honor Roll
Merit Roll
Improvements:
Justin challenges each player on the field to shoot with more precision. He invites competition during practice and he will make the offensive player shoot smarter because of his confidence in goal.
Justin wrote a U.S. Lacrosse grant for our local parks and recreation program.
Nick Torres #14, Defense
Nick is a true leader on the field. He has pure ability, which translates into a solid foundation to take on the other teams best player in any situation.
Noteworthy statistics:
Nick has 35 groundballs on the year
He has 11 takeaways in league games
He has 3 points on the year: 1 goal, 2 assists
Improvements:
Nick has matured on the field. He knows when to come out with his arsenal of checks and when he needs to pull back and play more position defense. His footwork and positioning have greatly improved.
Academic achievements:
He's looking forward to studying Human Performance and Health Promotion in college.
Team spirit:
Nick is the defenseman in practice and games that if you want a challenge, he is the player to go against. He throws precise checks and is a takeaway player.
Nick has a very close relationship with his grandmother, who shares his passion for the game of lacrosse. Nick will be attending and playing lacrosse at SUNY Morrisville in the fall.