Alumni Games
Subscribe to our NewsletterWESTFIELD BOMBER ALUMNI GAME - 2014
WHS Bombers - 2014 Rusty Cup Champions
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WHS ALUMNI
2013 RUSTY CUP CHAMPIONS
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2010 CRANX/BOMBER ALUMNI GAME
Brought to you by Flynn & Wirkus and Chris Healy
Front Row: Chris Strycharz, Nick Bonavita, John Funaro, Mike Burque, Anthony Spagnoli, Chris Roberts, Paul Jones, Dan Phaneuf, Geoff Moore, Al Blair, Rich Borsari Back Row: Matt Hoffman, Mike Piccin, Joe Lancour, Andy Liptak, Ben McCarthy, Mark Cavallon, Jim Crean, Nick Allegretti, Ansel Garvey, Kevin Clark, Matt LeClair, Adam Cherry, Josh Walts, Jeff Beach, Mike Flynn, Dave Metcalf, Mike Balch, Jorge Rosa, Will Pierce, Al Pierce, Scott Halla
The Tradition Continues
7th Annual Cranx Alumni Game a Success
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
By Buck Naeked
WC Times
September 18, 2010
Thirty-three former and current Westfield laxmen returned to the field for the 7th Annual Westfield Cranx Alumni Lacrosse Game on a perfect laxplaying day at Westfield High School. Sponsored by alumni Chris Healy and Mike Flynn (Flynn & Wirkus Law Firm), the tradition of bringing former and current Bomber and Cranx players back to town for one last game of the year has become much more than a game, but a highlight event each year in the Whip City. "It's always great, coming back here, seeing the guys again, partying it up", said Will Pierce who again flew in from San Francisco for his seventh straight alumni game. Pierce, along with guys like Jeff Beach (WHS class of '82), Flynn ('83), and Dan Phaneuf ('85) continue to keep alive what Westfield lacrosse is all about: tradition, brotherhood, and love of sport. Other notables of Bomber yesteryear suiting up were Al Pierce, Paul Jones, Scott Halla, and Mark Cavallon, just to name a few. "It's always a great game, and a great day" said Pierce. "I just want to apologize to my team for losing focus and not coming up big when it counted. I was too busy enjoying the beautiful weather and wonderful fans and just lost focus."
With a 72-degree sunny day, 110 fans, and an ice cream truck catering to the dozens of stick carrying youths on the sidelines, an easel with Norman Rockwell painting a scene of the game was the only thing that seemed to be missing. That was of course, until the game started. With Flynn incuring two weaponry related penalties, Cavallon tripping over his size 11's, Al Pierce and Chris Strycharz repeatedly shooting ten feet off the net, and Mike Balch humming Hootie & The Blowfish songs all game, picturesque would not be the most descriptive word of the day. But nevertheless, a competitive game it was.
A back-and-forth contest lasted for three quarters, as defense took center stage. Team White was led by Mike Burque in goal, with Flynn, Dave Metcalf, and Jim Crean leading the way. Team Black manned their defensive front with Kevin Clark, Al Blair, and Nick Allegretti. A 6-6 game entering the fourth quarter, an admitted let up by Will Pierce in goal for Team Black ("...the bloody mary's didn't help") led to Adam Cherry scoring four straight goals for Team White. After missing his first eight shots, the former Cranx superstar and first year alumnus was way past due to score by the fourth period. "There's only so many face-offs I can win, only so many groundballs I can come up with", said Team White teammate Anthony Spagnoli after the game. "Finally someone took advantage of all my hard work, and hit the back of the net." The final score was Team White 11, Team Black 7.
With a 72-degree sunny day, 110 fans, and an ice cream truck catering to the dozens of stick carrying youths on the sidelines, an easel with Norman Rockwell painting a scene of the game was the only thing that seemed to be missing. That was of course, until the game started. With Flynn incuring two weaponry related penalties, Cavallon tripping over his size 11's, Al Pierce and Chris Strycharz repeatedly shooting ten feet off the net, and Mike Balch humming Hootie & The Blowfish songs all game, picturesque would not be the most descriptive word of the day. But nevertheless, a competitive game it was.
A back-and-forth contest lasted for three quarters, as defense took center stage. Team White was led by Mike Burque in goal, with Flynn, Dave Metcalf, and Jim Crean leading the way. Team Black manned their defensive front with Kevin Clark, Al Blair, and Nick Allegretti. A 6-6 game entering the fourth quarter, an admitted let up by Will Pierce in goal for Team Black ("...the bloody mary's didn't help") led to Adam Cherry scoring four straight goals for Team White. After missing his first eight shots, the former Cranx superstar and first year alumnus was way past due to score by the fourth period. "There's only so many face-offs I can win, only so many groundballs I can come up with", said Team White teammate Anthony Spagnoli after the game. "Finally someone took advantage of all my hard work, and hit the back of the net." The final score was Team White 11, Team Black 7.
After the game, the tradition continued as Dave and Cynthia Metcalf hosted a party for all the Cranx and Cranx faithful, numbering around the triple digit mark, extending the day into the late hours of night. With beer-pong tournaments, hours of glory days storytelling, and a visit from what appeared to be a sasquatch, the evening capped off what Westfield lacrosse is all about: Good times, good friends, and a tradition of brotherhood that makes America's sport the greatest there is.
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2008 5th Annual Cranx/Bomber Alumni Game
Westfield Lax Suits Up Again
6th Annual Alumni Game "better and better"
6th Annual Alumni Game "better and better"
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
September 26, 2009
(Westfield) Saturday proved once again that when it comes to the town of Westfield and the sport of lacrosse, it’s a perfect match that continues to be second to nobody in Western Massachusetts.
Forty-one Westfield laxmen dug out their equipment one more time this year for the 6thAnnual Bomber/Cranx Alumni Game held at Westfield High School. Under perfect sunny skies, a light breeze, and an autumn-welcoming temperature in the mid 60's, the former and current Bomber and Cranx players showed that its lacrosse history in the Whip City is solidly embedded. About 75 spectators of both young and old were treated to a well played offensive showcase, with Team Black defeating Team White by a score of 18-13.
“Playing in this game is always a blast, and it gets better and better every year” said 1992 WHS graduate CJ Witalisz. “We may get older each year, but getting together like this every September never gets old.”
’96 graduate Will Pierce agreed. “Being a part of Westfield lacrosse and the camaraderie amongst all the players, it’s just awesome. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 years old or 40, when we get together on the field we have that Cranx bond. You think Longmeadow has that? No way.” Pierce flew in from his home near San Francisco, CA to play in the game.
In their new killer-cool Cranx jerseys, Team Black started out the first quarter on fire. Led on the offensive end by Josh Walts, Justin Bard, and Mark Cavallon, they pitched an early 4-0 shut out before Team White answered midway through the period. Paul Jones, Adam Cherry, and Matt Richards led the charge for Team White, keeping it close as the teams went into halftime with Team Black up 10-7.
“The biggest difference in the game was face-off possession” said ’90 grad Al Pierce of Team White. “They had it, we didn’t. Whoever was responsible for making up the teams obviously did that on purpose. And that party should be held accountable.” Pierce’s complaint was that Team Black had three face-off specialists (Chris Strycharz, Bard, and Anthony Spagnoli), Team White had none.
For the second half, alumni game organizer Chris Roberts, who just so happened to play for Team Black, offered Spagnoli in a one-for-none trade. Spagnoli flipped over his shirt, but the results remained the same, and so the controversy continued. Spagnoli, arguably the least talented of the three specialists, and definitely the least in shape, lost four consecutive face-offs to start the second half, only magnifying Team White’s weakness. Add to that the stellar defensive play of the reunited Mike Flynn and Tim Butler of Murderer’s Row (See Where Are They Now?), and it was a hard battle for Team White to fight its way through.
Team Black extended its lead to 13-8 in the third quarter, with Kevin Clark and Andy Liptak getting into the offensive mix for Team Black. Liptak, who earlier in the morning attended his own three hour practice as a sophomore member of the Clarkson University (N.Y.) lacrosse team, drove down in time to play in the second half of the game. The third quarter ended at 14-9, and the teams matched each other in the final frame as the game ended at 18-13.
“It was a lot of fun” said Bomber junior and Cranx rookie Tim Boersig. “Playing with the older guys was great. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was surprised how well all these guys can still play". The game’s two oldest players were 1982 WHS grads Jeff Beach and Jeff Baillargeon, who along with John Funaro (’83) formed the starting attack for the Bombers 27 years ago. This was Beach’s third alumni game. ‘The players now are so much better than we were in high school” said Beach. “We mostly relied on brawn and brains. The skill these kids (Boersig, Liptak, Bard) have is unreal.”
The skills, the equipment, and the popularity of lacrosse no doubt have changed dramatically over the last three decades. But one thing that is and will remain constant, is the loyalty, membership, and brotherhood of what is Westfield Lacrosse.
Tim Gaylord battles Craig Carpenter
CRANX CORNER
Mike Burque played goal for three quarters for Team White while Matt Hoffman played attack..... Among the spectators on the sideline were Cranx Hall of Famers Chris Healey (midfielder) and Jen Rekart (scorekeeper)..... Thanks go out to Mike Flynn of Flynn & Wirkus Law Firm who sponsored the game and the day’s events….. Thanks also to Michelle Roberts for managing the festivities..... Many of Team Cranx closed out the night with a party at The Skybox Sports Bar.....Anthony Spagnoli, Matt Richards, and Chris Paige were noticeably absent, attended Spagnoli's engagement party instead.....Dan Phaneuf ruled the billiards table at TheSkybox..... Pictures of the game& of the nightcan be found in the Photo Albums section.Thanks to K-Dog & Kelly Moore for the game shots.
Alumni Game Players
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Alumni Jeff Beach '82
Tim Butler '88
Craig Carpenter '05
Hank Casagrande '87
Mark Cavallon '83
Kevin Clark '95
Mike Flynn '83 Tim Gaylord '07 Scott Halla '96 Paul Jones '86 Matt LeClair '06 Pat Levesque '01 Dave Metcalf '90 Geoff Moore '94 Chris Paige '00 Dan Phaneuf '86 Alan Pierce '90 Will Pierce '96 Matt Richards '00 Doug Stutz '84 Anthony Spagnoli '00 Chris Strycharz '91 Josh Walts '02 CJ Witalisz '88 |
Current Cranxmen
Nick Allegretti '96
Jeff Baillargeon '82
Justin Bard '06 Tim Boersig '11
Mike Burque '95
Adam Cherry '04
Jim Crean '02 Anthony Dimaio '04
Paul Fenwick '84
John Funaro '83 Ansel Garvey '06
Matt Hoffman '01
Andy Liptak '08
Ben McCarthy '07
Mike Piccin '03
Chris Roberts '91
Nick Schraft '06
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2008 Alumni Game Delivers
by Buck Naeked
WC Times
September 13, 2008
“The Jerk Store called…They’re running out of you!” These words were infamously claimed by Seinfeld character George Costanza, when the stocky, bald-headed neurotic flew cross country to deliver his comeback to Reilly, his former coworker who had previously taken him to task for eating all the ocean’s shrimp.
As comebacks go, George’s "Jerk Store" didn’t carry the necessary punch he had hoped for. The 5th Annual Bomber/Cranx Alumni Game did.
Thirty-two current and former Westfield
Led by an early scoring onslaught by Al Pierce, Craig Carpenter, and Chris Strycharz, Team White took command of the game right from the start, quickly going up 3-0, and 5-1. With Team Black’s defenseman-turned-goalie Mike Burque being pummeled with shot after shot, it looked as though Burque’s team was in store for a tough afternoon.
“I didn’t know where our defense was at that point” complained Burque, after facing sixteen first half shots. “Our offense wasn’t doing much of anything either.”
“I didn’t know where our defense was at that point” complained Burque, after facing sixteen first half shots. “Our offense wasn’t doing much of anything either.”
Hearing teammate Burque’s complaints, goalie-turned-attackman Matt Hoffman faced the possibility of having to replace him in goal. “With Burkee doing so lousy, and whining like a girl from (MTV’s) Sweet Sixteen, I needed to find my offensive game”, said Hoff. “I felt I had to carry the team on my back.” Hoff ended up doing just that. Team Black fought back enough to bring their deficit to 8-5 to close out the first half, led by Hoffman’s two goals and an assist.
Left to Right: Jones, Butler, Garvey, Fenwick, Spagnoli, Burque, Metcalf, Al Pierce
But Team White would start out the second half quickly, with a tally from Mark Cavallon one minute in making it 9-5. That was the point where Cavallon’s team would see the last of their commanding play. Team Black would come storming back with five straight goals to turn a four goal deficit into a one goal lead. Anthony Spagnoli, Zack Sondrini, and CJ Witalisz led the turnaround, leaving Team White goalie Will Pierce feeling like premium swiss cheese, and suddenly down 10-9.
“I don’t know what happened”, a perplexed Pierce stated. “We were about ready to pop open a non-alcoholic bottle of victory champagne, and then all of a sudden, we just seemed to lose the corkscrew.” What had been a stonewalling defense of Team White’s Dan Phaneuf, Geoff Moore, and Nick Allegretti in the first half, was no more, as Team Black dominated in the second half, both on offense and on defense.
The game was tied briefly at 10-10 early in the fourth quarter, but Team Black would continue its comeback while adding insult to injury, scoring the final five goals (winning the second half 10-2) for the 15-10 victory.
“We were never in doubt”, said defenseman Tim Butler. “We had our strategy--pace ourselves, let them feel overconfident, and then…BAM! Hit ‘em quick, and hit ‘em good.” Burque settled in with a few nice saves, and along with defensive teammates Dave Metcalf, Justin Bost, and Ansel Garvey, the smothering play of Team Black was just too overpowering for the opponent.
“It’s always a great time when we can get together like this”, said Westfield youth coach and fifth year alumni game player, Paul Jones. “Seeing the guys again, attempting not to embarrass yourself too much, it’s all in great fun.” Hoffman concurred: “Yeah, it’s always a blast”, said the five goal scorer and game MVP. “Especially when I can play without a chest protector, and especially when you can make a great comeback the way we did.” George Costanza, take notice.
CRANX CORNER
A record crowd of 130 enjoyed the game as spectators..... Notable sideline supporters included local legends Neal Duffy, John Olinski, and Pete Nassar..... Cranx rookies Andy Liptak and Drew Shea made the trip back for the game from Clarkson College and Castleton State, respectively..... Will Pierce again flew up from Maryland..... Referee Jim Warner volunteered as the game's only official, as Joe Nassar was inexplicably unavailable to assist (
)..... Team Cranx ventured to The Westwood later that night to continue the tradition..... Matty Richards, absent from the game due to his personal issues with grass, made an appearance..... Spagnoli's girlfriend, in typical The Hills fashion, says the word "like" six times per minute on average.
)..... Team Cranx ventured to The Westwood later that night to continue the tradition..... Matty Richards, absent from the game due to his personal issues with grass, made an appearance..... Spagnoli's girlfriend, in typical The Hills fashion, says the word "like" six times per minute on average. * * * * * *
The Tradition Continues
Wil Pierce propels Alumni Game OT win
(Sept 15,2007) “Besides winning, the most fun thing is getting out there and mixing it up with friends.” These words come courtesy of Al Unser Jr., but are brought to you by the members of Westfield Lacrosse.
Thirty-six former and current Bomber and Cranx laxmen returned to Westfield
“It was a great game and good times” said Cranx coach and alumni president Chris Roberts. “The turnout, the competitive game, the weather, it couldn’t have been better.” Chris Paige added: “What’s great is that when it comes to Westfield
With Bard, Zack Sondrini, and C.J. Witalisz leading the offensive charge, Team White took control of the game from the start, with leads of 3-0 and 5-1. But it was the masterful goaltending of Cranx Hall of Famer Will Pierce that packed the highlight reel. Making stellar save after stellar save, Pierce frustrated Team Black, no one more than Adam Cherry. The 2007 WNEC All-American was stopped time and time again by the 1995 All-Western Mass goalie, scoring just once in the first half.
“Willie was the man out there” said Pat Clark. “I think maybe only Jesus could have made more saves today than Big Wil." After totaling thirteen first half saves, Pierce and Team White took a 7-3 lead into halftime.
It didn’t take long, however, for Team Black to answer that third quarter wake-up call. Three unanswered goals cut the lead to 7-6, and with defenseman-turned-goalie Mike Burque making several good saves of his own, it was a game once again. “The first half, we played with all heart” said Wil. “But for some reason, we slipped in the second half. And Robo probably threatened his team at halftime, so they came out sharper than us.”
With goals from Tim Butler and Matt Hoffman, Team White never did relinquish the lead. However, with Roberts, Mark Cavallon, and Al Pierce leading the five-goal third quarter push for Team Black, the score was 9-8 entering the fourth.
With goals from Tim Butler and Matt Hoffman, Team White never did relinquish the lead. However, with Roberts, Mark Cavallon, and Al Pierce leading the five-goal third quarter push for Team Black, the score was 9-8 entering the fourth.
It was two longpoles, one from each team, that was showcased in the final period. First it was Team White’s Geoff Moore tallying top shelf off a fastbreak. Later, it would be Team Black’s Justin Bost, scoring off a controversial no-call by referee Jim Warner. “I’m not sure what he (Warner) was looking at,” said Moore
Game MVP Wil Pierce said afterward: "After giving up the winning goal in last year's game, I didn't want a repeat. I was fighting off flashbacks all year. I'll be able to sleep a lot better now for the first time in a long time....hooray!"
Westfield Cranx lacrosse: Built on dedication...kept alive through competition...living on with tradition...since 1984. Until next year...
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Inside The Numbers
0
Faceoffs won by Buddy on seven attempts
0
Good reasons for Spagnoli and Flynn missing the game
Good reasons for Spagnoli and Flynn missing the game
4
Passes made by Bard this game
Passes made by Bard this game
7
F-bombs spoken by Al during a post-game interview
F-bombs spoken by Al during a post-game interview
9
Number on Paige’s hat honoring two of his heroes, Ted Williams & Johnny Fun
Number on Paige’s hat honoring two of his heroes, Ted Williams & Johnny Fun
10
Shots by Cherry missed/saved
Shots by Cherry missed/saved
16
Bad calls made by referee Warner
Bad calls made by referee Warner
24
Saves made by Wil
Saves made by Wil
63
Spectators attending the game
Spectators attending the game
160
Miles driven by Tim Butler to the game
Miles driven by Tim Butler to the game
380
Miles flown by Wil to the game
Miles flown by Wil to the game
CRANX CORNER
Many thanks go out to Michelle Roberts & Wendy Cavallon for manning the grills after the game….. The sons of Jones and Witalisz were seen free-styling their lax skills after the game, while Metcalf’s son preferred the sport of firearms….. Talk around the field centered on Mike Flynn’s absence being a result of his being pummelled by Al Pierce in last year’s game….. Anthony Spagnoli opted to attend a Syracuse
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2007 Alumni Game
See Ya' Saturday!
"Be sure to ask Cav or Baillargeon about side effects.
That four-hour thing isn't as great as it sounds."
4th Annual Cranx/Bomber Alumni Game
When: Saturday, Sept 15 @ 1:30
When: Saturday, Sept 15 @ 1:30
Where: Westfield High School
Who: Any former Bombers & former/current Cranx
Why: Keeping the Westfield Lax tradition alive!
Cost: $35 per player
The 2007 Annual Cranx/Bomber alumni game is fast approaching, and once again, promises to be a great time. So dust off the equipment, tape up that old helmet, and recheck the pocket in your Superlight II. With folkloric names such as Pierce, Flynn, Butler, and Olinski, returning to Westfield
Game time is scheduled for 1:30. Please arrive on the field early enough to allow time for greetings, registration, and team selection. This year's cost is $35 per player, which includes a reversable jersey. After the game we are planning an on-field cookout for players and all others who attend. Then it is off to The Westwood for the post game party & appetizers, where we will have a private room overlooking the bar. The Westwood is hosting a St. Patricks Day party that evening. Guinness and Rock 102 will be there, with an Irish band providing entertainment.
Game time is scheduled for 1:30. Please arrive on the field early enough to allow time for greetings, registration, and team selection. This year's cost is $35 per player, which includes a reversable jersey. After the game we are planning an on-field cookout for players and all others who attend. Then it is off to The Westwood for the post game party & appetizers, where we will have a private room overlooking the bar. The Westwood is hosting a St. Patricks Day party that evening. Guinness and Rock 102 will be there, with an Irish band providing entertainment.
If you have not yet contacted Chris Roberts (stixxnstoneslax@yahoo.com 413/262-2252) or joined our Email List via this website to sign up for the game, please do so asap so we can get a handle on numbers. Also, if you know of anybody who might also be interested in playing, pass the word - the more the better. And we’ll see you on the 15th!
Miss Westfield Lacrosse 2007
Lauren Caitlin Upton
(Because some people don't have maps...)
Cranx Alumni Game "The Best So Far"
Overtime game, Pierce bodycheck highlight the day
(Sept. 23 2006) Thirty-five current and former Westfield Cranx and Westfield Bomber laxmen dusted off and donned their equipment once more for Saturday's 3rd Annual Bomber/Cranx Alumni Game at WHS. Sponsored by Stixx-n-Stones Lacrosse and Flynn & Associates Law Firm, this year's game packed excitement from start to finish, as Team White edged Team Black 15-14 in overtime.
"This was our best alumni event so far" stated organizer and Cranx guru Chris Roberts. "Good game, great crowd, cold beer, no broken bones, it was a good time. We've started something here that hopefully will last a long time." Fellow Crank Mike Burque concurred: "Westfield lax and especially Cranx lax has established itself as having a rich history, and this event proves it. Forget Longmeadow and these other towns. Westfield's tradition is second to none." And the names seem to back up that claim: Flynn, Cavallon, Pierce, Kent, Witalisz, Jones, Funaro, Phaneuf, all lacrosse legends of the Whip City, and all keeping the legacy alive.
The game was competitive right from the start, as Team White never trailed in the contest until the final moments of the fourth quarter, however there were eight ties throughout. Team Black took its only lead of the game on Matt Hoffman's third goal with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, making the game 14-13. But WHS jayvee coach and current Cranx player Paul Fenwick notted the score for Team White at 14-14 with eighteen seconds left to send the game to overtime. There, Chris Strycharz rocketed home the game winner in an extra-man situation for the 15-14 Team White victory.
The tight, high-scoring game, the nice crowd on hand, the cooperation from the weather gods, all made for a great afternoon. But what was unanimously agreed upon as the highlight of the game, was Al Pierce's crushing bodycheck that sent Mike Flynn flat on his back and planted into the muddy ground, reminiscent of the story of David slaying Goliath. Pierce (5'8" 170lbs), was fighting to scoop up a loose ball when he saw Flynn (6'5" 210lbs) in his path. With the opportunity to punish the Oakland Raider-type enforcer of yesteryear, Pierce wasn't about to give up the chance. It was too enticing. Pierce lowered his shoulder and barreled forward. Flynn never saw it coming. The crushing blow hit directly between the numbers 2 and 4 of Flynn's jersey, leaving the giant slain on the earthly turf. To add insult to injury, replays of the hit show not only the fierce bodycheck, but also the midfielder slowly stepping off and hovering for a moment over the fallen defenseman, not unlike the famous Muhammad Ali photo looking down upon a fallen Sonny Liston.
"Playing in this game, it's not supposed to be a physical game", said Pierce afterward when asked about the hit. "But when I saw it was Flynner, I just couldn't resist." Pierce also spoke of Flynn's influence on him over the years: "He would always be crazy, like, 'hit somebody--c'mon, you gotta' hit somebody!,...so I did."
"Hey, it was a nice hit", said Flynn afterward, after the cobwebs cleared. "I congratulated him on it. He took a page out of my own playbook!"
The players may be a few steps slower, and their skills a lot more rusty. The field may be a little smaller, but still seem to be awfully big. The time between quarters may appear to go by pretty fast. Being taken out of the game is much more welcomed now than it once was. And the female fans cheering on the sideline have changed from being teenage girlfriends and Cranx groupies to being mothers, wives, and daughters. But what hasn't changed is the competitiveness, camaraderie, and brotherhood of lacrosse players bred out of Westfield Nation. That's what Westfield Lax is all about.
...Second to none.
OUTSIDE THE LINES
The Westfield players christened The Show after the game, Nick Bonavita's new bar in downtown Westfield.....12-year old honorary Cranx member, Aiden Flynn, suited up for Team Black.....Among special guests at the game as spectators were Cranx Hall of Famer Chris Healy and Westfield youth coach Neal Duffy.....Local referee Jim Warner officiated the game.....Current Cranx player Matty Richards was not in uniform, unofficially on the DL.....Former Cranx groupies/hotties at the game seen looking as good as ever were Christina Pierce and Cynthia Metcalf.....Al Pierce's hit on Mike Flynn was replayed on tape over and over at The Show to an overwhelming response.....Creating a slight controversial buzz was Robo's invite of a player with a Shocker helmet to play in the game.....For the third straight year, Wil Pierce flew up from his home in Maryland to play in the game.....Wil and Johnny Fun were seen together sulking at the bar. Wil gave up the winning goal and Johnny committed the penalty that led to the goal.....Goal-challenged Anthony Spagnoli scored as many goals (1) in the game as Cranx top scorer Adam Cherry did.....Pictures of the game can be found in the Photo Albums section of the site.
The game was competitive right from the start, as Team White never trailed in the contest until the final moments of the fourth quarter, however there were eight ties throughout. Team Black took its only lead of the game on Matt Hoffman's third goal with three minutes left in the fourth quarter, making the game 14-13. But WHS jayvee coach and current Cranx player Paul Fenwick notted the score for Team White at 14-14 with eighteen seconds left to send the game to overtime. There, Chris Strycharz rocketed home the game winner in an extra-man situation for the 15-14 Team White victory.
The tight, high-scoring game, the nice crowd on hand, the cooperation from the weather gods, all made for a great afternoon. But what was unanimously agreed upon as the highlight of the game, was Al Pierce's crushing bodycheck that sent Mike Flynn flat on his back and planted into the muddy ground, reminiscent of the story of David slaying Goliath. Pierce (5'8" 170lbs), was fighting to scoop up a loose ball when he saw Flynn (6'5" 210lbs) in his path. With the opportunity to punish the Oakland Raider-type enforcer of yesteryear, Pierce wasn't about to give up the chance. It was too enticing. Pierce lowered his shoulder and barreled forward. Flynn never saw it coming. The crushing blow hit directly between the numbers 2 and 4 of Flynn's jersey, leaving the giant slain on the earthly turf. To add insult to injury, replays of the hit show not only the fierce bodycheck, but also the midfielder slowly stepping off and hovering for a moment over the fallen defenseman, not unlike the famous Muhammad Ali photo looking down upon a fallen Sonny Liston.
"Playing in this game, it's not supposed to be a physical game", said Pierce afterward when asked about the hit. "But when I saw it was Flynner, I just couldn't resist." Pierce also spoke of Flynn's influence on him over the years: "He would always be crazy, like, 'hit somebody--c'mon, you gotta' hit somebody!,...so I did."
"Hey, it was a nice hit", said Flynn afterward, after the cobwebs cleared. "I congratulated him on it. He took a page out of my own playbook!"
The players may be a few steps slower, and their skills a lot more rusty. The field may be a little smaller, but still seem to be awfully big. The time between quarters may appear to go by pretty fast. Being taken out of the game is much more welcomed now than it once was. And the female fans cheering on the sideline have changed from being teenage girlfriends and Cranx groupies to being mothers, wives, and daughters. But what hasn't changed is the competitiveness, camaraderie, and brotherhood of lacrosse players bred out of Westfield Nation. That's what Westfield Lax is all about.
...Second to none.
OUTSIDE THE LINES
The Westfield players christened The Show after the game, Nick Bonavita's new bar in downtown Westfield.....12-year old honorary Cranx member, Aiden Flynn, suited up for Team Black.....Among special guests at the game as spectators were Cranx Hall of Famer Chris Healy and Westfield youth coach Neal Duffy.....Local referee Jim Warner officiated the game.....Current Cranx player Matty Richards was not in uniform, unofficially on the DL.....Former Cranx groupies/hotties at the game seen looking as good as ever were Christina Pierce and Cynthia Metcalf.....Al Pierce's hit on Mike Flynn was replayed on tape over and over at The Show to an overwhelming response.....Creating a slight controversial buzz was Robo's invite of a player with a Shocker helmet to play in the game.....For the third straight year, Wil Pierce flew up from his home in Maryland to play in the game.....Wil and Johnny Fun were seen together sulking at the bar. Wil gave up the winning goal and Johnny committed the penalty that led to the goal.....Goal-challenged Anthony Spagnoli scored as many goals (1) in the game as Cranx top scorer Adam Cherry did.....Pictures of the game can be found in the Photo Albums section of the site.
