Staples Lax: 45 Years of Tradition, Triumph and the Road Ahead

Connecticut has long been recognized as a hotbed for lacrosse, home to some of the country's oldest and most prestigious high school programs. Among them, the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) is one of the nation's most competitive public high school lacrosse conferences. Year after year, FCIAC programs produce top-tier Division I talent, boasting elite skill and impressive depth, with many teams fielding around 20 players per class. These programs thrive thanks to strong K-8 youth lacrosse systems that develop players from an early age, complemented by high-level club teams that refine their skills to an elite standard. While historically, many teams in the FCIAC have been dominant forces; Staples High School has recently emerged as the dominant program in both the FCIAC and the state of Connecticut.   The lacrosse program in Westport has become a mainstay of excellence in the state in recent years. The program's roots trace back to 1975, when Will Mraz (Staples Class of '68), then a young assistant football coach, drove by Burr Farms Elementary School and saw three teenagers tossing a lacrosse ball around. Coach Mraz had never seen lacrosse played in Westport before, but he had learned the game at Fairfield University, where he played in the first lacrosse game he'd ever witnessed. Intrigued, he stopped to speak with the young men interested in the game but had little experience. Coach Mraz asked them to gather about twenty friends and return the next day, promising he would coach them. Over thirty boys showed up the following day, and the first team was born.    The team will celebrate its 45th season. With a rich history of success and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Staples Lacrosse has firmly established itself as a powerful force in Connecticut high school lacrosse. The program's journey has been marked by significant milestones, including a memorable run to the FCIAC Championship game in 2021, capturing their first FCIAC title in 2024, and securing back-to-back CIAC state championships in 2022 and 2023. The program's growth is a testament to the dedication and passion of its players, coaches, and the supportive Westport community.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Season Recap</h3>   The 2024 season was a historic one for Staples Lacrosse. The team finished with an overall record of 14-7, with a 10-6 record during the regular season. The season's high point came with the FCIAC championship win, a long-awaited accomplishment for a team that had been building towards such a breakthrough for years. However, the season ended bittersweetly, as the team faced a tough loss to Ridgefield in the State Quarterfinals. While the loss was difficult, it only stoked the team's fire, instilling a sense of determination and a “chip on their shoulder” as they look toward future success.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fall and Winter Lacrosse Development</h3>   The fall and winter months were key to the team's growth in preparation for the 2025 season. The offseason training regimen was robust and disciplined, with players lifting weights three times a week from September until the start of the regular season. In addition, the team practiced once a week during the fall and winter months, focusing on skills development and building chemistry. A significant number of dual-sport athletes, particularly in football, were part of the offseason program, further enhancing the athleticism and competitiveness of the team.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expectations for the Upcoming Season</h3>   As the 2025 season approaches, Staples Lacrosse has set its sights high, with clear goals of competing for FCIAC and state championships. Many key players are returning from the previous season, including several veterans who played pivotal roles in the 2024 success. Offensively, the team is poised for even greater success, with a young group from last season now gaining valuable experience. However, the departure of key defensive players means the defense will be an area of focus for growth. The team is confident, however, with a solid goalie in [player_tooltip player_id='14535' first='Josh' last='Marcus'], who will anchor the defense.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Team Dynamics and Leadership</h3>   One of the defining features of the Staples lacrosse team is its senior leadership. This year, the program boasts 20 seniors, many of whom have been integral players in previous seasons. These seniors have experience in critical roles, providing a strong foundation for the team's success. The emphasis on toughness, both mentally and physically, is a hallmark of the program's culture. The team strives for a “sell-out mentality” on the field, where players are expected to give their all at all times, an ingrained mentality since the 2022 season when the team first adopted this mindset during practice.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Standout Players</h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>   The team's success relies heavily on its standout players who continue to push the program forward:   Top Seniors:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='14535' first='Josh' last='Marcus'] (Goalie, committed to UNC) – A four-year starter and captain, Marcus is the cornerstone of the defense and a leader on the field.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='14595' first='Adam' last='Udell'] (Attack, committed to Michigan) – A three-year starter and captain, Udell had a remarkable season with 90 points, the second-most in program history.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='14584' first='Cam' last='Prior'] (Midfield, committed to Tufts) – A versatile three-year starter, Prior is known for his all-around play as a do-it-all middie.</li>   <li>Will Fleming (Attack/Midfield, uncommitted) – Fleming is a D1-caliber player who will be a key contributor after missing much of last season due to injury.</li>   <li>Jack Knesich (Defense, committed to Dickinson) – Knesich is expected to step up as a leader on defense after the graduation of several key defenders. Tristan Schaefer (Midfield, committed to Colgate) – captain and cornerstone of the midfield, is a well-rounded offensive player with strong fundamentals and a great on-the-run shot.</li> </ul>   Top Juniors and Sophomores:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Justin Halky (Midfield) – A tough, bulldog-style player with a breakout season in 2024, including a game-winning goal against Don Bosco.</li>   <li>Charlie Clark (Attack) – A slick, lefty attackman with excellent transition skills, Clark is known for his crafty dodges and ability to finish.</li>   <li>Nick Weil (Midfield) – A dynamic athlete and the starting QB on the football team, Weil is a multi-sport standout who will add versatility to the midfield.</li>   <li>Eric Skolnick (Faceoff) – With the graduation of key faceoff specialists, Skolnick will be tasked with filling a critical role at the X. Hunter Pallai (Attack) – Made an immediate impact with 16 points, showcasing elite stick skills, quick-twitch athleticism, and playmaking vision, positioning himself as a future offensive leader. [player_tooltip player_id='29206' first='Nate' last='Maurillo'] (Defense) – a tall, agile defender and LSM with elite takeaway skills, strong footwork, and the ability to spark fast breaks, making him a vital asset on defense and in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='129411' first='Max' last='Hill'] (Defensive Midfielder) – one of the top defensive midfielders in the 2027 class, combines elite speed, strength, and work ethic to dominate opponents, shut down attacks, and excel in transition. </li> </ul>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Areas for Growth</h3>   While the team's goalie and offense are definite strengths, defense, and faceoffs will be growth areas. The defense has experienced significant turnover, with three starters graduating, leaving a gap that emerging players will need to fill. Similarly, the faceoff unit must find replacements for two graduated seniors who were key contributors.    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Program Culture and Legacy</h3>   The Staples lacrosse program has always prided itself on its family-oriented culture. The program places a strong emphasis on giving back to the community, especially to the youth lacrosse programs. Through Westport PAL youth lacrosse, the high school players actively engage with younger players, helping foster future generations' development. This connection between high school and youth lacrosse is a key part of the Staples program's uniqueness.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Forward</h3>   The 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the history of Staples High School lacrosse. With a dedicated group of players, a committed coaching staff, and a strong community behind them, the team is ready to continue building on its recent successes and compete for championships in the FCIAC and beyond. As they enter the new season, the team remains focused on consistent improvement, aiming to make another deep playoff run and add to the program's storied legacy.   Historic Figures in Staples Lacrosse   Throughout the history of the Staples lacrosse program, several players have paved the way for the success of today's team, helping to lay the foundation for its rise to prominence. These individuals have played a crucial role in the program's growth and legacy:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Paul McNulty – Class of 1964, Head Coach (2009–2018)</li>   <li>Will Mraz – Class of 1968, First Head Coach (1975-1881) </li>   <li>Pat Smith – Class of 1973, Head Coach (1984–1990)</li>   <li>Ned Batlin – Class of 1985, Sacred Heart</li>   <li>Chris Crummey – Class of 1985, Hobart</li>   <li>Will McBride – Class of 1986, Vermont</li>   <li>Bill Rexford – Class of 1986, Dartmouth</li>   <li>Ryan Kubie – Class of 1996, Lafayette</li>   <li>Chris Aitkin – Class of 1998, Butler</li>   <li>Andy Nadler – Class of 1999, Susquehanna </li>   <li>Scott Krauss – Class of 2000, Loyola</li>   <li>Jack Ambrose – Class of 2010, Yale </li>   <li>Kip Orban – Class of 2011, Princeton; Charlotte Hounds and Rochester Rattlers</li>   <li>Joe Zelkowitz – Class of 2013, Football and Lacrosse at Middlebury</li>   <li>Evan Zinn – Class of 2018, Johns Hopkins and Virginia</li> </ul>   These players, among many others, have impacted the program, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Staples lacrosse players. As Staples High School Lacrosse celebrates its 45th season, the program remains committed to competing at the highest levels and maintaining a tradition of excellence both on and off the field.    Justin Halky is a dynamic midfielder known for his tough, bulldog-style play. As a sophomore, he earned a spot as a first-line midfielder, quickly establishing himself as a key contributor to the team. In 2024, he delivered a standout performance with a three-goal game, including the game-winning goal in overtime against Don Bosco. A physical, tenacious player, Halky is relentless on both ends of the field and finished the season with 23 points. His ability to pack a punch and drive through defenses makes him a formidable presence for the team.     Charlie Clark is a slick and crafty lefty attackman who excels as both a finisher and an opportunistic dodger. Known for his ability to capitalize on fast breaks and man-up situations, Clark is a constant threat in transition. His vision and precision as a feeder allow him to set up his teammates with ease, while his time-and-room shot is one of the most lethal on the team. With 32 points last year, ranking second on the team, Clark's offensive versatility makes him a key player on both ends of the field.     Hunter Pallai made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting at attack and recording 16 points during his first season. With the skill set to be the quarterback of the offense, Pallai has the potential to lead and orchestrate plays, much like former standout Udell. Known for his excellent stick skills and lightning-fast quick-twitch athleticism, he has the ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Pallai's combination of vision and speed makes him a promising playmaker for the future.     [player_tooltip player_id='29206' first='Nate' last='Maurillo'] is a tall, lean defender and LSM with standout takeaway ability and a great stick that allows him to create fast-break opportunities. His strong footwork and defensive awareness make him a constant threat in one-on-one matchups, where he consistently wins his duels. Maurillo's ability to disrupt offenses and transition the ball quickly makes him a key component of his team's defense and transition game.     [player_tooltip player_id='129411' first='Max' last='Hill'] is one of the top defensive midfielders in the 2027 class, known for his ridiculous strength and work ethic in the weight room. As the fastest player in the program, he brings a combination of speed and power that makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Hill started at DMID last season, and his presence was so dominant that teams stopped attacking his side of the field altogether. His ability to lock down opponents and transition the ball effectively makes him a key player on both ends of the field.

Connecticut has long been recognized as a hotbed for lacrosse, home to some of the country's oldest and most prestigious high school programs. Among them, the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) is one of the nation's most competitive public high school lacrosse conferences. Year after year, FCIAC programs produce top-tier Division I talent, boasting elite skill and impressive depth, with many teams fielding around 20 players per class. These programs thrive thanks to strong K-8 youth lacrosse systems that develop players from an early age, complemented by high-level club teams that refine their skills to an elite standard. While historically, many teams in the FCIAC have been dominant forces; Staples High School has recently emerged as the dominant program in both the FCIAC and the state of Connecticut.