Members of last year’s boys varsity lacrosse team will likely never forget walking off of the field at Grandville High School after falling just short of the state finals. The image of Forest Hills Eastern rejoicing at midfield is burned into their brains. The Rangers were just three goals shy of a rematch with East Grand Rapids in the state finals.

“I walked off the field with [John] Tomsheck after that loss to Eastern,” senior captain Jack McNamara said. “It was such a devastating feeling and we agreed that we needed to put a lot more effort in the offseason if we wanted to bounce back.”

Despite the unfortunate end to 2021, FHC lacrosse has been regarded as one of the best programs in the Midwest; another state championship in 2019 just added to a tireless list of accolades. 2010, 2012, and 2016 were also “ring-years” for FHC; the boys will be working countless hours to add 2022 to that list.

“It would be an honor to be in the same category as some of those successful teams to come through here,” senior goalie Mac Boike said.

Ranger lacrosse looks just a tad different this season. Rather than fielding two teams–varsity and JV–the lack of numbers alone have created a predicament for the program. As a result, there will only be one team; head coach Andy Shira has been tasked with coaching and developing players of all four grade levels.

“Having just one team this year isn’t exactly ideal; however, it’s something that life threw at us and we have to adjust to what comes with it,” coach Shira said. “My staff and I believe this can help the younger kids grow tremendously, getting to play with the older kids every single day and seeing that varsity level and speed at such a young age.”

FHC returns many key pieces from a year ago, many of which are seniors. The Class of 2022 gives the team both talent and experience with John Tomsheck and Miles Duiven leading the offensive attack, Quentin Rudolph and Jack McNamara manning the middle, and John Foster protecting the back lines. 

However, the most highly-touted Ranger resides in the class below. Junior goalie Crandall Quinn is entering his third year as a varsity starter and is headed to play lacrosse in Ann Arbor come the fall of 2023. 

Crandall has lost two stars on the defensive side with Rowan Clay and Jack Elliott transferring, but FHC’s depth fills in the holes nicely. Quinn’s supporting cast of juniors includes but is not limited to Sam Sneider, Magnus Salmon, Graham Bennett, Jonah McConnell, Jake Koning, Collin Webb, and Reese Le.

“The juniors are quite skilled on offense,” Sam said. “It will be up to Crandall and me to lead our class on defense.”

As for the underclassmen, the future has some exceptionally bright spots. Sophomores Luke Wedder and Nolan Hartl round out the extra-solid Class of 2024; they were the only two freshmen last year to see time on varsity. 

The first few games pose some serious challenges for FHC, as it takes on powerhouses in Carmel and Detroit Country Day. Then, as the schedule shifts to conference play, the Rangers will look to build up as much confidence as possible heading into the state playoffs. Possible contenders in Division II this year include Eastern, East Grand Rapids, and Detroit Country Day.

The boys are hurt and hungry after being upset last year; they expect to be hoisting the state title come June.

“We’re very fortunate to have the talent that we have in this program year after year and always having a solid foundation of experienced guys who we can lean on,” coach Shira said. “With so many guys returning, there’s a sense of urgency to do things the right way, and we hope to have an opportunity to play late into June this year.”