The York varsity lacrosse team celebrates their third consecutive West Suburban Coference championship. The team posted an 18-5 record this season.
York boys lacrosse team wins conference for third year in a row
ELMHURST—York High School’s Varsity Lacrosse team captured the 2017 West Suburban Championship by earning a 4-1 record in conference play and an 18-5 overall season record. It is the third straight conference championship for the Dukes.
“Entering the season our goal was to complete the back-to-back-to-back championship run,” said senior Jack Redick. “We knew that we were gonna have a target on our backs because of the success our program has had over the last few years and that would make it harder on us than before. But we did it.”
The West Suburban Conference includes four of the top 11 teams in the state according to Illinois High School Lacrosse Association’s rankings. “This is a top notch conference, arguably the best in the state,” said senior Gavin Vandenberg. “Yet for three straight years we have dominated conference play which is really an incredible accomplishment.”
The season has been a very successful one overall for York. In addition to retaining the conference crown, York won the York Invitational Tournament Championship and nine players received All-Conference Honors. Junior David Leonard and seniors Pierceson Mapes and Vandenberg were voted to the first team while Redick and junior Mark Schneeloch earned second team honors. In addition, seniors Corey Jaeger, Steve Robertson, Nick Thomas and junior Artie Renier received Honorable Mention status.
“There was a lot of talent on this team,” according to senior Colin Johnson. “They are great players but even better teammates. I’m going to miss these guys.”
Despite the fact that the team will be losing a senior class that includes six players that have signed Letters of Intent to continue their lacrosse careers in college, York expects to field another strong team next season. 15 undergraduates are expected to return to the team and there is a strong group of young players coming up from the junior varsity team that also won the West Suburban Conference title this year.
“This team is in good hands,” said Redick. “We have strong players and great coaches coming back, I don’t see this streak ending anytime soon.”
