Boys lacrosse growing

Fallbrook High School’s 2007 boys lacrosse team improved its win total by three from the previous year.

The Warriors were 2-11 in 2006 and 5-14 in 2007. “The season overall in my opinion was a success,” Fallbrook head coach Al Schoffstall said.

Teams are allowed to schedule up to 20 games in a season (they can also schedule up to three tournaments, each of which counts as two games regardless of how many the team actually plays), and Schoffstall increased the team’s competition to 19 games for this year. “I figured the experience would make us better,” Schoffstall said.

The 2007 season was Schoffstall’s first as Fallbrook’s head coach. “We instilled a lot of character-building activities, and the kids were able to improve in that regard. I think the stage is set for a continued success for next year,” he said.

Although the Warriors were 2-11 in North County League play, the two wins translated to a sweep over Carlsbad. The league also includes five of the county’s top nine teams. “We’re trying to improve against those guys,” Schoffstall said.

Schoffstall was pleased with the teamwork of the 2007 season. “The kids pulled together and battled through some tough times and were able to improve,” he said.

“It’s a start,” Schoffstall said. “We’ll get better.”

Schoffstall, who was the junior varsity coach in 2006, is also a history teacher at Fallbrook High School, and his lacrosse class includes a focus on the history of the game. That historical emphasis also helps his players understand what is required to build a team to the championship level.

“It’s a process of slowly building and instilling character in the kids,” Schoffstall said. “I know it’s a building process. We’ll get there.”

Schoffstall also recognizes the need for a strong feeder program at the middle school level and is grateful to Frank Rotunda, who is heading the development of a middle school team. “That’s great for us. That’s our feeder program. And he’s doing such a great job,” Schoffstall said.

Schoffstall himself will be coaching the Mohawk Lacrosse Club which will include home games and practices at Ingold Field and will commence its season June 18. The summer league lasts eight weeks.

The 2007 program had 71 players at the varsity and junior varsity levels. “I think that’s huge. Last year we did not have that many,” Schoffstall said.

The 2006 program had approximately 45 players. Interest from incoming freshmen leads Schoffstall to expect an increased participation in 2008. “We’re getting only better,” he said.