Schuster and Hartley Lead the Charge at Melbourne High’s Lacrosse Tryouts by Hunter Paige
Lacrosse players participated in tryouts for the Melbourne High School lacrosse team on January 19th at Tom McIntyre Stadium. Two lacrosse players who really stood out were, Noah Schuster, a 9th grade, righty attacker, and Justin Hartley, an 11th grade, defensive middie, competed for a spot on the team. Coaches evaluated players on fundamental skills, athleticism, and overall effort during the session. “This will be my first year playing lacrosse for Mel High, I want to make a good impression on the coaches and team.” said Schuster. The tryouts marked the first official step toward forming the team for the upcoming season.
The tryout process included conditioning drills, stick work, and small-sided scrimmages to assess game awareness. Coaches paid close attention to communication, hustle, and coachability throughout the drills. To prepare for the upcoming tryouts, Schuster practiced “Shooting and stickwork in my left hand so i can be a threat with both hands.” During tryouts Hartley showed strength in clearing the ball, while continuing to work on his stick skills. Players were pushed physically as the pace increased later in the tryout. “Everyone was playing their best to impress the coaches,” said Hartley.
Both athletes prepared for tryouts by training at home and practicing independently at home before the season began. Making the Melbourne High School lacrosse team was a goal for both players. They described the atmosphere as intense but encouraging, with teammates supporting one another. “I’m focused on pushing myself to the limit, and I know the team’s here to help me grow. The goal is to make the team, but more importantly, to be part of a group that motivates each other to be better every day,” said Schuster.
Caption:
Talent on Display: Two high school lacrosse players, Noah Schuster and Justin Hartley, compete for spots on the Melbourne High School lacrosse team during tryouts on January 19th at Tom McIntyre Stadium. Schuster, a 9th-grade attacker, and Hartley, an 11th-grade defensive middie, demonstrate their skills in conditioning drills, stick work, and scrimmages as coaches assess their athleticism and effort. Both players, aimed to make the team for the upcoming season, they pushed their limits, while supporting each other in an intense yet encouraging atmosphere. "The goal is to make the team, but more importantly, to be part of a group that motivates each other to be better every day," says Schuster. Photos by Hunter Paige