EAST PROVIDENCE — It’s no secret to keen observers, the East Providence High School boys’ lacrosse program has mostly struggled throughout its near 15 year history despite the best …
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EAST PROVIDENCE — It’s no secret to keen observers, the East Providence High School boys’ lacrosse program has mostly struggled throughout its near 15 year history despite the best efforts of its dedicated athletes and coaches.
The Townies went just 1-6 in the Division IV ranks during the pandemic-shortened 2021 season, the last under former head coach Angelo Pizzi.
The locals entered this week with a 1-4 record to begin their 2022 league campaign, its first under the direction of new lead mentor Jonathan Monast, an EPHS Social Studies teacher and long-time lacrosse participant.
“We’re making progress. That’s the most important thing. We’re not so much concerned with the results at this point,” said Monast, who was born in Rhode Island and started playing lacrosse here before moving to California and Kentucky while continuing his involvement in the game through high school. He also played the sport at the club level in college. The EPHS job is his first as a head coach.
The Townies are led by a handful of returning players, including starting goalie, senior and co-captain Alex Crowley. Kael Conaty is a classmate, fellow co-captain and an attackman. Another of the seniors, Riley Feeney, joins Conaty in the attack while senior Austin Crevier is a midfielder.
Juniors in the fold include junior attack Matt Patrone, midfielder Gino Maini and defenseman Jake Aroujo.
Sophomore contributors include defensemen Ryan Travassos, Braedon Conaty and Noah Mensah along with midfielders Lucas Saveory, James Cassamas and Anthony Mello.
Freshmen on varsity include Zach Kollett, Nolan Travassos and Tyler Rodrigues.
“We’re all about the process right now,” said Monast, who’s assisted by former EPHS varsity player Zach Pangborn. “I have a great group of guys and an awesome assistant coach. We’re trying to create a new culture in the program and in the city.”
Attempting to create a lacrosse culture in East Providence is no small feat. It’s been tried before to little avail. The program has lacked a feeder system and deep roots in the community. Monast is trying to counter that by offering impromptu instruction and introduction to the game, hoping to “infuse” the game, “bump up lacrosse a little more” into the mindset of youngsters much like soccer, baseball, football and basketball have done historically.
“We’re doing relatively well,” Monast added of his team to date. “I’m very impressed with the kids. We’re a small team, but we play our hearts out every game. I can’t ask for much more than that from them at this point.”