Boys’ lax moves forward as Whitten moves on

John Berger
Senior Editor

After three State Championship appearances and one Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) title, Coach Alex Whitten has decided to step down as the boys’ head lacrosse coach. Whitten left to become the new coach at Western Albemarle High School, located right outside Charlottesville, VA. He informed Athletic Director Jay Egan of his decision on Oct. 23, and let the team know the following day.

“He called all of the lacrosse players to a meeting and told us that he was leaving in order to meet the needs of his new family. I didn’t believe it,” senior Kyle McEneaney said.

In an email sent to the team, Whitten wrote, “[I]t is bittersweet to say farewell to the program that I have committed the last 5 years of my life to, a program, which has so greatly embraced me, and my family. I have come to this decision based on the needs of my young family, and to pursue new challenges personally and professionally.”

After finishing last season with an FCIAC title, many of his players were surprised by the sudden change. “I was really surprised, after such a great season it was the last thing on my mind,” senior captain Puck Richardson said.

According to Mr. Egan, “the timing of it surprised me. I’m sad that circumstances dictated that he had to leave.”

New Canaan boys’ lacrosse looks to move on as a program, with many talented players back from last year’s team. “With the talent level of this team, we expect to compete for FCIAC and State titles, no matter who our coach is,” senior Charlie Freyre said.

Without a coach, players will face many new challenges. “A huge challenge is the weight it puts on the players to stay focused on the season ahead,” Puck said. “This just means that we are going to have to push ourselves more in the off-season for whatever the new coach may bring.”

“Coach Whitten has been here for a very long time and it will be difficult adjusting to the coaching methods of someone new,” Kyle said.

As far as hiring a new coach, the Athletic Department is currently searching for someone who is well suited for the job.”It is important that [the new coach]is experienced in the lacrosse community as far as coaching as well as the college programs. We want someone who is well versed in lacrosse,” Mr. Egan said.

The players agree that it is important for both the new coach and the team to be on the same page. “[I want] someone who understands the values of the New Canaan lacrosse program, has a commitment to winning, and a respect for tradition,” Charlie said.

The players also emphasized a seamless transition from old to new.  “[W]hat’s really important is that the team immediately buys into what the new coach’s style of play is,” Puck said.

Mr. Egan looks to make a fairly quick decision in the hiring process, but understands the importance of making a careful selection. “I think it’s important to continue the process moving forward. It is on the front burner moving forward. It is not something that we’re going to rush,” Mr. Egan said. “The interview process will begin after Thanksgiving. We may end up doing two rounds of interviews.”

Despite Coach Whitten leaving, the expectations of the players have not changed for the upcoming season. “He was a great coach, but we’re an even better team and will do well no matter who our coach is,” Kyle said.

“With Coach Whitten stepping down the expectations have only risen,” Puck said.  “We have an extremely talented group coming back and expect nothing less than another FCIAC championship and our class’ first State title.”