Hackley Boys Lacrosse 2017

Injuries were a particular challenge for this team. Expecting to return a core of players from the previous year, they instead played several games with as many as five starters unable to compete, sometimes dressing only 14 players for games. They persevered in the face of adversity, proving the adage that “adversity does not develop character, it reveals it.” Players who did not expect to play major roles were suddenly being relied upon to play significant minutes in each game, and a team that expected veterans at every position, suddenly had to reinvent itself. The fact that they were able to do this is a testament to grit, self-confidence, and support of each other. United, they helped one another. The team progressed impressively through the NYSAIS championships only to be undone by a late rally from the #1 seed Rye Country Day 7-6 in double overtime.