By Travis Smola
The boys lacrosse team finished its season with very heavy hearts after senior midfielder Brennen Hamilton passed away in a car accident on May 27. The accident happened just days before the team competed in the Regional Final round against Forest Hills Central.
With their helmets emblazoned with “Ham” in his honor, the team put on a valiant effort, but ultimately fell in the contest to the Rangers 25-12 to end the season.
The Bulldogs were 16-1 before being knocked out of playoff contention with their only loss coming against defending state champion East Grand Rapids back in April. Their latest win in the first round of Regionals was a resounding 14-9 victory over rival Harper Creek.
“We’re coming together as a team at the right time,” Head Coach Ben Wolfman said.
Their one weakness so far has seemed to be slow starts. Vicksburg gave up the first goal to the Beavers just under a minute into the game. But it was the only lead they had all game. Senior Tim Gearig responded with two consecutive goals shortly after and the Bulldogs never relinquished the lead.
The two goals were the first of five Gearig had in the contest. Junior Michael Kessler was the next leading scorer with three goals. Senior Dominic Buentello had two and seniors Gavin Leach, Nick Dilly and juniors Matt Hybels and Aaron Phelps each had one.