Any time a team goes to the state level to compete for the title, something special is brewing. When the boys varsity lacrosse team made it to the finals, it was a sign that FHC’s state champion flag might yet fly another year.

“The game certainly started off not as we planned,” head coach Andy Shira said. “We always want to jump out to a lead right away and knock the wind out of the other team. We had a good walkthrough at FHC before we left. I thought warmups in Howell looked good too so I was surprised to see us play a little tight. I don’t know if I’d say nervous, but just tight.”

The boys took on Detroit Country Day in the state finals on Saturday, June 11, when both teams battled it out for the last step in a state-title run. Knowing that this win would mean the world to these boys, the team took its time and did what it had to to keep the game in its favor.

“Once we settled down though, they played very well. The defense made some adjustments and elevated their play to allow only two goals in the second half,” coach Shira said. “The offense knew their defense would be high pressure and we did well handling it. We were very patient with the ball at times. Usually, we like to play a lot faster than that but we felt like we just needed to take what their defense gave us and tire them out.”

Despite the team bringing its “A-game”, Detroit Country Day had the first goal, taking the lead early into the first quarter. That didn’t stay the case for long though with athletes like Jonah McConnell and John Tomsheck working hard to take down DCD’s goalie; the boys had luck on their side too when they secured the state championship win with the final score of 11-8. Not only did the boys secure this win, but they became the first group in program history to have an undefeated season with a 21-0 record overall.

“This win makes me feel so proud of how far this team has come throughout the course of the season. I had the pleasure of being named one of the captains of this team and I can say confidently that every single person on this team has improved exponentially from the first day of tryouts until now,” senior John Tomsheck said. “I’m incredibly ecstatic that we brought home the championship back to our community where it belongs.”

John isn’t the only Ranger who will be in awe of this win for years to come. Some of his fellow teammates, like Mac Boike, could not be prouder of the team and all of its achievements.

“It’s really the feeling I’ve been hoping to feel for the longest time I can remember,” Mac said. “All I could think about before was how long my brothers and I have trained together and all the time I’ve spent on the field with guys I used to play with through club or school. To win this game and end my FHC career as an undefeated state champion means everything to me. It’s what a lot of the guys and I have been talking about for a while now. This one was for anyone and everyone who got us there, especially the FHC community.”

This win was extra special for players like Quentin Rudolph, mainly because of last year’s shocking defeat at the hands of the Hawks of Forest Hills Eastern.

“This win feels special since we came up short in last year’s playoffs, and we felt like we needed to redeem ourselves,” Quentin said. “We also feel proud to keep the State Champs flag flying out front of the school.”

Above all of the excitement, the team gives credit to its community and the people that helped them pull off both an incredible season and the big win.

“I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude for all of the factors that contributed to this state championship run. I want to thank my amazing coaching staff for preparing the team so well throughout the year and keeping a fun competitive edge during our practices,” John Tomsheck said. “I would like to thank the athletic office, Mr. Goei, and Mrs. Swayze. Without their continued support throughout the season, absolutely none do this would be possible. And lastly, I’d like to thank our amazing fans and the FHC student section. Their support this year was unreal, and I loved getting to play in front of the best fans in the state of Michigan.”

It goes without saying that this season was the best the team has ever had. First, with an undefeated season about to be etched into the history books and a secondly, a state title to seal the deal for these athletes who have been working endlessly for this moment all spring. With the boys ending on such a high note, time will only tell what this young talent can achieve in the years to come as they continue to grow as players and a team.

“We’re all so proud of the way these boys competed all spring and battled back on Saturday. Once we got through the regular season undefeated, we talked about leaving a legacy,” coach Shira said. “These kids accomplished that and so much more making history in our program and our community. I couldn’t be happier for these kids to go out that way.”