We’ve talked a good deal here about the abundance of talent Garden City has entering the 2011 season.
But equally as important is another attribute the Trojans are also blessed with.
Experience.
The Trojans, who fell to Jamesville-DeWitt last year in the Class B state title game at Stony Brook, have a strong group of seniors who are hungry to take the next step.
Among them, is senior defenseman Stephen Jahelka.
The 6-foot, 200-pound Jahelka, a lefty, is a returning team captain and all-American. In addition, he was defensive MVP of the Nassau County championship game.
Jahelka starts this coming lax season after a storybook senior season in football in which he broke school records for touchdowns (37) and all-time points (224). A two-way star at running back and linebacker for the Trojans, he was also named to Nassau County’s Golden 11, a prestigious academic/athletic award sponsored by the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
Jahelka and teammate and fellow defenseman Brian Fischer are both bound for Harvard. (Be sure to check back for Brian’s thoughts on the season.)
Here’s Steve’s perspective on the upcoming season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
To get ready for the season, our team has a pretty regimented workout schedule. We are expected to train three times a week either at a facility that the team rents or on our own either in a gym or with a personal trainer. The days we are not training, we go outside and get up and down with a combined team of our JV and varsity.
How does your schedule look, including scrimmages, and what games are you looking forward to?
Our schedule looks rigorous as usual. Our non-league schedule is always tough, but it’s what gets us prepared for our league schedule and our playoff run. Since we have such a tough schedule, it is imperative we play our best every game. Obviously, we circle Manhasset every year on our calendar. The Woodstick should be even more interesting this year since Manhasset is in our conference this year.
What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
Although we didn’t lose much from last year’s team, we do have some holes to fill. Look for (goaltender) Dan Marino, committed to UVa, to have a huge impact in net this year, getting the start after battling for time last year. Also, having graduated Billy Sweeney off the defense last year, the third close defense man spot will be critical to fill. Dan McCallan and Eugene Berkery will compete for time there.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
I think the strength of our team will continue to be our defense. Defense is something Garden City has always prided itself on. With the experience and speed on the defensive end, it is the pivotal point to the transition game, which is what our team will thrive on this year.
How do you view the race in Section 8 Class B and who do you think the contending teams will be?
The race in the Nassau B is always close and unpredictable when it comes down to playoff time. With Manhasset, South Side and us slotted to be the powerhouses of the conference, getting out of the county this year could be the toughest its been in a while.
* For more info on Stephen Jahelka, check out his player profile by clicking here.
Garden City 2011 schedule
3/16 at St Anthony’s (scrimmage), 4:30 pm
3/17 Hicksville (scrimmage), 4:30 pm
3/19 Delbarton,NJ (scrimmage), 11 am
3/22 at Syosset, 4:30
3/26 SMITHTOWN WEST, 11 am (time is tentative)
3/29 at Jericho, 4:30 pm
4/2 Ward Melville (at Stony Brook University), Time TBD
4/7 SAN RAMON, Calif., 4:15 pm
4/9 ST. PAUL’S, 10 a.m. (time is tentative)
4/13 LEVITTOWN DIVISION, 4:30 pm
4/16 DUXBURY, noon (time is tentative)
4/21 WANTAGH, 11 am
4/27 at Carey, 4:30 pm
4/30 at Manhasset, 7 pm
5/3 MEPHAM, 4:30 pm
5/10 at South Side,4:30 pm
5/13 at Bellmore JFK, 4:30 pm
5/16 ROSLYN, 4:30 pm
* For schedules for teams from throughout the region, be sure to check out the “Schedules galore” thread, and scroll down to the comments portion for the most recently released schedules.
College committed players for the Trojans
Patric Berkery, midfield, Penn
JP Burnside, defense, Penn State
Brian Coleman, attack/midfield, Penn
Brian Fischer, defense, Harvard
Tom Gordon, attack/midfield, Hopkins
Steve Jahelka, defense, Harvard
Dan Marino, goaltender, Virginia
Jack Spencer, attack, Holy Cross
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Player's perspective, Section 8
I think Steve’s insights are spot on. All the best this year to you and the team!
Garden City plays Jericho? Why?
It’s because they’re in the same league – B-1. It’s made up of GC, Wantagh, South Side, Levittown Division, Carey, Roslyn, JFK-Bellmore, Mepham and Jericho.
Guy is a beast. Garden City plays for a state tittle this year no doubt, but who will they play?
Can’t wait for the two Set-GC games. Woodstick will now be known as Round One.
Thanks for explaining that Joe for some who were obviously unaware.
Steve is the best defenseman in the nation bar none. Have a great season kid!
Jahelka, Fischer, Burnside … That’s one sick defense
Da ya thing Stevie…