The Harrison High School Varsity boy’s lacrosse team is making noise this season, as they currently maintain a 9-1 record.  Under the guidance of Head Coach Luke Beyer and Assistant Coach Steven Veteri, the Huskies have demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and grit and are setting the stage for what could be one of the most successful seasons in program history.  After many seasons of struggling to compete against top tier teams in Section 1, the Huskies are now winning the close games. In fact, this year’s squad has already surpassed last year’s win total of 8 games. The Huskies current record includes victories over notable opponents such as Blind Brook, White Plains, Brewster, Clarkstown South, and Arlington.

The 2025 Huskies are led by a combination of experienced seniors – Colin Park (2024 all-league honors), Isaac Schultz (2024 all-league honors), Dylan Gallagher, Ben Zuchorski, Luciano Pasache, and Maximo Alvez. Schulz and Park are second year captains who have consistently demonstrated their outstanding leadership skills both on and off the field. Schultz is off to an MVP caliber season, tallying 23 goals and 7 assists.  Park has become a lockdown defenseman who always matches up with the opposing team’s best offensive player. 

This year’s success is not based on any one player and can be attributed to the team’s high-octane offense, unselfish play, and stifling defense. The Huskies offensive unit is  anchored by Juniors Luke Riccio (2024 all-league honors), Austin Margolies (2024 all-league honors), Ben O’Malley, and Freshman Reed Appleton. Appleton, a first-year lefty attackman, has been a tremendous addition to the team. Through the first half of the season, Appleton has meshed perfectly with starters Riccio and Margolies (both Juniors who have been playing Varsity since 9th grade), having several games with multiple goals and assists.  Together, through 9 games, the dynamic foursome has tallied 47 goals and 37 assists. The Huskies two-way midfielder play has also been extraordinary, led by Schultz, Peter Boraczek who is having a breakout season with 17 goals, Tyler Isbrandtsen with 5 goals, and  Jack Badner with 4 goals. 

While the offense has been firing on all cylinders, a key reason for the team’s success has been its suffocating defense.  This year’s defensive unit is led by the star-studded play of Junior Goalie Jacob Burack. Burack has been a brick wall for the Huskies, with multiple 20 plus save performances. “Jacob brings energy to every practice and game and has been rock solid for us this year with so many clutch saves in tight moments,” said Badner. In front of Burack, the outstanding trio of Park, Gallagher, and Sophomore Koen Reiff lead the team’s close defensive unit. Reiff, who was a long-pole defenseman last year, was moved to close defense and has been an excellent complement to the upper-classman.   

Another main reason for the team’s incredible start is the success of special teams, which include a group of face-off specialists and man-down players.  Joey Ferraro, Matt Moura, and Ben Zuchorski have all been stellar on faceoffs, which have given the team key possessions.  Sophomore Bennett Yates, a first year Varsity player, has been tenacious with his long-pole wing play.  Junior Noah Podolak has been the heart of the man-down unit.  “Podolak has been key for us this year, with numerous tough ground balls and gritty clearing ability,” said O’Malley.  Senior defensemen Pasache and Juniors CJ Pasquale and Ronan Rinaldi are also key contributors to the defensive midfield units and man down team.

The camaraderie and discipline of this team is at an all-time high.  A majority of the team has been together since their early days playing for the Harrison Youth Lacrosse Association. The past few years, the team has played together during the winter in a House of Sports indoor league. “Winter ball has been great for our program, as it allows the team to have fun, bond together, shake off the rust, and prepare early for the Spring Varsity season,” said Burack.

While the Huskies have enjoyed a perfect start, they remain focused on the bigger picture.  The Huskies schedule will continue to get more difficult this season. “I am excited for what we can do as a group,” said, Park. “We have played together for a long time.  We need to stay focused each week and continue our momentum towards our goal of a deep playoff run.” 

The Huskies are starting to receive well deserved recognition for their spectacular play.   Recently, LoHud news published its weekly Westchester lacrosse “heat index” which shows the teams that are catching fire in Section 1. Along with Greeley, Rye, Somers, and several other local lacrosse powerhouses, Harrison received a 3-star “fire emoji.”

As Harrison boys Varsity lacrosse looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the excitement in the community continues to grow.   With a 9-0 record and a strong core of players, the Huskies are enthusiastic about the second half of the season. “Our goal is to establish ourselves as the best team in Harrison history,” Podolak said. “There has never been a Harrison boys varsity team that started 9-0 and we hope we can continue our streak for as long as possible.” 

The Varsity boys’ senior night game will take place on Tuesday, May 13th, at 5:00 pm against Irvington.  At the game, all six senior players: Park, Schultz, Gallagher, Alvez, Pasache, and Zuchorski will be honored for their contributions to the Harrison lacrosse program. Come out and support the Huskies as this tight-knit group of players chase greatness.