by Zach Keenan ’18
Last year’s infamous loss to Hawken ended the Preppers’ 2015 season, but with a new coach and new strategies, the team will not make the same mistakes as they have in the past. With the loss of coach Jack Fisher ’96 at the conclusion of the season last year, many local sportswriters counted the Preppers out this year, dubbing the 2016 campaign as a rebuilding year. Without captains and top scorers Mitch Rehak ’15 and Trevor Adams ’15, many presumed the offense would struggle. Sans captain Mason Monahan ’15 and Lachlan Evans ’15, the defense lost size and hard-hitters. Under the guidance of captains Peter Benjamin, Henry Boeschenstein, Will Karakul, and Coach Hans Rydquist, this year’s team begs to differ.
With the graduation of Evans and Monohan, LSM (long stick midfielder) Henry Boeschenstein saw an opening to improve to the defense. Leaving LSM duties to the ever-capable Quinn Kennedy ’17, Boeschenstein dropped to defenseman full time. He joins Max Feldman ’17 and Nick Orlando ’16 on a mean defensive starting line, backed up by Antonio Dargaj ’17.
The midfield is always a strong suit for the Preppers. In previous years, Coach Fisher held a heavy emphasis on conditioning the midfield, and Coach Rydquist has only added to the running for the midfielders. Led by Peter Benjamin, the midfielders are the group with the most depth. Tommy Nook ’17 and Peter Benjamin start and are backed up by the speed of Stephen Wafalosky ’17. Two freshmen are seeing a significant amount of playing time – an unusual occurrence. George Brinn ’19 is taking all faceoffs in the first half. Behind him in the lineup is Henry Frontini ’17, who takes over in the second half. Finally, Jake Kapp ’19 has been a surprising up and coming freshman as he sees starting time. Formerly a defenseman and a favorite of Assistant Coach Ran Kirby ’09, Coach Rydquist saw potential for Kapp to move to LSM, where he starts alongside Quinn Kennedy – he will use a short stick on the man-up offense.
The Preppers’ offense is known as one of the top in Ohio in both Division 1 and 2. Coach Rydquist often brags about the dynamic scoring threat the Preppers’ offensive poses to opposing teams. Starters Chase Hunyadi ’16, Ben Davis ’17, and David Samar ’16 have built chemistry over the past few years, as a quick glance at the scoresheet will reveal. Last year, the scorebooks were covered in “US goal- #7 Chase Hunyadi assisted by #4 Ben Davis.” This should continue this year, with the addition of Dave Samar. Samar’s ability to plow through the slashing sticks of opposing defenders is the best on the team, as he dodges from the top of the box.
The goalies for this year are as promising as always. Will Karakul ’16 is the starter, boasting a top ranking in Northeast Ohio among all divisions for goalies. Behind him is Warren Gable ’17 – Karakul can leave US at the end of this season knowing the fast-twitch reflexes of Gable will guard the goal competently.
So far, the Preppers hold a record of 1-1. After falling to Division 1 rival St. Ignatius, the Preppers unleashed a fury of scoring upon Walsh Jesuit just two days later.