History of Lacrosse in Wilton – A Proud Tradition

In searching for the origin and history of lacrosse in Wilton and the interest and support it enjoys in town, there are naturally key people and events that define the growth and development of the sport, as we know it today.


2008 - The Warriors ended their season 12 - 8, FCIAC Semi Finalist and Class M State Quarter Finalist. Head Coach Paul McNulty, thirteenth season, was assisted by Austin Sanders, Chris Kear.
Varsity captains were Mike Shagi, Chris Kozlowski, and Joe Lasala. The Junior Varsity record was
10 - 3 led by Head Coach Christian Willaum and assisted by Rob Wood. JV Captains were Cooper Hollingsworth, Jack Krueger and Gavin Woolard. Coaches Ian Feller and Mike Ward led the Freshman to an 8 - 5 record. Freshman captains were David Burns, Mike Greco and Scott Donachie.
Named to the FCIAC first team was Joe LaSala. FCIAC second team honors went to Peter McMahon, Peter Johnson, Vinnie Cannon, Harrison Hess, Evan Crane and Chris Kozlowski. All FCIAC Honorable Mention went to Mike Francia, James Fuller, Dom Fusco and Mike Shagi.  All State, Class M, first team honors went to Peter McMahon and Joe LaSala.  Second Team All State selections went to Pete Johnson, Harrison Hess and Vinnie Cannon. 
The Norwalk Hour All Area Team included All Area MVP Peter McMahon, Pete Johnson, Vinnie Cannon, Harrison Hess, Joe LaSala and Chris Kozlowski. Senior All Star selections were Harrison 
Hess and Pete Johnson. The Wilton Lacrosse Scholar Athlete Award and the Team Leadership Award went to Chris Kozlowski. Chris Kozlowski was also awarded the Channel 12 Scholar Athlete 
Award, Richard P. Flory Memorial Award and the most prestigious, Lt. John C. Corr Memorial Award.
Other lacrosse players honored were Mike Shagi winning the Wilton Sports Council Sportsmanship 
Award and Evan Crane won The Wilton Athletic Club Sportsmanship Award. The Youth Program was led by John Arrix.  Rob Hess served as President of the Wilton Lacrosse Association. This was Paul McNulty's final season as coach of the Warriors. He finished his career in Wilton with a 192 and 81 record. Paul McNulty is only the second coach Wilton has ever had and finishes with a .703 winning percentage, 3 State Cjampionships, 2 State runner-up finishes and 2 FCIAC Championships and 3 FCIAC runner up finishes.

The 2008 Lady Warriors delivered one of the most exciting and succesful seasons on recrod, winning the FCIAC Championship and reaching the finals of the State Tournament. In their sixth year Co-Coaches Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Thurlow continued the tradition with this team which quickly became known for its enthusiasm and team spirit.
The high level of compettion started early when Wilton hosted a first-time pre-season Playday in March, featuring seven other elite teams from around the Northeast: Lakeland, NY, Longmeadow, MA, Jamesville-DeWitt, NY, Moorestown, NJ, Garden City, NY, Fayetteville-Manlius, NY, and Conestoga, PA.
The team opened the regular season with impressive wins against solid teams from Glastonbury and Danbury,  but saw disappointing losses against Greeenwich Academy and Darien. The Lady Warriors lost 14-13 in overtime to upstart New Canaan at Lilly Field, followed by a 14 14 overtime
tie at Greenwich in two of the most exciting games in the regular season, finishing 14-3-1.
Post-season play continued the drama as the girls soundly defeated Danbury 20 - 11 in the Quarterfinals of the FCIAC tournament. Then came deja vu all over again with a rematch against Greenwich in the semifinals. Wilton prevailed in a double overtime sudden death thriller, 16 -15.
The Lady Warriors topped this heart-stopping excitement by avenging their regular season loss against New Canaan with a 15 -14 win, to take home the FCIAC Championship Trophy.
The first round of the State Tournamant began with a 20-9 win aganist Avon and a come-from-behind 11-10 victory against #2 seed Hall. The Semifinals matched Wilton against Greenwich for the third time in the season, and our girls fought back from a five goal dificit in the second half to deliver an
11-10 victory with another last seond shot. Although the girls fought their way to the State Finals, they sufferd a disappointing 20-7 loss to #1 seed Darien. With the suspense of three overtime games, six games decided by one point or less, an FCIAC Championship and another trip to the State Finals, the Lady Warriors' 2008 season provided both excitement and accomplishment. All FCIAC First Team: Kate Gunts, Brooke Flanagan, Kyra Hansson, Kacie Johnson.  All FCIAC West Team: Amy Drummond and Leslie Stebbins.  All State First Team: Brooke Flanagan, Kyra Hansson, Kacie Johnson.  MVP of the FCIAC Tournament: Kacie Johnson.  Academic All American: Kyra Hansson.
Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior Award: Kate Gunts. The most prestigious award given to a female athlete, The Melissa Nickel Award, was presented to Paige Powell.

2007 - The Warriors ended their season 10 - 10. FCIAC Semi Finalist and CIAC State Quarter Finalist in Class M. Head Coach Paul McNulty, in his twelfth season, was assisted by Austin Sanders, Chris Kear and Mike Woods. Varsity captains were Brendan Cannon, Mike Kennedy and Mike Shagi. The Junior Varsity record was 11 - 4, led by head coach Christian Willaum and assisted by Rob Wood. JV Captains were Brad Seamans and Cody Lapnow.  Cory MacEachen, Head Freshman Coach was assisted by Shaun Graham and led their team to a 10 - 3 season. Freshman captains were Dan Bartram, Jack Krueger, Tim Maher and Andrew Onderdonk.
Named to the FCIAC Second Team was Peter McMahon, Attack, Brian Ingold, Midfield and Brendan Cannon, Defense. All FCIAC Honorable Mention included Chris Kozlowski, LPM, Vinnie Cannon, SSM, Jon Sherman, Goal, Joe LaSala, Defense and Pete Johnson, Attack.  All State Second Team Honors went to Peter McMahon and Brian Ingold. The Norwalk Hour All Area Team included Brian Ingold and Peter McMahon. Senior All Star selections were Brian Ingold and Brendan Cannon. The 2007 Ground Ball Man Award went to Chris Kozlowski, The Wilton Lacrosse Association Scholar Athlete award and the Team Leadership Award went to Brendan Cannon. Freshman Lacrosse player, Jackson Wilbur, received the Daniel Sheild Award. The WLA inducted Ginger Murtaugh into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. The Youth Program was led by John Arrix. The Wilton Lacrosse Association President was Rob Hess.

The Lady Warriors had another successful season finishing up as State Finalists and a 17 - 4 overall record.  Co-coaches Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Thurlow teamed up for their fifth straight
season. The team started the year with a tough scrimmage against Long Island powerhouse Shoreham-Wading River. After finding out the team's weak spots the girls rebounded well against Loomis and went on to win the next several games. Teh Warriors ended the regular season 14 - 2, only losing to Darien and Lakeland.
The Warriors began post season play with a disappointing loss to Greenwich 11-8, ending the 4 year streak of being in the FCIAC finals. The girls committed themselves to working hard and becoming mentally tougher and their efforts paid off in the State Tournament. They met up with Branford in the first round and with renewed fire won 14-4. The Warriors then met up with a tough 7th
seed South Windsor and took them 16-7. It was on to the state semi finals and the girls did not want to be left out of another post season final. They fought hard against a strong Hand team and with a goal for goal game took the win with 2 minutes left, 9-8. It was on to the State Finals against a talented Darien team. The first half left Wilton disappointed and down 9-3. The girls came out in the second half with heart and determination and tied Draien goal for goal, but the deficit was too deep from the first half and the title went to Darien. The girls and coaches were proud of their efforts in the game and proud overall of a great season.
Many individuals honors came to the Lady Warriors in 2007. Ali Davala and Emily Kager received
All American recognition while both Brit Ferguson and Kindall Healy were named All Ameriacn Honorable Mention. The All-State 1st team included Ali Davala, Emily Kager, Brit Ferguson and Kindall Healy. All FCIAC 1st team honors went to Davala, Kager, Ferguson and Healy.  Marianne Jarboe earned All FCIAC second team recognition while Kyra Hansson and Kacie Johnson were
named All FCIAC Honorable Mention. Ali Davala received the Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior Award. Brit Ferguson received the National Federation of High School Associations Award. Emily Kager was awarded the Melissa Nikel Award, the most prestigious
award a female athlete could receive.


2006 - The Warriors ended their season 12 - 8, FCIAC Semi Finalist and CIAC State Quarter Finalist
in Class M.  We finished ranked fifth in CT and 127th nationally. That ranking came in part due to the team's strenght of schedule, which was rated as the toughest in the state by lacrosse web site laxpower.com. Head Coach Paul McNulty, in his eleventh season, was assisted by Austin Sanders, Chris Kear, Greg Raymond and when they had time available, Mike Woods, Andy Flick, and Marc DiGiovanni. Varsity Captains were Brian Skiba, Stew Brown and Sean Oliver. The Junior Varsity record was 10-5 under the leadership of Garrett Cutler. JV Captains were Steve Krivoshik, Tyler Farrell, Max Pramer and Jon Sherman. The Freshman team, 10-3, was led by WHS grad Corey MacEachen and assisted by WHS grad Rob Wood. Freshman Captains were Ray McSpirit, Matt Castaldi, Rob Sassone and Dave Rinaldi. Named to the All FCIAC First Team was Sean Oliver.
Second Team All FCIAC were Stew Brown, Mark Freimuth and Brian Skiba. All FCIAC Honorable Mention were Owen Green, Pat Barr, Brendan Cannon, and Sean Clancy. All State Second Team honors went to Sean Oliver and Stew Brown. Matt McCarty was named Connecticut's top Academic All American and Academic All American for Class M. The Norwalk Hour All Area Team
included Stew Brown, Pete Johnson, Sean Oliver and Brian Skiba. The Wilton Lacrosse Association Scholar Athlete Award went to Brian Skiba. The team leadership award went to Sean Clancy. Other lacrosse players who distinguished themselves were, Sean Oliver, Wilton Sports Council Sportsmanship Award; Peter McMahon, Daniel Shield Award; Matt McCarty, Channel 12 Scholar Athlete and United States Army Scholar Athlete; and Andy Drummond, Lt. John C. Corr Memorial Award.  The WLA inducted Greg Kamedulski and Jane Wood into the Hall of Fame.  The Youth
Program was led by Gary Cornbrooks.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association Pesident was John Oliver.

The Lady Warriors had an exciting, victoriuos season in 2006, ending as State Champions and FCIAC runner-ups. Co-coaches Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Thurlow teamed up for their fourth season, along with help from assistant coach Lelei Coyle. They started the year with a tough schedule and endured some close losses to power houses Lakeland and Darien. The gilrs played well in a tough scrimmage against NY's Class C State champions, Skaneateles but again came up short of a win. It was after their next regular season loss to Greenwich Academy that the team pulled together and turned their season around. the Warriors finished their regular season with a 10-4-1 record. This put them ranked third going into the FCIAC tournament. After a win over Greenwich in the semi finals, they met Darien for an exciting match-up in the finals. It came down to the final minutes, but after a well fought game the Warriors were denied the title, losing 8-7.
The girls then turned their attention towards the State tournnament. They faced a tough New Canaan
in the first round and won 14-8. The quater finals matched them up with Newtown, where the girls won handily, 14-5. Witlon then met a strong Glastonbury who were hungry for their first State title. With solid play, the Warriors were able to deny them and continue their steak, winning 12-10. Then it was off  to the State Finals to face Darien for the third time that season. The Warriors came out ready to win, playing two solid halves and defeating Darien 9-8, bringing home the State Title for the second time in three years.
The JV squad was led again by coach Joanne Johnson. the team had a fantastic season, finishing undefeated. The Freshman team, led by first time coach Amy Korn, had a solid season as well, despite the numersous rain-out they endured.
Post season award lists included many Lady Warriors. Kate Fowler was named All-American and Ali Davala received Academic All-American honors. Kate Fowler and Emily Kager were named All-State 1st team while Ali Davala was named All-State 2nd team. All-FCIAC 1st team honors went to Kate Fowler, Ali Davala, Emily Kager and Kindall Healy, Kristin Rider was named All-FCIAC 2nd team.
Brit Ferguson and Grace Lindner were named All-FCIAC Honorable Mention. Kate Fowler received the Wilton Lacrosse Association Outstanding Senior Award.
 

2005 – The Warriors ended their season 16 – 5, Connecticut Division I State Semi Finalist and FCIAC Boys Lacrosse Semi Finalist.  Head Coach Paul McNulty, in his tenth season, was assisted by Chris Kear, Marc Ferrandino, Mike Woods, and Nick Gerken.  Wilton finished the season ranked second in the state computer rankings.  The Warriors ranked 39^th in the country in the Laxpower coaches’ poll and ranked eighth in New England.  Laxpower also rated Wilton’s strength of schedule the toughest in the state.  The Junior Varsity record was 13 – 4 under Head Coach Garrett Cutler and Assistant Rob Wood.  The Freshman were led by Head Coach Finn Treadwell and finished with a 10 – 6 season.  Captains of this year’s team were Pete Smith, Matt Johnsen and Sam Slaughter.  Named to the All FCIAC First Team were Pete Smith, Sam Slaughter, Joe Somerdyk, Brad Kamedulski and Tom Hollingsworth.  Second Team All FCIAC included Matt Johnsen and Sean Oliver.  All FCIAC Honorable Mention were Chris Curry and Jon Lombardi.  All State honors went to Pete Smith, Sam Slaughter, Joe Somerdyk, Brad Kamedulski and Tom Hollingsworth.  All American awards were bestowed to Pete Smith, Sam Slaughter (2 time HS All American), Joe Somerdyk, Brad Kamedulski and Tom Hollingsworth.  Pete Smith and Brad Kamedulski were selected to play in the 2005 National Senior Showcase in St. Louis.   The Norwalk Hour All Area Team included Pete Smith, Sam Slaughter, Joe Somerdyk, Brad Kamedulski, Tom Hollingsworth and Matt Johnsen.  Connecticut Senior All Stars were Brad Kamedulski, Tom Hollingsworth and Matt Johnsen.  The Connecticut Super Junior selections were Sean Oliver, Pat Barr, Mark Freimuth, Stew Brown and Brian Skiba.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association Scholar Athlete Award went to Pete Smith.  Other lacrosse players who distinguished themselves were, Chris Mecozzi, Wilton Athletic Club Sportsmanship Award;  Tic Shelly, Wilton Sports Council Sportsmanship Award; Brendan Green, Arthur J. Wall, Jr. Scholarship; Joe Somerdyk, National Federation of State High Schools Award for Excellence; Pete Smith, US Marine Distinguished  Athlete Award and Ice Hockey Marce Lavin Scholarship Award; Matt Johnsen, Wendy’s High School Heisman Award; and Sam Slaughter, CIAC Scholar Athlete, Channel 12 Scholar Athletes, FCIAC Scholar Athlete, and Lt. John C. Corr Memorial Award.  The WLA inducted Rob Campbell into the Hall of Fame.  The Youth Program was led by Gary Cornbrooks and Jay Elliott.  Doug Wetzel was chosen as the Wilton Youth Lacrosse Man of the Year.  The WLA President, in his second term, was Greg Kamedulski. 

 
Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Tgurlow teamed up for their third season as co-coaches to lead the Warriors in 2005. the varsity had another exciting season, ending as FCIAC Champions and State
Finalist. They finished the season with a 19 - 3 overall record.  The season opened with a tough schedule. After a loss to Loomis Chaffee, the gilrs bounced back to beat Greenwich Academy and Greenwich in the same week. The Warriors then fell to New York powerhouse Lakeland, but next went on a 12 - 0 streak until reaching the FCIAC's. The Warriors entered the tournament seeded first and were matched up against Ridgefield in the semi finals, where they won 18 - 5. Next up was Greenwich and Wilton came out powerful and determined, pulling ahead by 10 goals in the first half. But Greenwich never gave up and fought back hard in the second half, giving the Warriors a tough time. The Lady Warriors hung on to their lead and were crowned the FCIAC Champions for the second year in a row.
The girls then turned their attention towards the State Tournament. They played Mercy to a 19 - 8 win in the first round. The quarter finals matched them up with Hall, where the girls won handily, 14 - 4.
Wilton then met a strong, strategic South Windsor in the semi finals. With superb play and tenacity, the Warriors were able to continue their streak, winning 7 - 3. It was off to the State Finals to face 
Greenwich for the third time that season. The Cardinals were certainly out for revenge that day and unfortunately came up with the win 11 -9. It was a disappointment to lose the State Crown, but the Warriors fought hard, had an outstanding season, and will be that much hungrier for it next year !
Post season award list included many Lady Warriors. Meghan Cratty, Caitlin Young, were named All-American. Kaitlyn Lombardo was named All-Amercan Honorable Mention and Kat Hueglin received Academic All-American honors. Kaitlyn Lombardo was named All-State 1st team while Meghan Cratty, Kate Fowler, Kat Hueglin, and Caitlin Young were named All-State 2nd team. All-FCIAC 1st team honors went to Meghan Cratty, Kate Fowler, Kat Hueglin, Kaitlyn Lombardo and Caitlin Young.  Ali Davala and Emily Kager were named All-FCIAC Honorable Mention.
Several new records were set in 2005. Meghan Cratty now holds the career and single season record for assists with 143 & 64 respectively and also is the career and season record holder for groundballs with 210 & 91. Kaitlyn Lombardo is the midfield season assist leader with 36 and has recorded most points in a season for a midfielder with 87. Cailtin Young leads the interception categories with 29 in a season and 62 for career steals.
Meghan Cratty was named the FCIAC tournament MVP and also received the Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior Award. Caitlin Young was awarded the Melissa Nickel Award, the most prestigious award a female athlete could receive.

 

2004 – The Wilton Warriors brought home the State Championship to end a very successful 2004 season.  They were a finalist in the FCIAC playoffs while on their way to a 20 – 3 year.  Nine year Head Coach Paul McNulty was assisted by John Payne and Nick Gerken.  The road to the FCIAC finals was through Staples and Greenwich to get to Darien.  Wilton lost 7 to 12.  A refocused team met McMahon in the first berth of the State Playoffs winning 9 to 6, and  then through Somers 12 – 5 and Joel Barlow 9 -2 to face New Canaan in the finals.  Wilton never faltered and won 9 – 6.  The Junior Varsity record was 14 – 2 under Head Coach Alex Whitten.  The Freshman were led by coaches Payson Bullord and Rob Wood and finished the season 6 – 11.  Captains of this year’s varsity team were Billy Curry, Andrew Horton and Connor Gerken.  Voted to the All FCIAC first team were Andrew Horton, Connor Gerken, Steve Fowler, Chris Jasinski, Sam Slaughter and Bill Curry.  All FCIAC Honorable Mention include Brad Kamedulski, T.J. Pramer and Pete Smith.  Voted All State First Team were Chris Jasinski, Sam Slaughter and Bill Curry.  All American honors went to Bill Curry, Chris Jasinski and Sam Slaughter.  The Connecticut Co-Player of the Year went to Bill Curry.  The Norwalk Hour All Hour team included Chris Jasinski, Steve Fowler, Pete Smith, Bill Curry and Connor Gerken. The Connecticut Senior All Stars were Andrew Horton, Connor Gerken, Steve Fowler, Chris Jasinski and Bill Curry.   Bill Curry was selected to play in the National All Star game.   The Connecticut Super Junior selections were Pete Smith, Sam Slaughter, Brad Kamedulski and Matt Johnsen.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association Senior Award went to Bill Curry.  Other lacrosse players who distinguished themselves were Chris Jasinski, National Football Foundation Award; Nick Pizzo, Channel 12 Scholar-Athlete Award; Bill Curry, Richard Flory Memorial Award for Sportsmanship; Steve Fowler, Wilton Athletic Club Sportsmanship Award; and Frank DiPaolo, Lt. John G. Corr Memorial Award.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association inducted Jim Stockfisch into the Hall of Fame.  Jay Elliott ran the youth program and Greg Kamedulski served as president of the Wilton Lacrosse Association. 

Cindy Wiseman and Ciara Thurlow teamed up for their second season as co-coaches to lead the Warriors in 2004. The Varsity had an exciting, victorious season, ending as both FCIAC Champions and State Champions. They finished the season with a 21-1 overall record. They started the year with a good winning streak, including a strong 12-4 win over Greenwich. The Warriors moved on to have an exciting 14-13 win over NY powerhouse Lakeland, and an 11-10 win over New Canaan. They were undefeated going into their final regular season game against Darien, which they lost 10-11. This lost only fueled their fire going into post-season play. The Warriors faced Greenwich in the FCIAC semi-finals, and determined to redeem themselves after last year's terrible loss in the FCIAC finals, Wilton went on to win 12-10. Next up was New Canaan in the FCIAC finals; a title the Warriors had not won since1999. They came out strong and hungry and became FCIAC champs in a decisive 14-7 victory. The girls then turned their attention towards the much coveted, never held, State title. They played Avon to a 12-5 win in-the first round. The quarter finals matched them up once again with a feisty New Canaan, who were out looking for revenge. With superb play and tenacity, the Warriors were able to hold the Rams off and win 13-10. They then traveled up to Danbury to play an aggressive and determined Glastonbury in the semi-finals, where they once again were able to pull off the win, 9-6. It was off to the State Finals to face their long time rivals, Darien. In a dramatic, come from behind win, the Warriors proved to themselves and to their fans that they were true champions. With great poise, ball control, defense and goal-tending, Wilton won 9-7, halting Darien's long time reign as State Champs.

Post season award lists included many Lady Warriors. Caitrin Ryan was named All-American and Katie Bottini was named All-American Honorable Mention. Meghan Cratty received Academic All-American honors. The All-State 1st team included Caitrin Ryan and Katie Bottini while Meghan Cratty and Caitlin Young were named All-State 2nd team. Melissa Collins earned the honor of Academic All-State. All-FCIAC 1st team honors went to Caitrin Ryan, Katie Bottini, Meghan Cratty and Caitlin Young. Kat Hueglin and Kaitlyn Lombardo were named AII-FCIAC 2nd team and Carolyn Schintzius, Annie Rubin and Kate Fowler were named All-FCIAC Honorable Mention. Caitrin Ryan broke the all time scoring record in Wilton with130 goals. Ryan also received the Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior Award. Senior attacker Britt Howe was awarded the Melissa Nickel Award, the most prestigious award a female athlete could receive.

2003 – The Warriors ended their season 13 - 8 as a State Championship Semi-Finalist.  Head Coach Paul McNulty was assisted by John Payne and Brendan Minogue.  This season was a one goal win/overtime season.  We had 4 OT games and we won 3.  We avenged our one OT loss to McMahon by winning big, 11-4 in the FCIAC Quarter Finals.  In the State Championship Playoffs we had a come from behind OT win against Simsbury in Simsbury.  A decisive win over Ridgefield, 16 - 4 got us into the semi-finals where we lost 5 - 8 against Glastonbury.  The Junior Varsity record was 14 - 2 under Head coaches Josh Mathon and Eric Perez.  The Freshman were led by Head Coach Mike Ward and Assistant Coach John Higgins and finished the season 10 - 4.  Captains of this year’s team were Jay Bollock and Billy Curry.    Steve Mangan was named to the second team All State and first team, All FCIAC.  Jay Bollock was second team, All FCIAC.   All FCIAC Honorable Mention went to Chris Jasinski, Steve Fowler, Andrew Horton and Sam Slaughter.    The Norwalk Hour All Area Team included Steve Fowler, Phil Schellhorn, Sam Slaughter, Chris Jasinski, Steve Mangan and Jay Bollock.   The Connecticut Senior All Stars were Jay Bollock and Steve Mangan.  The Connecticut Super Junior selections went to Billy Curry, Chris Jasinski and Steve Fowler.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association Scholar Athlete Award went to Jay Bollock.  Other lacrosse players who distinguished themselves were Phil Schellhorn - Lee Pierucci Scholarship Award and Richard P. Flory Memorial Award; Steve Mangan - Casey Fron Scholarship Award; and John D’Ascenzo - United States Army Scholar.  The WLA inducted Dick Sullivan into the Hall of Fame.  The Youth Program was led by Jay Elliott and Dave Nightingale.  The WLA President was Tony D’Ascenzo. 

Cindy Wiseman returned for her 2nd year and teamed up with fellow Villanova lacrosse alum Ciara Thurlow to lead the Lady Warriors in 2003. The Varsity had a tumultuous and exciting season as they finished at 16-5 overall. Wilton outscored opponents 190-77 through the regular season and after opening with 10 straight wins lost only to Darien 8-7, Greenwich 15-7 and Lakeland, NY 11-5. In the post season 3rd seeded Wilton challenged defending FCIAC & State Champion Darien, the 2nd seed, in the FCIAC semi-finals. Behind outstanding goal-tending Wilton posted a thrilling 8-7 victory defeating the Blue Wave for the first time since beating them for the FCIAC Championship in 1999. With this victory Wilton became the only team in 10 years to deny Darien a trip to the FCIAC finals. Wilton now faced undefeated and top-ranked Greenwich - a team the Warriors hadn't beaten since 4/25/00. That streak was not to be broken as the Warriors could not get on track and the thrill of victory from just 2 nights before gave way to a numbing 19-3 defeat. The State Tournament saw a revitalized and focused team eager to regain their pride. They dominated Glastonbury 17-6 in a superb display of teamwork and overcame a feisty New Canaan squad 10-8 to set up the match Wilton really wanted - Greenwich. No matter that Greenwich was #1 in the state. No matter that they were considered one of the nations best - with 9 Senior starters heading to college teams (5 to Division I programs). The Warriors were determined to show they could play with the best. Greenwich's goal at 3:53 into the game would prove to be the only lead they would ever have in the contest that would shock Connecticut lacrosse. By the half it was Wilton 5-3; with 25:53 left Wilton had pushed it to 7-3 and at 8: 10 to go it was 10-4 for the Warriors. Greenwich exploded for 4 goals but with 1:27 left Wilton took the draw, controlled the ball & burst with jubilation at the final whistle. Demonstrating great poise & patience, deft ball control, smooth transition, solid defense & great goal-tending the Lady Warriors did what no other team had been able to do all season - defeat the Cardinals. Next up - Darien, for the State Championship. In a dramatic game, the Warriors lost 2 key players to injuries one of which resulted in the 2nd carding and subsequent benching of a Darien player for reckless play. In a see-saw struggle Wilton fell short 8-6. While the Lady Warriors achieved the mightiest of wins the FCIAC & State crowns once more proved elusive.

Post season award lists included many Lady Warriors. Katie Adams was honored as an Academic All-American while Megan Orr and Caitrin Ryan were named All-American Honorable Mention. The All-State 1st Team included Megan Orr and Caitrin Ryan. Katie Adams and Hannah Murtaugh were listed as All-State 2nd Team. The All FCIAC 1st Team representatives were Katie Adams, Hannah Murtaugh, Megan Orr and Caitrin Ryan. Katie Bottini, Meghan Cratty and Emily Waterman were placed on the All FCIAC 2nd Team and All FCIAC Honorable Mention was given to Krissy Frost and Caitlin Young. Katie Bottini and Caitrin Ryan represented Wilton on the New England Team that went to the National Tournament. Katie Adams broke the season scoring record of 106 points set in 2000 by Christine Perakis. The senior sniper recorded 58 goals and 49 assists to set the new record at 107 points and was recognized by the Wilton Lacrosse Association with their Outstanding Senior Award. Goalie Megan Orr was awarded the most prestigious honor given to a Wilton Female athlete - the Melissa Nickel Award.

2002 – The Warriors ended their season 11-7 under Head Coach Paul McNulty and his assistants Kevin Zych and Ted Lutz. After a rough start to the season, Wilton won 8 straight games securing a seed in the FCIAC playoffs. A win against Fairfield in the quarterfinal game meant Wilton would face Darien, the eventual FCIAC winner, in the semis. Wilton rebounded with a great first round State Playoff 12-8 victory against Greenwich. In the quarterfinal match 10th seeded Wilton was eliminated by 2nd seeded Cheshire in a Cheshire come from behind victory, 12-11. The Junior Varsity's record was 11-1 under Head Coach John Payne and his assistant Kyle Mitten. The Freshman Team ended their season 11-3 under Head Coach Mike Ward. Scott Smith and Carter Perry were First Team All State and First Team All American choices. Jay Bollock received Second Team All State honors. All FCIAC First Team selections included Scott Smith, Carter Perry and Jay Bollock. Second Team selections were Conor Manley and Brendan Kreter. Honorable Mention honors went to Pat Bogle, Chris Connelly and OB McMahon. ALL AREA selections included Scott Smith, Carter Perry and Jay Bollock. ALL AREA MVP honors went to Scott Smith. In addition, Scott Smith and Carter Perry were named to The CT POST All Star Lacrosse Team. Scott Smith was selected to play in the US Lacrosse sponsored National High School Senior All-Star Games and earned a chance to tryout for the Under 19 USA World Team. The Connecticut Senior All Stars featured Scott Smith, Conor Manley, and Carter Perry. The Connecticut Super Junior selection was Steve Mangan.

The Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior Award went to Scott Smith. Bob Diehl was the recipient of the John Corr Award.

Coach Joanie Tripp returned to Warrior lacrosse for the 3rd time & 4th season overall. Teamed with Cindy Wiseman, the co-coaches led the Lady Warriors through an exciting 13-6 season. After opening with a tough loss to defending FCIAC Champion Darien the Warriors notched 5 straight wins outscoring opponents 72-32. Wilton then fell to State Champion Greenwich for their second FCIAC loss. The Blue/White finished out the regular season with 5 wins and 2 losses to perennial powers Suffern, N.Y. and Greenwich Academy. One of those last 5 victories came as the Lady Warriors scored 2 goals in the final minute of play to upset eventual N.Y. State Champion Garden City. In the FCIACS 3rd seeded Wilton dueled 2nd seeded Greenwich goal for goal in the first half but the Cardinals outscored Wilton 6-2 in the 2nd half to record the 13-9 victory. The 7th seeded Warriors moved through the first 3 rounds of the State Tournament before facing 3rd seeded Greenwich in the semi-final. Although the Cardinals controlled playas the 1st half ended at 9-3, Wilton mounted a stunning charge by exploding for 5 unanswered goals and shutting down the mighty Cardinal offense. Several goals were traded and with 1:30 to go Greenwich held the ball, killed the clock & took the 11-10 victory. The 2002 Lady Warriors proved themselves to be a gritty, determined group, who though overall young and lacking Varsity experience, developed into a team that never gave up and never gave in. The J. V. team, coached by Tanya Tobia and Linda Koch posted a 9-3 record and the Freshmen finished 9-2 behind Abby Walker and Janet Karabin.

Post-season awards recognized 7 Lady Warriors. Sarah Boggs and Tracey Williams were named All-American Honorable Mention. They were joined on the All-State Team by Megan Orr while Katie Adams and Caitrin Ryan were named All-State Honorable Mention. The FCIAC recognized Boggs, Williams, Orr and Ryan with 1st Team Honors and Honorable Mention Certificates went to Kate Christian and Hannah Murtaugh. The Lower New England Team included Katie Adams and Megan Orr. Sarah Boggs received the Leadership Award and was named Wilton Lacrosse Association's Outstanding Senior.

Donna Smith served as WLA President and John Wiseman was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2001  – The Varsity Warriors ended their season with a 12-9 record under Head Coach Paul McNulty and his assistants, Ted Lutz and Chris Schellhorn.  When some may have counted them out, they rallied in the FCIAC semi-finals to down New Canaan 14-10.  They ended runner-up in the FCIAC with a close loss to Darien.  In their run for the CIAC Championship Title, they gained a berth as one of the top four teams in the state.  A loss to Fairfield Prep in the semi-finals concluded the season.  Coach Ryan Clancy’s JV team posted a 13-3 record and Coach Mike Wood’s Freshmen team finished 14-3.  Justine Saverine and Todd Smith were named 1^st All State.  First Team All FCIAC selections were Justin Saverine and Todd Smith. Carter Perry, Sam Perry and Ed Schellhorn were named to the 2^nd Team All FCIAC. Scott Smith, Brendan Minogue and Doug D’Auria received All FCIAC Honorable Mention.  All Area selections included Sam Perry, Justin Saverine, Ed Schellhorn, Todd Smith and Scott Smith.  The Connecticut Senior All-Stars were Sam Perry, Justin Saverine, Ed Schellhorn and Todd Smith.  Todd Smith was named MVP.  The Connecticut Super Junior selection was Scott Smith.  The WLA Outstanding Senior Award went to Ed Schellhorn.  Ed was also named CHSLA Division I Academic All American.  Justine Saverine received the John Corr Award.

The Lady Warriors, coached by Nancy Budd and assisted by Tracey Mallory, completed the 2001 season with a record of 13-3-1.  After an undefeated pre-season which included a win over visiting St. Georges of Scotland, the Varsity opened with a 9-9 tie in an exciting clash with Darien.  Wilton then notched two victories before falling to Greenwich in their only defeat of the regular season.  The team countered this loss with a string of 9 consecutive victories, including wins over N.Y. powers Lakeland and Cold Spring Harbor.  In post-season play, Wilton was unable to advance past New Canaan in the semi-finals of the FCIAC tournament.  After beating Hall and Cheshire in the State tournament, the Lady Warriors’ season ended in a semi-final loss to eventual champion, Greenwich.  Coach Dierdre Hynes let the J.V. squad through an undefeated season ending up at 10-0-0.  The Freshmen team finished with a 5-3-1 record with the assistance of returning alumni Kristin Wood and Megan Murphy.  Julia Stroup was named an Academic All American and Sam Cratty was chosen All American, Honorable Mention.  Kate Murphy represented the Warriors on the All State team and Lindsay Stockfisch, Tracey Williams and Sarah Boggs were 2^nd Team All State.  The FCIAC recognized Wilton by naming Kate Murphy, Tracey Williams and Sarah Boggs to the 1^st Team and conferring Honorable Mention to Sam Cratty and Lindsay Stockfisch.  Sam Cratty represented Wilton in the Connecticut Senior All Star game and Cratty was joined by Stockfisch on the Lower New England team that went to the National Draw.  Kate Murphy received the Melissa Nickel Award.  The WLA Outstanding Senior Award was presented to Sam Cratty.

2000 – The season was best described as a roller coaster. The Warriors struggled through the regular season with a record of 11-6.  They lost in the FCIAC semi-finals, but rebounded with a great run through the CIAC Tournament.  Behind in both the state’s quarter and semi-final games, they rallied to beat Greenwich and New Canaan in overtime. The team had to settle for the runner-up spot as they went down to Darien’s Blue Wave field for the final game.  Ryan Drummond, Justin Saverine and Scott Smith were named1^st Team All FCIAC. Todd Smith, Matt Sullivan and Sam Perry were named 2^nd Team All FCIAC, while Renz Frankhanel, Mike Gerpe and Brent Simon received Honorable Mention.  Drummond received All American and All State honors. Drummond along with teammates Mike Gerpe, Brent Simon and Matt Sullivan played in the Connecticut Senior All-Star game.  Juniors Clay Austin, Sam Perry, Justin Saverine and Todd Smith were selected for the Connecticut Super Junior’s game.  Brent Simon won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award. 

The Girls Varsity team finished with a very successful record of 16-4.  They were FCIAC runner-up and State runner-up.  The regular season record was 12-2, with wins over all FCIAC teams.  The team lost in the finals of the FCIAC and States to Darien High School.  The very successful 2000 season yielded many individual honors.  Jackie Sherman was the only player to represent a public school in Connecticut as an All American and Christine Perakis was honorable mention All American, both were members of the New England team and were named All State.  Lindsay Stockfisch was named 2^nd Team All State.  All FCIAC honors went to Perakis, Sherman, Kate Murphy and Stockfisch, Julia Stroup and Tracey Williams were honorable mention.  Senior Captain Perakis broke all Wilton H.S. scoring records with 88 goals and 18 assists for a total of 106 points.  The WLA Outstanding Senior Award went to Jackie Sherman.

WLA:  George Scimone served as President and Peter Politi was inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.  The Youth program continued to flourish under the capable leadership of Rob Campbell, Jay Elliott, and Greg Kamedulski.  Guy Whitten received the U.S.L.C.A. Legends of the Game Award.

1999 – The Warriors enjoyed one of their best seasons.  Head Coach Paul McNulty and his assistants Mike Kennedy and Marc DiGiovanni led the team to a 20-2 season and captured both the FCIAC and State Championship Titles.  The Junior Varsity Team, coached by Ted Lutz and Gerrit Schafrath had a record of 16-1.  The Freshmen Team had one of their best seasons ever finishing 16-0 under coaches Mike Ward and Corey MacEachen.  Rob Brown, Kyle Mitten, Dan Torgerson, and Mike Zuckerman were named 1^st Team All FCIAC and 1^st Team All-State.  Mitten, Torgerson, Mike Zuckerman and Mike Gault were named All American. All FCIAC 2^nd Team selections were Chris Woods and Mike Gault, while Nick Gerken, Pat Hall and Todd Smith were All FCIAC Honorable Mention. Brown, Gault, Mitten, Torgerson, Zuckerman and Woods played in the Senior All-Star Game.  Dan Torgerson was selected “Connecticut Player of the Year”.  Chris Woods won the John Corr Award.

The 1999 Girls Varsity Lacrosse team had its best season ever.  Under the direction of new Varsity Coach, Nancy Budd, the team finished with a 17-2 record.  They won the FCIAC Championship against Darien and were the CIAC State runner-up, ending the season #16 in the United States as rated by Lacrosse Magazine.  Kristin Wood was named 1^st Team All-State.  She also played on the New England team and received Honorable Mention All American.  All FCIAC selections were Wood, Whitney Horton and Bridget Higgins.  Whitney Horton received the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Kristin Wood received the Melissa Nickel Award.

WLA:  Dick Sullivan was President, and Lang Allen was inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.
 

1998 – The Warriors had a fine season, finished 19-3 and won State Championship #18 as they came on strong at the end to avenge two of their losses and beat New Canaan in Memorial Stadium.  The JV, coached by Mike Ward and Chris Bishop, were 15-1 and the Freshmen, under Jim Stockfisch and Peter Politi, finished 13-3.  A.J. Cappelli and Andy Stockfisch were All Americans and made All State and All FCIAC.  Scott Lee joined them on the All FCIAC Team and Capelli, Stockfisch, Ripp, Ray Erickson and Mac Lipscomb played in the Connecticut Senior All Star Game.  Dan Ripp received the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Ed Clune won the John Corr Award.  

After a building year, the girl’s team approached the season with a vengeance.  Captains Rachael Tella and Katie Turrentine led them.  The defense spearheaded by Katie Turrentine, Bridget Higgins, Sandy Wood (GK), and Dorie Kiska won several games.  The attack of Kristin Wood as center, Rachael Tella 3H, Courtney Fitzpatrick 2H and lefty Whitney Horton AW did an amazing job of running up the scores which lead to a winning 8-6 season.  Both Courtney Fitzpatrick and Kristin Wood were All FCIAC and All-State.  Whitney Horton was All FCIAC and 2^nd Team All State.   Finally, Wilton was recognized as a powerhouse and, in the future, one team to be reckoned with.

WLA:  Dick Sullivan was President, and Guy Whitten was inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.  Rob Campbell, Greg Kamedulski and Jay Elliott took over the Youth Program, which had a record turnout.
 

1997 – The Warriors were 14-7, the JV finished undefeated 15-0 and the Freshmen finished 12-12-3.  Coach Kennedy moved up to become Varsity Assistant.  Jim Dumser (’91) and Mike Ward coached the JV Team and Jim Stockfisch and Peter Politi guided the Freshmen.  Andy Bogle won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and made both All State and All FCIAC.  He was joined by teammates Blaine Mitten, Rob Wood and Jesse Ford on the Senior All Star Team. 

The Girls team, 5 Juniors, 9 Sophomores, and 2 Freshmen was lead by 4 Seniors, Raff Kalishman, Lauren Bruce, Patricia Gray ad Jan Favero.  This young Junior team had trouble getting out of the starting gate, ending the season 5-6-1.  Raff Kalishman, Lauren Bruce, Sandy Wood (GK), Bridget Higgins and Christine Perakis led a strong defense combined with the aggressive attack of Rachael Tella, Dorie Kiska, Courtney Fitzpatrick and Kristin Wood.  All FCIAC honors were given to Lauren Bruce and Raff Kalishman.

WLA:  Ed Adams returned as President of the WLA, and Linda Swaze was inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Greg Kamedulski and Rob Campbell joined Peter Politi to lead the Youth Program.  Guy Whitten was inducted into the Connecticut Chapter of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and was chosen by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association as Coach of the Year.

1996 – The Warriors had a 19-3 season under new Head Coach, Paul McNulty.  The team was FCIAC Champs for the 12^th time and Runners-up in the State Championship Game.  The JV team was 17-0 under Mike Kennedy and the Freshmen were undefeated 15-0 with Jim Stockfisch as coach.  Andy Tumolo was Coach McNulty’s assistant and Steve Sedlak assisted the Freshman.  Andy Flick and Marc DiGiovanni were chosen as All Americans and teammate Mike Pfeffer joined them on the All State, All FCIAC and Connecticut Senior All Star Teams.  Andy Flick became the all-time leading scorer.  Kevin Higgins gets the Outstanding Senior Award and the John Corr Award. 

Coach Nancy Hergot and Assistant Coach Meppie Pettit, lead Seniors Samantha Gold, Tina Novitsky, Stacy Valerie, Megan Kulbieda, Tracy Hartman, Joanna Aseltine, and Jessica Glomb to a season record of 6-9.  Aseltine was varsity goalie for four years and was awarded the WLA Outstanding Senior Award.

WLA:  Brian Higgins was President, and the Youth Program continued under the leadership of Peter Politi and his Band of Merry Men.  Guy Whitten was inducted into the Wilton High School Hall of Fame and was chosen by the Connecticut High School Coaches Association as Coach of the Year.

1995 – Arguably Wilton’s best season ever!  The Warriors completed their only undefeated season, due largely to the two outstanding lacrosse classes of ’95 and ’96.  They won FCIAC Championship #11 and State Crown #17 and finished a perfect 23-0 season with a #2 National Ranking.  The JV and Freshmen Teams were both undefeated at 16-0 and 15-0 as 13 seniors moved on to play Division I Lacrosse.  It was indeed a fine year for the Blue.  The Warriors grabbed all six of Connecticut’s All Americans:  Tim Knowles, John O’Donnell, Steve Ward, Jeff Zuckerman, Andy Flick and Marc DiGiovanni.  They were joined by Travis Whitten and Adam Wolfman on the All State and All FCIAC teams.  Knowles, O’Donnell, Ward, Whitten, Wolfman and Zuckerman were chosen for the Connecticut Senior All Star Team.  Tim Knowles won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and the John Corr Award. 

This year marked the start of a new era for Girl’s Lacrosse at Wilton High School.  Joanie Tripp took over the girl’s program as the Varsity Coach with Meppie Pettit, the Junior Varsity Coach.  A senior-dominated team with no prior lacrosse experience had the spirit, drive and determination to set a few records for their school.  Christy Lutz and Mary Bachman, the Captains, lead their team to a victorious record of 10-4.  This was the first time the girls had ever won against both New Canaan and Greenwich.  Thanks to the high scorers:  Alexis Welby, Christy Lutz, Bonnie Gault, Sam Gold, and Christine Gray and the strong defense of Joanna Aseltine, Goal Keeper, Mary Bachman, Lauren Bruce and Raff Kalishman, the team was unstoppable bringing a new beginning to Wilton Girl’s Lacrosse.  Christy Lutz, Alexis Welby and Bonnie Gault were All FCIAC.

This was Coach Whitten’s final season as Coach of the Warriors.  He finished his career with 410 wins and 77 losses.  At the time, he was one of only four coaches in the history of the game to win more than 400 games.  Coach Whitten was chosen Connecticut Coach of the Year for the 4^th time and was Head Coach of the victorious South Team in the Connecticut Senior All Star Game.  Guy Whitten was the only coach the Wilton High School Varsity had ever had, and was replaced by JV Coach, Paul McNulty, for the ’96 season.

WLA:  Dick Colley, John Ferguson, Casey Fron and Bob Prusmack were inducted into the Hall of Fame. 
 

1994 – This team finished 19-2, were FCIAC Runner-Up and State Champs.  The team was able to redeem one of the two losses to Darien when they beat the Blue Wave on their home field for State Championship #16.  The JV, under Coach McNulty was undefeated at 16-0, while the Freshmen finished 11-4 with Coach Mike Kennedy in his first year.  Kevin Zych and Mark Goulding assisted Coach Whitten with the Varsity.  John Ward was an All American and was joined by Tim Knowles, Steve Ward, Adam Wolfman and Jeff Zuckerman on the All State team.  John O’Donnell joined this group on the All FCIAC team and Ward, Sam Brewer, John Cooper and Jim Miller were picked for the Connecticut Senior All Star Game.  Sam Brewer topped his MVP of the State Championship Game by winning the WLA Outstanding Senior Award ad Kyle Swayze won the John Corr Award.  The Boys in Blue relished another big year.

WLA:  Ed Adams was President of the WLA and Peter Politi guided the Youth Program.  Buck Griswold and Jim Overby went into the WLA Hall of Fame.

1993 – This Warrior team struggled through the regular season with an unusual number of injuries to key players and finished 14-6.  All the big dogs were healthy and ready for the playoffs, and they were able to knock off #1 Darien and #2 New Canaan to win their 15^th State Championship and third in a row.  Coaches Bill Bishop (’88) and Kevin Wall (’88) brought the JV season to 14-2 while helping Coach Whitten with the Varsity.  Coach McNulty’s Freshmen Team was again undefeated at 15-0.  Ben Johnson was an All American.  Johnson and Mark Lawson received All State honors. Johnson, Lawson and Matt Wilson were named All FCIAC.  Carter Humphreys and Alex Whitten joined Johnson, Lawson and Wilson on the Connecticut Senior All Star team.  Mike O’Rourke won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award. 

WLA:  Bill Knowles served as President of the WLA, and the Youth Program continued with Peter Politi as Director and Dick Sullivan, Jim Stockfisch ad Andy Morin directing the Intramural and travel teams.  Jim and Barbara Bowditch and Jan Pressler were inducted into the Hall of Fame. 
 

1992 – Wilton won their 14^th Connecticut State Championship and were FCIAC Runner-up with a 17-3 season.  Mike Holland (’87) coached the JV to a 15-1 season and Paul McNulty’s Freshmen were undefeated 15-0.  John Wiseman (’86) and Graham Hardin join the coaching staff as assistants to coaches Whitten and Holland.  Joe Kirmser and Ross Thomson were All Americans and were joined by Ben Johnson on the All State Team and Johnson and Matt Hoppe on the All FCIAC team.  Hoppe, Kirmser, Thomson and J.T. Tremante were chosen to the Connecticut Senior All Star Team.  Joe Kirmser won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Dr. Dan Cappel was inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.  Thanks to Dan for his monumental contribution to lacrosse in Wilton and for timing all those many, many games.  Coach Whitten received the U.S.L.C.A.’s National Man of the Year Award, appeared in Faces in the Crowd and was C.O.N.N.Y.’s Man of the Year. 

WLA:  Jim Ward was President, and Peter Politi became Director of the Youth Lacrosse Program--assisted by Ed Adams, Dick Sullivan, Ray Erickson and Mike Poisella.

WLA:  Bob MacLead and Sid Spencer were inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.
 

1991 – Both the FCIAC and State Championships returned to Wilton as the Warriors finished at 18-2 season.  The JV under coaches Chris Harris (’85) and Mike Fuller (’81) went undefeated 16-0.  Coach McNulty led the Freshmen Team to a 14-2 season, and Tom Bomet (’85) assists Coach Whitten with the Varsity.  Wilton had three All Americans – Mark Allen, Geoff Bohlender and Joe Kirmser.  These three were joined on both the All State and All FCIAC teams by Greg DiGiovanni, Mark Nickel and Mike Witek.  Ryan LaGuardia along with Allen, Bohlender, DiGiovanni, Nickel and Witek made the Senior All Star Team.  Mark Allen won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award.

WLA:  Bob MacLead and Sid Spencer were inducted into the WLA Hall of Fame.
 

1990 – The Warriors were Runners-Up in both the FCIAC and State Championships and had a fine 16-4 record.  Randy Colley and Junior Mark Allen were All Americans and were joined by Bill Monroe and Sophomore Joe Kirmser on the All State and All FCIAC teams.  Again the JV and Freshmen had undefeated 16-0 and 15-0 records.  Coaches Clarke, McNulty and Jim Book (’87) did a great job teaching Wilton Lacrosse to our young players.  Randy Colley won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Bill Monroe won the John Corr Award.  Coach Whitten won his 300^th game and was honored with the Southern New England Lacrosse Officials Association Distinguished Service Award.

WLA:  Jack O’Donnell, Mike Seigfried, Ron Labouchere, Mike Poisella and Jim Ward assumed leadership roles in the youth program.  Steve Cunniff and Dick Papenfuss were the first two inductees into the WLA Hall of Fame.

1989 – Another 19-1 season for the Warriors as they captured both the FCIAC and State Championships.  Coach Clarke’s JV team was undefeated at 16-0, and new Freshmen Coach Paul McNulty and his assistant, Greg Schraff, lead the Freshmen to an undefeated 15-0 season.  Wilton had a record four All Americans, Brain Mayglothling, Chad Prusmack, Dan Reading and Frank Shipman.  All four made All State and All FCIAC as well, and were joined by Chris Pillsbury on the Connecticut Senior All Star Team.  Brian Mayglothling won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Dan Reading won the John Corr award.  Coach Whitten was named Connecticut Man of the Year for the second time and was Head Coach of the victorious South All Stars.  The Warriors finished one of their best seasons and 8 seniors went on to play Division I lacrosse.  Wilton athletics lost one of its most loyal supporters, John Snow.

1988 – The Warriors were 19-1 and won their 11^th State Championship after three years of drought, and were Runners-Up in the FCIAC Championship.  Both J.B. Clarke’s JV and John Piere’s Freshmen were undefeated at 16-0 and 15-0.  Bill Bishop, Mike LaValle and Kevin Wall were All Americans and were joined by John Cachianes, Dan Reading, Frank Shipman and Derek Thomson on the All State and All FCIAC teams.  Bishop, Cachianes, LaValle, Wall and Chris Glowaki were picked Connecticut Senior All Stars.  Bill Bishop broke the all-time Wilton H.S. scoring record and went on to become a two-time All American at Ohio Wesleyan University.  Tim Zielman won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Kevin Wall won the John Corr Award.  Wilton Lacrosse enjoyed one of its finest years.  Coach Whitten is chosen as Head Coach of the USA U-19 National Team, and they won the World Championship in Adeliade, Australia.

1987 – The Warriors were Runners-Up in both the FCIAC and State Championships, and had another outstanding season, finishing 16-4.  The JV and Freshmen both finished well with 15-0-1 and 14-1 respectively.  Bill Bishop and Jeff Mechura were named All Americans and were joined by Jim Book, Mike LaValle and Chris Skillin on the All State and All FCIAC teams.  Book, Mechura, Skillin and Mike Holland were picked as Senior All Stars for Connecticut.  Jim Book won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and Chip Simplicio won the John Corr Award. 

WLA:  John Ferguson and Bill Bishop joined Dick Colley and Bob Prusmack in the Youth Program

1986 – Same record as ’85.  The Varsity completed the season 17-3, beat New Canaan for the FCIAC title, but lost the State Championship to the Rams.  The JV had a 14-1 season with Coach Haefele and Coach Miller’s Freshmen were undefeated, 15-0.  John Wiseman won the Outstanding Senior Award and the John Corr Award.  John Wiseman was All American and joined by teammates Justin Borglum, Mike Warnes and Scott Sisk as Connecticut Senior All Stars, All State and All FCIAC teams.  Coach Whitten is chosen as the Connecticut Man of the Year and receives the Wilton YMCA Distinguished Citizen Award.  Ex-Warriors J.B. Clarke (’83) and Doug Overby (’81) returned to assist Coach Whitten with the Varsity.

1985 – The Warriors had a fine season, finished 17-3, beat New Canaan for the FCIAC Championship, but lost to the Rams in the State title game.  Both the JV and Freshmen had fine seasons, 13-2 and 14-1.  Dave Kidder and Manny Suarez were All Americans and All State along with teammates Tom Bonnet, Justin Borglum and Kevin Gebbia.  Bonnet, Gebbia, Kidder, Suarez and Chris Harris were Senior All Stars and all five made 1^st Team All FCIAC.  Manny Suarez won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award and the John Corr Award. 

Paul Miller was President of WLA.  Coach Whitten was chosen Connecticut Coach of the Year for the third time.

1984 – The Warriors won their 200^th game, finished 16-3 and captured both the FCIAC and State Championships after a week of rain in the famous 2 for 1 game at Danbury High School.  The JV and Freshmen Teams are 14-2 and 11-4.  Dan Coughlan won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award.  Dan and Manny Suarz were chosen All American, and with Dave Keefe were All State and All FCIAC.  Dan Coughlan, Dave Keefe, Greg Schraff and Dan George played in the Senior All Star Game.

1983 – The Warriors rebounded from the disappointing ’82 season, 15-4, were FCIAC Runner-Up, and won their 9^th State Championship against New Canaan in overtime at Staples High School.  The JV and Freshmen were 11-4 and 12-1 and Scott Schraff won the WLA Outstanding Senior Award.  Reed Overby won the John Corr Award.  Reed Overby and Scott Schraff were named All Americans, and were joined by teammates J.B. Clarke, Gary Grose and Bob Mitchell on the Connecticut Senior All Star Team, All State Team and All FCIAC team.  Coach Whitten coached the North All Stars to victory in the National Senior All Star game in Baltimore. 

WLA:  Buck Griswold was President and Dick Colley and Bob Prusmack lead the Youth Program into a new era by introducing travel teams at all levels, plus adding 4^th grade to the program.

1982 – The Warriors finished the season at 12-6 and for the first time failed to play for either the State or FCIAC Championships.  Coaches Haefele and Miller guide the JV and Freshmen teams to 10-4 and 12-1 records.  Kirk Gill, Rod Hamar and Brian Smallman made the Senior All Star team, Scott Schraff was All State and Reed Overby was All FCIAC.  Kirk Gill and Rod Hamar share the WLA Outstanding Senior Award (formerly the Menson Award). 

Girls lacrosse played their first Varsity season Coached by Bobbie Bowditch.

1981 – The Varsity had a 14-4 season and again won both the State and FCIAC Championships.  The JV, coached by Dave Haefele, (’74), and Wilton’s first All American, had an undefeated season at 14-0, while Freshmen, under the leadership of Bob Kocher (’81) an Steve Mille (’78), were10-3.  Dan Miller won the Menson Award and the John Corr Award.  Bobbie Bowditch continued to coach Girl’s Lacrosse as a club sport.  The Youth program was strong for grades 5-8, with Steve Cunnif, Bob MacLea and Bob Prusmack at the helm.

1980 – The Warriors won both the State and FCIAC Championships and finished 16-2.  The JV season ended 14-0 and Freshmen were 12-1.  This was the final season for JV Coach Carl Charles and Freshmen Coach Dave Kilgour.  Both men played a huge factor in the growth of Wilton Lacrosse.  Jim Coughlin and Chris Nelson made All American, Connecticut Senior All Stars, All State and All FCIAC.  Stephen Boscarossa, Jon Foot and Bob Papenfuss, who also won the John Corr award, were on the Senior All Stars All State and All FCIAC while Tom Huestes and Dave Richardson were picked All FCIAC.  This year ended Dick Papenfuss’ four years as President of the Wilton Lacrosse Association and Coach Whitten was named Connecticut Coach of the Year for the second time and New England Coach of the Year.

1979 – Yet another year for the Warriors to sweep both the State and FCIAC Championships after a 17-1 season.  Both the JV and Freshmen have undefeated seasons, 14-0 and 13-0 respectively.  Dave Kilgour returns to coach the Freshmen.  Doug Coleman, Dave McNally and Mark Reardon played in the New England All Star Game, played in Memorial Stadium.  Doug Coleman, Jon Foot and Mark Reardon were chosen for the All FCIAC team.  Mark Reardon made All State.

Girls lacrosse was introduced on a club basis and coached by Bobbie Bowditch.

1978 – The Warriors won their 5^th consecutive State and 2^nd FCIAC Championships finishing a 15-3 season.  The JV finished 14-1 while the Freshmen were undefeated 13-0.  Mike Pressler was named All American and was Wilton’s all time point scorer.  Mike also won the John Corr Award.  Scott Butler, Craig Esslinger, Jay Mathis and Mike Pressler were named All State and All FCIAC and Jay Hungerford and Chris Sherman joined them on the All FCIAC team.  Wilton hosted the first pre-season lacrosse jamboree joined by Avon Old Farms, Bethpage and Nyack.  The Wilton High School Pep Band played at Saturday home games and was enjoyed by all.

1977 – This was another key year in the history of Wilton Lacrosse.  The Wilton Lacrosse Association was formed by charter members Dick Papenfuss, Bob Hungerford, Bob MacLea, Sid Spencer, Steve Cunniff, Jan Pressler and Guy Whitten.  The Wilton Lacrosse Program was published and the varsity team played home games in Memorial Stadium.  The FCIAC officially added lacrosse to its program, and the Warriors completed their season 16-2, and won both the FCIAC and State Championships.  The JV team was perfect at 15-0, while the Freshmen team finished 10-2-1.  Pieter Nauta and Dave Papenfuss were All Americans and, along with Buzzy Vail, played in the New England Senior All Star Game.  Nauta, Papenfuss, Vail and Mike Pressler made All State and Nauta, Papenfuss and Pressler were chosen to the first ever All FCIAC team.  Coach Whitten won his 100^th game.

1976 – The Warriors won State Championship #3 and finished the season at 16-2, while the JV and Freshmen teams finished 14-1 and 15-1 respectively.  Jeff Hacker was chosen All American.  Jeff Hacker, Gary Kitchen and Scott Silk played in the New England Senior All Star Game with Coach Whitten as Head Coach of the West All Stars.  Jeff Hacker, Gary Kitchen, Pieter Nauta and Dave Papenfuss made the All State team.  Robert Cappola won the first Menson Award, named after Bart Menson, Class of ’74.

1975 – The Warriors (13-2) won their second State Championship beating Hall High School 12-7 at New Canaan High School.  In Dave Kilgour’s final year as coach, the JV team finishes 12-1 and the Freshmen Team under the leadership of new coach, Carl Charles, finished 11-0.  Chris Pfhal was chosen All American.  Mike Faught received the John Corr award.  Mike Faught, Travis Haase and Chris Pfhal played in the New England Senior All Star Game and are chosen All State along with Matt Breckheimer, John Kingsbury and Rich Perry.  Coach Whitten is chosen Coach of the Year and elected President of CHSLCA.

1974 – Overall, 1974 was one of the most important years in Wilton and Connecticut lacrosse history.  The Connecticut High School Lacrosse Coaches Association was born in Guy Whitten’s living room in Bethel, Connecticut.  The Coaches Association chose Will Hunter of Conard High School as their first president and decided to sponsor the first Connecticut State Lacrosse Championship that Spring. After completing a 12-1 regular season, the Warriors beat Conard High School in West Hartford (9-4) to win the first State Championship.  The JV team completed another undefeated season (15-0) under Coach Kilgour.  Coach Kilgour also coached the first Freshmen team to an undefeated season (9-0).  Wilton’s first two All Americans were Craig Ferrer and Dave Haefele.  Chip Carpenter, Craig Ferrer, Clay Ferrer, Dave Haefele, and Jamie Kitchen were chosen for the All State Team.  Chip Carpenter, Craig Ferrer, Dave Haefele and Craig Ferrer were chosen to play in the New England Senior All Star Game.

1973 – With a Junior dominated team, the Warriors end the season at 12-1, the only loss at home (5-6) to Hall High School, a team they had beaten (9-3) in West Hartford earlier in the season.  The JV team finished its first undefeated season at 13-0.  Mark Breckheimer won the John Corr Award.  This was the first of post-season awards for Warrior Lacrosse. Doug Cole, Rick Miller and Coach Whitten were chosen to play and coach in the E-W New England Senior All-Star Game at Springfield College.

1972 – Varsity, with a very young team, finished 7-6, while the JV improved finishing 11-3.  The classes of ’74 and ’75 were Sophomores and Freshmen and things were about to change as many of the best athletes began to play lacrosse.  Bob MacLea joined the youth program, with 75 players in the second year.

1971 – This was a losing season with a 5-6 record.  Dave Kilgour took over as coach of the first JV team, and they finished the season 8-4, with a team of mostly freshmen.  The Youth Lacrosse program, sponsored by Parks and Recreation and run by Steve Cuniff and Sid Spencer was begun.

1970 – Led by a strong senior class, many of whom had been in the club program for several years, the Warriors narrowly miss an undefeated season.  They avenge their only loss (5-6) to Clarkstown North High School in the final game of the season (10-1) and finish the year at 11-1.  Steve McCandlish scored an incredible 58 goals in a twelve game season and goalie Peter Hetz was stellar in goal with an 80.4% save percentage.

1969 – School Principal Joe Brence and Nick Zeoli hire Guy Whitten, Wilton High School math teacher and football coach, to coach the first school-sponsored team.  Team Captain, Andy Morin, scored the new team’s first goal ever by kicking a loose ball into the net during a scrimmage vs. Scarsdale High School.  The inaugural team finished with a 6-5 record. Coach Whitten was thrown into the school pond at season’s end with the announcement of his engagement to Helen Davis.

1968 - Under the leadership of newly elected Chairman Don McGlathery (a high school classmate of the Bowditchs), The Board of Education and the Administrators at Wilton High School decide to make boy’s lacrosse a school-sponsored varsity sport for the next year.  Penn Bowditch, Wilton High School Class of ’68, went to Haverford College and became the assistant coach there for the ’73-’75 seasons.  He became head coach for the first year of Villanova’s new team in 1976.

1967 -- Nick Zeoli, while working a summer football camp at Peekskill Military Academy, purchased a load of sticks, helmets, gloves, pads and uniforms from the bankrupt Academy.

1966 – Dave Kilgour, a new high school science teacher and former Bowdoin lacrosse player, arrives on the scene and assumes the coaching duties.  By now, the team had two or three midfields and was playing a regular schedule still on a club basis.  Jim and Bobbie Bowditch started a six-week summer league with as many as 80 graduated seniors and college players.  They played three evenings per week and on weekends with teams from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  The team also played a summer tournament on Cape Cod.

1965 – Wilton played its first home game against New Canaan Country Day and lost!  Later that year Wilton celebrated the first home game victory over a club team from Schenectady, New York.  During the club years, the loyal support of the Village Market through their donations of snacks and soda was greatly appreciated.  Francis Spencer lead a group of Moms who busily sewed to rehabilitate old equipment and whatever else they could do to help provide the needed protective equipment for the players.

1963-64 – Dan Cappel returned from his leave of absence.  A series of scrimmage games against established varsity teams, mostly from New York State, were scheduled for the Spring Season’s in ’64 and ’65.  Charlie Jacob, a former Dartmouth player, joined the coaching staff as a volunteer. Lacrosse remained a club sport.

1962 – Dan Cappel, the Bowditchs and a group of interested parents approached Nick Zeoli, Athletic Director, about school support for lacrosse.  Nick was able to get the  Father’s Club to donate money for equipment.  George Washburn, a school custodian and plumber, built the first set of lacrosse goals for the program.

1961 – Dan Cappel took a leave of absence to complete his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts and left the club in the capable hands of the Bowditchs.

1959-60 – Dan Cappel met Wilton residents Jim and Barbara “Bobbie” Bowditch. Both of the Bowditchs played high school and college lacrosse in the Philadelphia area. Bobbie was the first women’s coach at Yale.  They joined forces and began club lacrosse sessions. 

1958 – Dan Cappal who played for legendary coach Milt Roberts at the University of Delaware and some of the students in his science classes at Wilton High School buy wooden sticks and “throw around” on a field outside of school.  Al Dobsevage, Wilton High School Latin teacher and ex-lacrosse player lends his support to the effort.

So there you have the history of Wilton Lacrosse.  Though the above descriptions are at times hazy, the spirit of the game and the tradition in Wilton carry on as strong as ever.  Wilton Lacrosse has a cornerstone of great people:  Players, Coaches, Parents, School and Community all coming together to share, enjoy and promote a quality lacrosse program in Wilton.  The legacy of lacrosse in Wilton has and will continue to be of great importance to so many young people and their families for years to come.  It is an athletic program the entire Town of Wilton can be proud of.