When lacrosse began two years ago, it could barely field a team. Players joined the squad having never touched a lacrosse stick before, even as upperclassmen. The season ended with a 5-13 record. But now, two years later with a winning season already behind them and 36 eager players gearing up for the upcoming spring, the CCS playoffs are in reach, and lacrosse is gunning for it.

“We expect to do even better this year,” Head Coach Greg Mengis said. “We have almost all of our starters back from last year, and a very good crop of incoming freshmen, so we’re looking forward to a pretty good season.”

The team’s increasing skill and improving record seem to be attributed to two key things: the devoted coaching staff and the dedication of the players.

With four experienced coaches, the team boasts one of the most impressive staffs in its league.

“It really helps in the development of the players,” Mengis said. “Our coaches work with the players and really know what to do when it comes to coaching lacrosse.”

Senior Dominick Montelaro, a founding member, shares this enthusiasm.

“We have the best coaching staff in our league,” Dominick said. “All four of our coaches are experienced and knowledgeable about the sport of lacrosse and know how to help players of all levels of ability improve.”

With the largest roster ever and so many first time players, this attribute is invaluable. As he has done in the past, Mengis hopes to mold these first timers into powerful players. He is no stranger to such adversity. Every season the team takes on about 10 players who lack experience as well. But captain senior Chuck Kuo sees this phenomenon as strictly a benefit.

“Having a lot of new players is something that is synonymous with Los Altos lacrosse,” Chuck said. “But it isn’t something we are ashamed of. While we do have to work on our fundamentals a lot as a team, I am confident that the new players will work hard enough to make up for their lack of experience.”

This sentiment is echoed by many players, ranging from the most experienced senior to the incoming freshman.

“Seniors are the motivational speakers, and it makes us want to play harder in practice and in games,” freshman Peter Dyer said. “It’s definitely all a strong team where we’re doing everything together.”

It is this dedication that has made the team so successful. This season the team will boast 16 returning members. When faced against schools with long histories of lacrosse, the team is not intimidated.

“Our number one goal for this season is to make playoffs and I believe that is well within our ability,” Dominick said. “Some of our toughest competition in league will come from Woodside and Saratoga but with the experience our team has, I think we can match up well against them.”

Combining new talent with veteran leadership and genius coaching, Eagle Lacrosse has a bright future ahead, built on years of hard work and determination. With a record of 3-1, the team is already building a record of success.

“I’m really proud to say that I was a founding member of the Los Altos lacrosse team,” senior Matt Manning said. “We have some great young talent and I am certain that Los Altos will be a lax powerhouse for years to come.”