Staples Boys Lacrosse Looks to Keep Momentum Going

Last year marked the beginning of a new era for Staples boys' lacrosse.

Staples alum Paul McNulty returned to his alma mater and led the Wreckers to one of their best seasons in recent  memory in his first year as coach.

Staples finished 10-8 and gained a berth in the Class L state tournament, beating Stamford, 12-2, in a qualifying game  before falling to second-seeded Newtown, 9-8, in the first round.

McNulty is trying to establish the same type of program that he had at Wilton before taking the Staples job. He posted a  192-81 record at Wilton while guiding the Warriors to three state championships, three FCIAC titles and multiple  runner-up finishes.

He wants to keep the momemtum going that the Wreckers established last season.

"We want to take what we did last year and build on our success," he said. "We're going for another double-digit win season, another CIAC state championship berth and a bid into the FCIAC tournament."

With a young team last year, the Wreckers look to build upon their success with some gained experience under their belts. Andrew Lanzaro is the only player not returning from last year's team.

"Andrew was a good player, and it's unfortunate that we lost him, but we have some young talent to work with," McNulty said.

The young talent includes junior middie Kip Orban, who last year was one of Staples' most dangerous players.

Along with Orban, McNulty will look to the returning seniors to provide veteran leadership. Goaltender Austin Waiter, Jack Ambrose and Nate Greenberg will serve as the Wreckers' captains.

Waiter once again will protect the net with Ambrose helping him out on defense. Greenberg will be the focal point of the attack.

Kyle Mendelson, although not a captain, also will play a crucial role with Orban in the midfield.

The Wreckers get an early test, as they kick off their season April 8 against state power Ridgefield at home.