Great expectations await Smithtown West High School (N.Y.) as it prepares to start the 2014 varsity season.
The Bulls, who made final roster cuts this week, enter the season at or near the top in the preseason rankings, beginning with the first released anywhere, the LaxLessons.com Tristate Top 25 preseason rankings.
We got our first look at West back in December from UNC-bound senior defender Kyle Mathie.
Now, for the latest look at SW, we turn to classmate Matt Smidt.
Smidt, a goaltender, will be headed to Ohio State. But not before a final varsity season he hopes is a memorable one.
Now, here are Matt’s perspectives on the upcoming season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
I have been going to the gym everyday during the off-season to get stronger and faster. As a team, we have been conditioning and practicing indoors. This past week we had the opportunity to get outside as a team as well.
How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
Our schedule looks as tough as the year’s prior. Competing in our league is challenging because at anytime one of the teams can make a mark for themselves. We will not be taking any team lightly.
I am really looking forward to playing Garden City in our non-league game. The Garden City game I feel will set the tone for us as a team. As in years past, I always look forward to playing Ward Melville, West Islip, Northport, Sachem North, and, of course, our crosstown rival, Smithtown East.
We have a few scrimmages scheduled such as Miller Place, Glenn Ridge and ESM. We also will be having a multi-team scrimmage as well.
What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
A player that will surprise people will be Danny Varello at faceoffs. Also, there will be many other players that will be playing significant roles this year.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
The strength of our team is our team as an entire unit. We have a lot of talent in our senior group. Our returning starters at attack (Ryan Keenan) and midfield (Christian Zawadzki) will be an immediate impact. Our defense returns with (Logan) Greco, (Kyle) Mathie and (Nick) Albanese. It is going to be difficult to beat those guys.
How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
The race in this league is always something that people talk about. Our goal this year is to play our game and not be concerned with team rankings. Every team that we play wants the same thing we want, to get to the championship game.
* Preseason player perspective archive
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Posted In: Long Island lacrosse, Player's perspective, Section 11
