TEAM HEADSTRONG - DICK'S SPORTING GOODS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS TEAM PREVIEW
(September 05, 2008)
Location: Philadelphia
Head Coach: Chris Bryan
Established: 2006
Colors: Lime green & navy
January ‘08 Finish: Finalist
by Lisa Garel
“It left a bitter taste in our mouth.”
That’s what Team HeadStrong midfielder Steven Dunn (Malvern Prep) said after his team lost, 7-5, in the championship game of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions (in January) to the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
“They were a great team, but we knew we could beat them,” continued Dunn.
This year, Dunn and Team HeadStrong will get another opportunity to take home the title. Stacked with nine returning seniors, HeadStrong competes with the confidence that can only come from age and experience.
“I feel like it’s helping us a lot because [the seniors] are showing a lot of leadership and helping the younger guys,” said HeadStrong assistant coach Mike Holloway.
Inter-Academic All-League senior Conor Steidle is a force on attack, while goalie Wills Curley (both from Malvern Prep) stands as the last line of defense on the other end of the field. They are joined by senior midfielders Colin Fleming and Ian Correia (both from St. Joseph Prep), and senior defenseman Mike Bronzino (Conestoga High School).
Creighton believes that the team’s performance has to do with its mentality on and off the field.
“The fact that the coaches and players are all involved in HeadStrong Lacrosse, not only for lacrosse, but to help families with children with cancer, helps them understand there’s something more to playing.”
HeadStrong’s players profess to feeling that way every time they suit up.
“Because we’re based off the HeadStrong Foundation, we really have to put that to heart and play every minute of every game,” said Dunn. “We have a really great initiative to win.”
And why will Team HeadStrong come out on top this January?
“Every player comes through.” said Holloway, “…I think we have all the talent in the world.”
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