Eureka shouldered its way into the big time last spring.
The Wildcats became the first public school program to reach the Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association Division I title game this decade.
In its first season in Division I, Eureka ended up losing to Rockhurst, a heavy favorite again this year, but came away with instant respect and now expectation.
The Wildcats return a heavy slew of players from the 2010 run that culminated in a 12-4 record.
"The secret is out," Eureka coach Keith Templin said. "No one will be fooled. People know that we're a decent program and we can win."
Templin, who masterminded the defense (that allowed a National League-best 6.1 goals a game) last season, takes over for last year's coach John Silva, who moved out of state. Silva's younger brother, Mike, who also coaches at Fontbonne and formerly at Carthage, takes over on defense.
The Wildcats lineup has few holes, if any.
Eureka has three established senior players on attack in Henry Tellini, Matt Ward and Alex Hepper.
Senior Ryan Gardner has a relentless motor in the midfield. He notched a team-best 30 goals and 36 assists last season.
There are four more veterans anchoring the defense led by Kyle Ellison, Drew Carlton, goalie Dustin Rademacher and Adam Weinrich.
"They are the ones responsible for turning Eureka into a top-notch program," Templin said. "They are the heart and soul. The program is built around them."
Looking ready to make the move to varsity are junior middie Zack Sutter and a pair of sophomores in Michael McLaughlin and Daniel Shovlain.
The Eureka program is growing much like the sport itself. Templin estimates there are 80 players out for the three teams at the school.
"The organization has blown up at the youth level," Templin said. "The skill set of the freshmen is at a much higher level."
Red Devils determined on defense
Chaminade is known for its relentless defense and that won't change this spring.
Senior goalie Jonathan Duncan and classmates Greg Willey, Taylor Oswald and Scott Meiners will make Chaminade a tough nut to crack.
Chaminade lost to Eureka in the semifinals last season. Coach Jason Seidel is entering his second season.
"We have to replace a lot of points," Seidel said. "But we have a lot of talent on defense."
Dillon Sanders looks to figure predominantly in the attack. He scored 16 goals and passed out 14 assists last season.
The Red Devils open the season in Ohio. Their home opener is March 31 against Lindbergh.
Welcome back
After a year away from the high school scene, Ron Kelam is back.
Kelam, who coached SLUH to a state title in 2009 after coaching at Parkway South for four seasons, returns to DeSmet, the site of his glory as a prep player. Kelam led DeSmet to a state championship in 1996.
"This is a perfect fit," Kelam said. "We all come from the same fold and there is an understanding already in place with the (coaching) staff, which is one of the best I have ever had."
The Spartans didn't make the playoffs last season, a first for the program in over 15 years.
Four seniors will almost ensure that it won't happen again.
Jack Vandover (attack), Brandon Lenz (middie), Michael Rehme (middie) and Blake Abbenhaus (defenseman) have led a committed squad of Spartans that have logged hours in the weight room, at camps, and in leagues.
"They have taken last year personally," Kelam said.
Look for DeSmet to push the attack this season.
The Spartans open the season Tuesday at home against Ladue, which is the defending Division II champion.
Rams circle the wagons
MICDS had Rockhurst on the ropes in last year's semifinals. The Rams were up three goals before a one-hour delay due to weather stalled any momentum. MICDS had a one-goal lead with 50 seconds left, but couldn't hold on to win.
Several players are gone from that team, but coach Andy Kaye always trots out a solid lineup.
"It is clear that the Rockhurst game had a tremendous effect on these guys," Kaye said. "Sometimes good things happen from a loss like that."
The Rams will be solid on defense. During last weekend's jamboree, MICDS allowed just four goals over four games.
Though he didn't play much last season, Daniel Shim is being touted as one of the best goalies in the state.
Seniors Tucker Sanders-Lyle and Keith Harbison head up the attack and should provide enough cushion for the stout defense.
Switch up
Clayton, Ladue and Pembroke Hill have made the climb up from Division II to Division I this season. The Greyhounds and Rams have plenty of history in the league. Parkways Central and South have moved down to Division II.
