By Megan Hess
Review Staff Writer
Joining the girls newly school-sanctioned lacrosse, LOHS boys have varsity and junior varsity teams.
The move from club to varsity program comes from increased student interest in the sport.
“This year we made cuts for the first time on both squads,” said Coach Nik Banda. The increaed interest was a curse and a blessing as boys lacrosse was forced to turn away 25 boys.
Banda says the team will play a much tougher schedule this year to get a good feel for what it takes to be a competative team.
Early in the season they played Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Troy Athens.
“They’re both perrenial powerhouses,” said Banda. “We took it on the chin but we bounced back and beat the next four teams as I had hoped for.”
The team hopes to make winning a trend and they’ve set their sights high. One of their goals is to make the state playoffs and make through at least the first round for the first time in school history.
Banda says this year’s group of varsity boys are a complete pleasure to coach.
“Our attack (offense) are playing amazing, led by seniors Captain Adam Chapie, Mikey DiPonio and Andrew Fox. They have come so far so fast,” he said.
Unfortunately, the team’s defensive players line has been riddled by injuries, including Jon Hill’s and Troy Sanchez’s.
“But other guys have stepped up and our goalie, Andrew Cairns, has done a great job in only his second year in goal,” Banda said.
Coach Banda joined the Lake Orion community eight years ago, after he moved from Southfield. His daughter, Stefany, is at the LOHS. Banda’s been the Southfield city planner for 28 years.