Hawk 1999 Preseason Preview

This will establish how this year's team will start. By all indications the majority of the team played during the summer at some level in some league. Significant improvement is evident in a number of players.

Grades for the "significant" marking period are in and only one potential starter has failed to make grades.

The upcoming season promises to be our best. All starters with the exception of co-captain and midfielder Chris Kenworthy return. The entire starting attack and defense (including the goalie) return along with five of the first two midfields.

The attack and defense units should be as solid as any in the county. The midfields hold the key to how far this year's team will go as well as the play of goalie Will Melton. If the Hawks are able to cleanly and efficiently get the ball to the offensive end of the field they will be competitive with anyone.

The defense is experienced and with some depth. Starters, co-captain Charles Whitaker, Duncan Brooks, and Jason Fawcett are all capable of being among the best in the county. Stick handling and clearing needs to improve as does ground ball work; however, all play solid defense and are aggressive. An improved Chris Rosas will fill in nicely as a back-up. Look for Robert Jay, Mike Anthony, and Jeff Kuczinski to vie for the remaining defense slots.

The midfields return 8 solid veterans all capable of stepping up into leadership roles. Jon Clark, Brooks Brumsted, Brian Fabel, Will Horstman, Jay Morgan, Steve Shipe, DJ Holston, and Brian Maggio are generally expected to compete for positions on the 1st two midfields. Most played during the summer and significant improvement in ability, confidence, and size was noted. Jerome Fleg, Wes Konick, Justin Kuczinski, Kevin Bormel, Joe Pulver, Kyle Glover, and Mike Manyak will all push to be added to the varsity midfield group. Simon Cortes returns as an extremely capable long pole middie that will likely see significantly more playing time this year. The attack returns intact with all three junior starters Scott Kenworthy, Abe Dyer, and Justin Clark. Back-ups Dominic Fisher and Mark Stoehr, both capable, back them up. Upcoming JV players Paul Minutoli, Wes Hayne, and Jimmy McGrann will likely vie for the remaining spot(s).

With only one varsity returning goalie, Will Melton, the play of JV goalie Steve Williams will be very important.

Other areas, long pole middie and extra man defense positions also need to be established. They may come from the established group of players or may provide opportunities for others.

Each year players step up and surprise the coaches. Hopefully there will be several this year. With the season about to start in less than two weeks we will soon see.

Attitude, intensity, and willingness to work will play a large role in this year's Hawk success. Judging by the efforts seen this should easily be the best group, how good only time will tell.