New England Lacrosse Journal‘s Chasing The Goal

2025 CIAC Preview

Kyle welcomes guest Dan Arestia to discuss the Connecticut high school lacrosse scene for the 2023 season. They cover the class structure and the top teams. The episode delves into key players, team strengths, and potential state title contenders. They also touch on the PLL draft and the likely number one pick.
 
Topics
00:40 Connecticut Lacrosse Overview
03:29 Fairfield Prep Team Analysis
06:06 Cheshire Team Analysis
09:04 Darien Team Analysis
13:23 Ridgefield Team Analysis
15:31 Staples Team Analysis
16:52 New Canaan Team Analysis
17:21 Michigan's Defensive Powerhouse
19:17 Wilton's Rising Stars
20:45 Daniel Hand's Challenges
21:49 New Fairfield's Dominance
23:01 Joel Barlow's Strong Lineup
25:49 Simsbury and St. Joe's Contenders
27:47 Final Four Predictions
29:34 Top Pick in the Draft
31:20 Where to Find More Content

MIAA D1, D2 Preview

Kyle and Owen discuss the upcoming MIAA Division 2 and Division 1 lacrosse seasons. The show kicks off with a review of the top teams in Division 2, including an in-depth analysis of Redding Memorial and their standout players, as well as game strategies. Transitioning to Division 1, Kyle and Owen spotlight powerhouses like St. John's Prep and BC High, discussing their rosters, coaching philosophies, and potential to dominate the field. The episode wraps up with predictions for the final four teams in both divisions and a look at some key matchups to watch. This episode is a comprehensive guide for lacrosse enthusiasts eager for the MIAA season.
 
Topics
00:20 Season Kickoff and Game Recap
00:32 MIAA Division 2 and 3 Preview
01:04 Westwood and Redding Lacrosse Teams
06:03 Billerica Lacrosse Team Insights
10:53 Duxbury Lacrosse Team Analysis
13:52 Marshfield Lacrosse Team Overview
17:40 Hingham Lacrosse Team Breakdown
21:42 Longmeadow Lacrosse Team Dominance
24:11 Legendary Coach and NE10 Lacrosse
24:34 Top Division 2 Lacrosse Teams
25:44 Standout Players and Teams
27:25 Division 1 Lacrosse Insights
27:55 St. John's Prep Dominance
32:10 BC High as a Challenger
35:48 Xaverian's Rise
38:28 Lincoln-Sudbury's Passion
41:50 Acton-Boxborough Rivalry
43:41 Andover's Potential
46:02 Predictions for Division 2 and 1

MIAA Div 3&4 Preview

Kyle Devitte and Owen Hart gear up for the preseason by previewing MIAA Division 3 and Division 4 lacrosse teams. They discuss coaching strategies, player development stories, and share personal anecdotes. The hosts predict top contenders such as Sandwich and Norwell for D4 and Medfield for D3 while detailing key players and team dynamics. Emphasis is placed on the importance of strong program traditions, rigorous schedules, and the challenges faced by public school teams. The episode also touches on the impact of new coaching staff and the evolving landscape of high school sports post-Covid.
 
Topics
01:03 Coaching Stories and Challenges
02:02 JV Coaching Experiences
04:29 MIAA Division 3 and 4 Preview
07:08 Division 4 Highlights and Predictions
20:20 Division 3 Insights and Team Analysis
23:25 Rooting for Great Games and Players
24:06 Positive Monday Emails
24:49 Team Analysis: Burlington and Dover Sherborne
25:55 Team Analysis: Foxborough and Falmouth
28:37 Team Analysis: Situate and Natick
31:51 Medfield: The Team to Beat
38:34 Challenges and Strategies in Coaching
45:02 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

ISL Season Preview

Kyle and Owen, joined by guest Mike Zhe, provide an in-depth preview of the upcoming 2023 Independent School League (ISL) lacrosse season. They discuss team dynamics, key players, and make predictions about the championship contenders. The conversation covers coaching styles, team strategies, and the high level of competition within the ISL. The episode concludes with bold predictions for the championship matchups and overall winner.
 
Topics
00:21 Weather and Field Conditions
01:02 Guest Introduction: Mike Zhe
01:19 ISL Team Preview: Lower Tier
04:23 ISL Team Preview: Middle Tier
11:09 ISL Team Preview: Upper Tier
26:53 ISL Team Preview: Top Teams
28:23 Player Spotlight: ISL's Best
29:10 Offensive Strengths and Defensive Concerns
29:54 Middlesex's New Coach: Brian Powers
30:22 Owen Cran: Middlesex's Star Player
32:16 ISL vs. MIA: A Comparison
35:49 Nobles: A Team to Watch
39:37 St. Sebastian's: A Powerhouse
45:50 Belmont Hill: The Defending Champions
52:06 Predictions and Final Thoughts

Marshfield High Lacrosse Coach Kevin Orcutt

Kyle and Owen interview Kevin Orcutt, head coach of Marshfield Boys Lacrosse. The discussion starts with an update on current sports events and transitions into a detailed conversation with Coach Orcutt about his journey from being an 'Army brat' in Germany to becoming an influential lacrosse coach. Highlights include his various coaching roles, how he self-educated in lacrosse, and the inspirational figures he met, like Stu Curran. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of elitism in youth lacrosse, the importance of multi-sport athletes, and Marshfield's successful run to the state finals. Finally, Orcutt discusses his expectations for the upcoming season and the critical role of nurturing underdog players in the sport.
 
Topics
 
00:53 College Lacrosse Highlights
01:21 Interview with Coach Kevin Orcutt
03:32 Learning and Coaching Philosophy
06:24 Challenges and Success Stories
20:04 Club Lacrosse and Player Development
32:34 Celebrating Student Successes
33:21 The Challenges of Coaching High School vs. College
33:44 Navigating the Overload of Coaching Voices
34:47 Balancing Club and High School Coaching
36:18 The Club Team Landscape in New Hampshire
37:49 The Problem with Elitism in Lacrosse
38:56 The Importance of the Right College Fit
40:47 The Value of Multi-Sport Athletes
42:57 The Joy of Coaching and Player Development
44:36 The Role of Elite Players in Youth Development
47:23 The Impact of Good Coaching
58:50 Preparing for the Upcoming Season
01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections
 

Scituate Coach Mark Puzzangara

Kyle and Owen converse with Mark Puzzangara, the head coach of Scituate High School's lacrosse team. The discussion covers various coaching philosophies, the importance of fostering young talent, and building a resilient team culture. The episode also delves into Scituate's significant run to the state finals, marked by emotional challenges, the impact of losing two assistant coaches, and the community's support. Puzzangara shares insights into maintaining team morale and staying competitive, providing listeners with both strategic advice and a heartfelt narrative about perseverance in sports.
 
Topics
 
02:20 Coaching Journey and Background
03:40 Youth Programs and Player Development
08:09 Defensive Strategies and Philosophy
12:31 Challenges and Adaptations in Lacrosse
19:56 Depth and Team Dynamics
22:42 Unique Home Field Advantages
23:44 Coaching at a Small School
24:20 Challenges of Multi-Sport Athletes
25:55 Division Realignment and Competitive Play
27:03 Post-COVID Turnaround
27:52 Impact of Freshman Talent
32:16 Innovative Drills and Training
39:30 Emotional Journey to the State Finals
47:02 Conclusion and Farewell

Acton-Boxboro Coach Pat Ammendolia

The guest is Acton-Boxboro Coach Pat Ammendolia on his journey and philosophies since taking over the program, including the importance of fostering a fun, hard-working culture. Coach Ammendolia shares insights on implementing zone defense, developing young talent through the 'buddy program,' and navigating the challenges of the high school lacrosse landscape, such as players reclassing and transferring to prep schools. The episode closes with a talk on the significance of the Players Cup and its impact on high school lacrosse in Massachusetts.
 
Topics
 
01:53 Building a Winning Culture at AB
03:43 Challenges and Strategies in Coaching
08:53 Youth Programs and Community Engagement
12:01 Playoff Formats and Opinions
17:07 Zone Defense: A Deep Dive
21:46 The Wesleyan Zone Defense
22:37 Coaching Challenges and Strategies
23:36 Zone Defense in Action
26:52 Balancing Offense and Defense
29:09 Reflecting on Playing Career
31:58 Team Rules and Philosophy
34:34 Challenges of Player Retention
37:38 Debating Reclassing in Lacrosse
42:59 The Impact of Roster Limits
44:06 The Importance of April Break Tournaments
45:44 Conclusion and Farewell
 

Sacred Heart Lacrosse Coach Jon Basti

In this engaging episode of New England Lacrosse Journals Chasing the Gold podcast, hosts Kyle Devitte and Owen Hart are joined by Sacred Heart Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Jon Basti. The conversation covers a wide array of topics, including the specifics of preseason practice, transitioning between conferences, and adapting game strategies. Coach Basti dives into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching, recounts memorable victories, and discusses the implementation and implications of the Transfer Portal in college sports. Along the way, personal stories and humorous anecdotes, including a heartfelt moment with former player Tim Fallon, are shared, giving listeners a comprehensive view of what it takes to build and maintain a successful lacrosse program.
 
Topics
 
00:48 Countdown to College Lacrosse
01:36 Interview with Coach Jon Basti
02:48 Journey into the MAAC
06:21 Philosophical Shift and Season Challenges
09:15 Turning Point and Team Resilience
15:34 Coaching Philosophy and Mindset
30:04 Discovering a Coaching Connection
30:34 Memorable First Coaching Experience
31:29 Building a Strong Team at East Con
32:46 Emotional Challenges in Coaching
41:32 Dealing with the Transfer Portal
48:37 Reflecting on Wins and Losses
55:01 Tim Fallon Story and Closing Remarks

Falmouth (ME) Coach Dave Barton

Kyle and Owen sit down with Coach Dave Barton, head coach of Falmouth High School's lacrosse program in Maine. They discuss the development of the sport in Maine, the importance of building a strong community and youth program, and how playing competitive out-of-state teams can elevate local lacrosse standards. Coach Barton shares insights into his journey from a high school goalie to a successful coach, the challenges of overcoming repeated playoff losses, and the joy of finally winning a state championship. The conversation also touches on the impact of recruiting and developing local talent for prestigious NESCAC schools and how it can shape the future of lacrosse in the state.
 
Topics
 
01:09 Guest Introduction: Coach Dave Barton
03:41 Coach Barton's Lacrosse Journey
05:08 The Unique Role of a Goalie
06:04 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics
17:14 Maine Lacrosse Overview
22:19 The Challenge of Defense and Offense
22:35 Overcoming the Championship Hurdle
24:39 The Pain and Motivation of Losing
27:17 Building a Lacrosse Community
28:14 Strengthening Competition Through Out-of-State Games
30:25 Developing Lacrosse in Maine
33:18 The Importance of Quality Coaching
36:43 Youth Engagement and Program Building
43:03 The Role of Social Media and Local Recruitment
48:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Middlesex Coach Brian Powers

Kyle and Owen welcome Brian Powers, the new head coach at Middlesex School, as their guest. Brian shares his journey from playing lacrosse at Tufts University to coaching at Middlesex, detailing his sporting background in New England. The discussion covers a range of topics including the unique nature of lacrosse seasons, the culture of teams from Winchester, the ISL's competitive landscape, and the specific dynamics of coaching at one's alma mater. The conversation also touches on the challenges and philosophies of coaching, transitioning from player to coach, and high school sports rivalries. Brian reflects on his experiences and the high aspirations he has for his first season back at Middlesex.
 
Topics
 
00:34 Fall Ball and Lacrosse Season Transition
01:12 Interview with Middlesex Head Coach Brian Powers
01:45 Brian Powers' Background and Coaching Journey
03:26 Winchester Lacrosse Culture
04:53 Teaching and Coaching at Middlesex
06:17 Challenges and Successes at CM
13:15 ISL Coaching and Rivalries
15:18 Playoff Atmosphere and Player Utilization
26:16 Rivalries and Memorable Games
37:15 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Connection
39:55 Closing Thoughts and Movember Fun