The Heights lacrosse team ended with a strong record this season with twelve wins and seven losses, one of its best in school history. According to Head Coach Boh Mitchell ’07, “The team’s success was driven by a tremendous senior class who bought in from day one. All captains were seniors, and all seniors could have been named captain because of their dedication to this group all year long. They certainly left the program in a better place than where they found it.”
Coach Mitchell continued by acknowledging one senior in particular, Owen James, who earned the school’s Most Valuable Player Award and Cavalier Award: “When I think of Owen, the word that always comes to mind is accountable. Unfortunately, accountability is often a missing ingredient with today’s student-athletes. It is easy to point the finger at the system, the supporting cast, the coaches, etc. As a result, players transfer or quit. How often I see an elite goalie call out his defense, or an attackman call out the midfield…He had one of the all-time great seasons in Heights history with 28 goals, 132 ground balls, and 67 caused turnovers. He never came off the field. And he never pointed the finger at anyone but himself. He knew he had to give more as a player and leader. He knew he had to bring his best in practices and warmups so that his teammates were prepared to be their best.” Assistant Coach Richie Bartozzi ’16 had this to add, “Owen’s not just a great athlete, he’s a terrific young man. Humble, driven, and always willing to do the little things that make teams successful.” For his achievements, Owen received All-Met Player of the Year, WCAC Player of the Year, US Lacrosse All American, and First Team All State. He will do a postgraduate year and then go play at the U. S. Naval Academy.