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By TONY PASTORE
Recorder Sports Staff
The Amsterdam High lacrosse team is hungry. Despite losing key seniors, the Rams are optimistic for 2008 and beyond.
In 2007, the team finished 2-17, second to last in the Big 10, but a young crop of players have the coaching staff excited.
"My guys are ready to win now," Rams head coach Mike Gugliemelli said. "Amsterdam has been through enough dark days in the sport of lacrosse and we're ready to step up and take a challenge in order to shine light on the program. We have talent and heart. It'll come together with our young team."
The team lost all of their attack players as well as their goalie and lead defenseman. The attackman lost include Dom Serge, who led the team with 30 goals, Ryan Wallega, who scored 16 and Steve Youngs, who scored 10.
Other losses to graduation were lead defenseman Matt Walrath and goalie Joe Forgione, who led Section II in saves.
With the losses, Amsterdam brings in a young roster with only one senior, newcomer Aaron Dodge, whose hard work and natural athletic ability helped him become a captain in his first year of varsity lacrosse.
Another newcomer, midfielder Tom Regal, also became a captain in his first spring of varsity lacrosse. Dodge and Regal both played and started on the Rugged Rams football team this past fall.
The two other captains of the team are also juniors. Defenseman Josh Menge and midfielder Drew Hastings will share the captaincy four-ways.
Other key returners include midfielder Pete Morrone, as well as defenseman Dave Greco and utilityman Nate Wancewicz.
Other key newcomers include junior goalie Mike Greco, utility Jesus Cotto and defenseman Josh Spagnola.
New attack players include Cody Mosteller, who scored 28 goals at the junior varsity level in 2007 and Angel Valentin who scored 22 goals at the same level.
"Our offense is looking to be promising with Regal and the younger players," Gugliemelli said. "We've worked them into the system. Scoring-wise, we're going to be aggressive and take shots as well as work it to the crease. We have speed on attack, so we won't be afraid to shoot."
Despite his confidence on offense, Gugliemelli says it his team's defense that is a true strength.
"Our defense will rank up right up there as one of the best in the area," Gugliemelli said. "We have three solid athletes who have agility, heart and dedication."
The team has already had one scrimmage, an 8-2 loss to defending Class B champion Glens Falls. Amsterdam lost to Glens Falls 18-4 in 2007.
"In the scrimmage, we played them well," Gugliemelli said. "We played a strong half and it helped the coaching staff to get excited. The players are now excited."
Gugliemelli says the team is growing a strong bond with each other for the future in an effort to build and improve the program.
"We stress to the kids that this is a family," Gugliemelli said. "Every player from last year came back to help in some form this spring. That's what building a family is. It's respect and dedication to sport. I appreciate my players. I'm very thankful they like to keep in touch."
Tough opponents for Amsterdam this season will likely be Schenectady, Christian Brothers Academy and Albany Academy, who will enter its first season in the Big 10.
"We will be as good as we want to be if mental mistakes don't kill us. We have to play to our potenial," Gugliemelli said.
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