Wolves count on defense to lead way for successful lax season

Left to right, Junior goalie Blake O’Callaghan has committed to play in college at Princeton. Brendan Corelli will lead the attack for the Wolves. Senior defenseman Aidan Brinn has committed to play at SUNY Oneonta. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS

Mike Bocklet returns for his fourth-year at the helm of his alma mater.

By JIM MACLEAN

John Jay boys varsity lacrosse coach Mike Bocklet knows all about what it means to grow up and play lacrosse in the Wolves program.

He grew up here, played here, played in college, played pro. He’s in the John Jay Hall of Fame along with his brothers and sister, he’s been the head coach for four years, he’s been around the program for decades and he knows that every year some very talented players graduate and there are others waiting for their chance to get on the field.

That’s what happens at all good programs in order to carry on that winning tradition and keep turning out the talent to win year after year. Last year was another winning season for John Jay as the Wolves finished at 12-4 overall and advanced to the Section 1 Class C championship game before falling to Rye for the second-straight year in the title game.

However, that team was led by a pair of All-Americans and a number of senior starters that were all lost to graduation. This year will certainly be one of those seasons where the Wolves will be out to prove that the program is strong with other players ready to seize the opportunity to step into the starting lineup and compete with the best of them in Section 1.

“Absolutely, it’s their turn, and that’s exciting for a lot of guys in new roles,” admitted Bocklet. “A lot of energy and enthusiasm, they know they’re learning. I’m sure there will be a learning curve, some bumps early, but it’s a motivated group.”

A good place to start for John Jay will be on defense as the Wolves have one of the best goalies in the section returning with junior Blake O’Callaghan. He is back for his third year as the starter in goal for the Wolves, and he has already committed to play in college at Princeton University after he graduates.

O’Callaghan will be the anchor of a strong defensive unit for John Jay with three returning starting long poles in front of him. Senior defender Aidan Brinn is a returning starter who has committed to play at The State University of New York at Oneonta next year. In addition to Brinn, juniors Pete Hill and Jonah Silverman are also returning starters for a solid defense.

Offense is the question mark for John Jay. Last year the Wolves were led by All-Americans Luca Duva and Andrew Kiefer, that duo accounted for more than 100 goals between them, and Dom Savastano was one of the top face off men in the section giving the Wolves possession. Those three graduated along with most of the midfield and attack.

Senior Brendan Corelli is the only returning starter on attack for the Wolves, and he will lead the way with a lot of newcomers. Corelli was the fourth leading scorer for John Jay last year, scoring 18 goals and 39 points overall. At midfield, Dino Rajamani was a starting D-middie last season and he will move into the top midfield line this season.

“We’ve got Blake between the pipes and a lot of guys return on the defensive side, good leaders and talented players and we’re excited about that,” Bocklet said of his roster. “Corelli on attack side returns and we’ll be leaning on him to lead the way with a lot of new guys.”

“We’re building, it’s good, the expectations are the same and we’ll be competitive,” added Bocklet. “We’ve got a good staff, we get along well and balance each other. Rye is always tough, Somers moved down to Class C, Pelham and a lot of really good teams, and we play all the stars from Section 1 and a tough schedule, but we have the same goals every year and we’re ready to go.”

John Jay opens the season at home Tuesday, April 1, against Pelham. The Wolves then travel to Carmel on Thursday, April 3, and return home for a big game under the lights Saturday, April 5, against rival Yorktown.