Cape Henry Dolphins Poised to Repeat State Championship
Coach Rich Carrington knows where the strength of the Cape Henry Dolphins lacrosse team lies this season. “Hands down, we have one of the strongest midfields in the state,” he says. “Our starting goalie will also play a big part in the success of the team this year.” That goalie, Clay Tourault, helped lead Cape Henry to the 2004 state championship of independent schools. Carrington believes that the Dolphins, like two years ago, will advance beyond the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS).
If Carrington’s prediction can hold for Cape Henry in 2006, it will be all the more remarkable considering that they are fielding younger players, overall, than they have in the past. With only a couple seniors to speak of, this is an incredibly junior-heavy squad. Still, Carrington sees this as one of the deepest teams ever to represent Cape Henry. “In the past,” he explains, “it sometimes turned out that there were one or two impact players who dominated the game. While we certainly have some standouts this year, what’s encouraging is that all of the players do well.”
These young men’s deep athleticism is due, at least in part, to the clear goals set forth by their coach, something he refers to as “The Three Hs.” First is head; every game and practice is an opportunity to improve their knowledge of lacrosse. Second is heart; they must realize that outworking opponents in games requires strenuous practicing and conditioning without complaint. Third is harmony; they are taught to support and encourage one another. “When you don’t have your teammate,” Carrington says matter-of-factly, “you don’t have anyone.”
Fresh from coaching at the collegiate level, Carrington typically views the game much like those he played there. That is, he prefers for his team to be defense-oriented. That style of play will come in handy this season, particularly in critical games such as those against Norfolk Academy and Nansemond-Suffolk, who beat Cape Henry in the TCIS tournament last year. But if Cape Henry’s execution is as strong as Coach Carrington’s faith in his team, they will fare well this season. “Lacrosse is one of the most pure sports there is. These athletes are out here for the love of the game.”
Two athletes who certainly demonstrate their love – and aptitude – for lacrosse are Dan Bain and Brandon Faubert. These young men anchor the midfield in which Carrington has so much confidence this season.
Bain, a sixteen-year-old junior, has been working hard in the preseason so that he can bring a high-caliber performance to the field for Cape Henry. His hard work has paid off; he is being heavily recruited by a number of big-name colleges. Bain’s biggest assets for the team this year are his quickness and size. “I am focusing on getting the game up to speed. That way I can make the types of moves that I need to get some shots off.” However, Bain’s strengths this season are not solely offensive capabilities. “I am looking to play a lot of strong defense in the upcoming season,” he is quick to add.
Bain likes to put himself in game situations so that he can visualize all of the different scenarios he might encounter in competition. One of his objectives – and the result of his hard work – is to raise the bar for the performance level of the team as a whole. Bain credits his parents for instilling in him the type of work ethic that allows him to excel on the field. “My parents have always been very supportive,” he says.
As a midfielder, Faubert, a seventeen-year-old junior, has an impressive defensive ability. But his knack for intensifying games also ranks high among the reasons that he is such an asset for the Dolphins. “I really like to play the game at a quick tempo,” he says. “I try hard to push the speed of each game.” Aside from pushing the speed of games, Faubert likes to push himself in practice as well. Because he is a right-hander, he explains, “I’ve been working a lot on my left hand. It needs to have equal strength of the right.” Faubert, too, expects to play in college.
The optimism shown by Carrington, Bain and Faubert is well-founded. If the Dolphins can capitalize on their abundant advantages, they should be able to dominate their conference – and perhaps repeat the state title of 2004.
