By Mike Kelly.
In a game that was never close, the Haddam Killingworth High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse team rolled over Old Saybrook Tuesday night, May 18, 2021, winning 16-3. The victory pushed the HK record to 9-3 on the season. In addition to the offensive fireworks, the Cougars demonstrated solid defense as well, holding the Rams scoreless until the fourth quarter.
The convincing victory coincided with the team’s celebration of Senior Night, where those players who will be graduating at the end of the season were honored on the field. These are:
#38 Team Captain Aiden Coleman
Aiden was escorted by his mother Nancy and father Dan. Aiden will be attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall where he plans to study Marine Engineering. Aiden will also be playing lacrosse. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is beating Morgan in the state playoff’s his sophomore year. His advice for the younger teammates is to “work hard and enjoy it, time flies and it will be over faster than you think.”
#40 Team Captain Cal Braren
Cal was escorted by his mother Lauren, father Bob, and sibling Nolan. Cal is planning to attend Union college this fall where he will major in Chemistry. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is beating Valley at home this year to advance their record to 7-0. Advice for his younger teammates is, “learn from the older players on the team and listen to what your coaches and teammates have to say, everything helps.”
#20 and Captain Dan Larosa
Dan was escorted by his mother Shirley and his father Mike. Dan will be attending Central Connecticut State University this fall where he plans to study Mechanical Engineering. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is pasta dinners with the boys. His advice to the younger teammates is, “keep working hard and don’t give up on yourself or your teammates.”
#21 Ryder Wink
Ryder was escorted by his mother Paige, and father John. Ryder will be attending Central Connecticut State University in the fall where he plans to study construction management. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is ordering uber eats and McDonalds to be delivered to the final game. His advice to the younger teammates is, “make the most out of the time you have with the boys.”
#25 Anthony Corda
Anthony was escorted by his mother Michelle and father Scott. Anthony is planning to take a gap year, to explore his career options and passions, and to take time to learn more about law enforcement. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is bus rides and pasta dinners with his teammates. His advice to the younger players, “go to practice, and if there is anyone on the verge of joining the team try to convince them to join.”
#35 Nate Marciniec
Nate was escorted by his mother Marci and father Rob. Nate will be attending Keene State this fall where he will study safety and occupational management. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is the bus rides to all the games! They were always fun. Advice to his younger teammates is, “play hard and always enjoy it!”
#37 Antonio Calderoni
Antonio was escorted by his mother Marcy, father Mike, and sister Angelina. Antonio is planning to attend Lincoln Tech this fall where he will study electrical engineering. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is getting hyped and cheering on teammates. His advice for the younger players is, “always work hard and do your best, don’t give up.”
#30 Matt Mohammed
Matt was escorted by his mother Dawn and his sister. Matt will be attending Middlesex this fall where he plans to study Biology. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is wild bus rides back from the games his Freshman year. His advice to the younger players is, “look after each other as teammates on and off the field.”
Lastly, senior Brian McNamara, the team manager, was recognized.
Brian was escorted by his mother Jill. Brian is planning to attend Plymouth State University this fall where he will study Business Administration. His favorite HK lacrosse memory is watching Dan handstand into a summersault during a game, one of the highlights of managing the team this year. His advice for the younger teammates, “I never played lacrosse but from playing football I would say, you never know when it is your last play, so have fun while you can and play every play as if it is your last. You don’t know when that time may come.”
True words young man, true words.
Photos by Liz Griswold.
