The Victor Lacrosse Story: From Underdog to Powerhouse

Upstate New York is one of the country's most tradition-rich and hardworking regions, particularly in lacrosse. The sport is deeply woven into the region's culture, with historic programs like Syracuse, Cornell, Hobart, Colgate, UAlbany, and RIT leading the way. Cities such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany have long been lacrosse hotbeds, producing gritty, tough, athletic, and fundamentally sound players driven to succeed. While many blue-blood programs have dominated the scene since the 1960s, The most dominant program in Upstate New York right now started its Varsity program in 1999.   Victor Lacrosse has quickly built a reputation as one of the premier lacrosse programs in New York. The Victor Lacrosse program was born in 1995 with its youth and modified programs. It was built out of the dedication of a passionate group of parents who worked tirelessly to establish a strong foundation for young athletes. Through countless hours of volunteer work, coaching, and organizing, they created a thriving youth program designed to develop and prepare players for success at the scholastic level.   The Victor youth lacrosse program begins as early as kindergarten and continues through 6th grade. Many other communities have similar programs, but Victor's commitment to developing young players early has been instrumental in the team's long-term success. The goal of the youth program has always been to prepare 30 to 40 7th and 8th-grade players to be ready to compete at the high school level to feed the junior and varsity teams in pursuit of sectional and state championships.      Pioneers Who Built the Program    As the Victor lacrosse program gained traction, several key players helped put it on the map. Early standouts included Frank Valenti, Pat D'Angelo, John Maloney (Albany), and Mitch Rupp. The first varsity lacrosse coach, Mark Foeder, helped lay the groundwork before Jim Andre took over and guided the program to four state championships (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019). Under the guidance of Jim Andre and his assistant coaches, Victor became a dominant force in both sectional and state competitions.   Numerous standout players have donned the Victor jersey, helping to solidify its reputation as an elite program. Names like TD Ierlan (Albany, Yale, Denver), Chayse Ierlan (Cornell, Johns Hopkins), Jamie Trimboli (Syracuse), Ryan Maloney (Cornell), Andrew Russell (Michigan), Tanner & Camden Hay (Albany) Joey & Anthony Pezzimenti, Max, Sam and Cal Lambert (Army), Sutton Boland (Penn State), Logan Callahan (Johns Hopkins) and so many others have left a lasting legacy. The sheer number of talented players who have gone on to play at the collegiate level speaks to the strength of the program and its commitment to excellence.     Reflecting on the 2024 Season    The 2024 season was a testament to Victor's resilience and determination. Coming off a state finalist loss to Garden City in 2023, the team faced the challenge of rebuilding after the departure of key players such as Thomas Gravino (Maryland), Paxton Marshall (Georgetown), Sammy Gotham (Tampa), Sam Ricci (Cornell), Brady Robinson (Canisius) and Ryan Dodge (Stony Brook). Despite these losses, the team rallied under the leadership of US All-American Jack Herendeen (Cornell), who set the school's all-time scoring record. With support from defensive standouts JT Werkmeister (Bryant) and Cam Ryan (Syracuse) along with Aiden Clinkscales (Stony Brook) and Tanner Radogna (Stony Brook), Victor fought their way back to the New York State finals. Though they ultimately fell to South Side in overtime, the team's ability to rebound and compete at the highest level reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse.     Offseason Preparation and Team Expectations    Victor's lacrosse players are multi-sport athletes who stay active in the fall and winter months. Many participate in fall club teams, skill-building sessions, and informal team workouts. The winter offseason training activities (OTAs) have just begun, with players gearing up for what promises to be an intense 2025 season.   The hunger to reclaim a state championship is palpable among this year's squad. With two consecutive state finals losses fresh in their minds, the players are more determined than ever to finish the job. The 2025 schedule will be rigorous, with challenging matchups against Section V rivals and out-of-section powerhouses such as Iona Prep, Marcellus, Baldwinsville, Jamesville-DeWitt, Shaker, and Niskayuna.     Team Identity: A Scrappy and Fast-Paced Squad    Victor's 2025 team is expected to be a scrappy, hardworking group with a mix of senior leadership and young talent. The introduction of the shot clock to Section V lacrosse will likely play to Victor's strengths, as they thrive in a fast-paced, up-tempo style of play. With a formidable defense and a penchant for transition play, this team will look to capitalize on their ability to run the field and pressure opponents.     Key Players to Watch    Victor boasts a deep and talented roster, with key contributors at every level.   Top Seniors   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Brody Secker (M), SUNY Binghamton</li>   <li>Kyle Seager (M), Jacksonville</li>   <li>Simon Kowal (D), St. Bonaventure</li>   <li>Dennis Cole Jr. (D), Mercyhurst</li>   <li>JT Ricci (FO), University of Indianapolis</li> </ul>   Top Juniors   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Matty Langan (LSM), Jacksonville</li>   <li>Oliver Kowal (SSDM), St. Bonaventure</li>   <li>Will Johnson (A), Flagler</li>   <li>Weston Oyer (SSDM) </li>   <li>Colin Wheeler (M) </li> </ul>   Top Sophomores   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='120554' first='Matthew' last='Herendeen'] (A) </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='121688' first='Jackson' last='Mead'] (A) </li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='143705' first='Mason' last='Hawryschuk'] (D) </li> </ul>   Promising Freshmen   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Eli Ricci (FO)  </li> </ul>   Returning from Injury and Stepping into Leadership    Victor will welcome back two key seniors, Kyle Seager and Dennis Cole Jr., who missed most of last season due to injury. Their return will add both skill and leadership to the squad. Along with Brody Secker and Simon Kowal, these seniors will be counted on to lead by example and help guide the younger players.     Strengths of the 2025 Team    This Victor squad thrives on camaraderie, unselfish play, and relentless hustle. The players genuinely support one another, celebrating every ground ball, assist, and defensive stop. The program's history speaks for itself: four NYS championships (2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), three state runner-up finishes (including two in the last two years), ten sectional titles, and 15 US Lacrosse All-Americans. The hunger to add to that legacy is stronger than ever.     Goals and Milestones for 2025    As always, Victor sets the bar high. The primary goal is to navigate a grueling sectional schedule and emerge as champions. The ultimate objective? A return to the state playoffs and a chance to claim the NYS championship, with the finals being held at Hobart this year.     Team Culture and Coaching Staff Updates    Victor's culture is built on toughness, teamwork, and a relentless work ethic. When playing at their best, they execute at high speed and with a physical edge that sets them apart. This season will see a change in the coaching staff, as Jamie Trimboli, a former Syracuse star and two-time US All-American, has relocated to Florida. However, the core coaching group remains strong, with Head Coach Dan Stone leading the charge alongside assistants Tony Pezzimenti and Mark Foeder.     Exciting Matchups to Watch    Victor's 2025 schedule features plenty of high-stakes battles. Sectional rivals Canandaigua and Irondequoit always bring an intense challenge, while matchups against Pittsford and Iona Prep will provide valuable tests. Each game presents an opportunity to prove themselves and continue the legacy of Victor lacrosse.   With a deep roster, strong leadership, and an unyielding drive to win, Victor Varsity Lacrosse is poised for another thrilling season in 2025.    Will Johnson is a skilled right-handed attackman with an imposing frame and a natural scoring ability. His elite shot makes him a constant threat from anywhere on the field, capable of finishing with precision and power. Johnson combines his size with strong fundamentals, allowing him to create space and capitalize on scoring opportunities. As a key offensive weapon, he is poised to make a significant impact this season.     Weston Oyer is a dynamic two-way midfielder known for his speed and high lacrosse IQ. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions sets him apart, allowing him to contribute on both ends of the field. Oyer's athleticism and vision make him a key transition player, capable of pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities. His work ethic and versatility will be crucial to his team's success this season.     Colin Wheeler is a highly intelligent midfielder with a natural feel for the game. His exceptional vision allows him to anticipate plays and create opportunities for his teammates, making him a key playmaker. Wheeler also possesses a strong and accurate shot, making him a scoring threat from multiple spots on the field. His high lacrosse IQ and ability to thrive in both settled and transition play makes him a valuable asset to his team.     [player_tooltip player_id='120554' first='Matthew' last='Herendeen'] is a skilled and versatile attackman with the ability to play both attack and midfield when needed. His two-handed proficiency makes him a constant threat, allowing him to finish and distribute effectively from either side of the field. Herendeen's high lacrosse IQ enables him to read defenses, find openings, and make smart plays under pressure. His impressive adaptability and well-rounded skill set make him a crucial offensive weapon for his team.     [player_tooltip player_id='121688' first='Jackson' last='Mead'] is a lethal left-handed attackman known for his sharpshooting ability and clutch performances. He burst onto the scene last season, stepping up in the playoffs with a standout offensive display. Mead's quick release and pinpoint accuracy make him a constant scoring threat from anywhere on the field. His ability to find space and capitalize on opportunities makes him a key weapon for Victor's offense heading into the new season.     [player_tooltip player_id='143705' first='Mason' last='Hawryschuk'] is a dominant presence on the defensive end, using his size, strength, and tenacity to shut down opponents. His physical style of play makes him a tough matchup for any attackman, while his relentless work ethic ensures he is always improving his technique and positioning. Hawryschuk takes pride in his ability to win one-on-one battles and anchor the defense with his toughness. With a strong foundation and a drive to excel, he is a key piece of Victor's defensive unit.     Eli Ricci is a talented faceoff specialist who made an immediate impact as an 8th grader on varsity, gaining valuable experience against high-level competition. His quick hands, strong technique, and ability to win possessions give his team a crucial edge at the faceoff X. Ricci's poise under pressure and relentless work ethic set him apart, allowing him to develop into one of the most promising young faceoff specialists in the region. With another year of growth and experience, he is poised to be a major contributor for Victor this season.

Upstate New York is one of the country's most tradition-rich and hardworking regions, particularly in lacrosse. The sport is deeply woven into the region's culture, with historic programs like Syracuse, Cornell, Hobart, Colgate, UAlbany, and RIT leading the way. Cities such as Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany have long been lacrosse hotbeds, producing gritty, tough, athletic, and fundamentally sound players driven to succeed. While many blue-blood programs have dominated the scene since the 1960s, The most dominant program in Upstate New York right now started its Varsity program in 1999.