Manhasset rolled to the Class C state championship last season.

But seven stars from that team are now playing at the Division I college level.

The Indians still have plenty of talent returning.

University of Pennsylvania-bound senior midfielder Drew Belinsky takes a look at the team and how it has been preparing for the start of the season.

* Player’s perspective archive

* For background info on Drew, click here.

What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
Throughout the offseason there have been various opportunities our team has had to prepare. Our school weight room gives the team its own time slot which allows us to get the best out of all the machines we have. A few teammates and I did an intensive speed and agility workout with the head coach at Nassau Community College, George Powers, which really targets all the necessities to prepare for the season. Once a week, we would have a captains’ practice with the whole team up at the turf to keep our sticks fresh and work on offensive and defensive techniques. We even had some team-shoveling practices to clear the snow from the field.

Who are some of the key players you lost from last year and how do you think you will be able to replace them?
Last year we had one of the best senior classes to ever come through Manhasset. We lost seven Division I players in Connor English, Brad Cappellini, Matt Rubertone, Jack Meyer, Jeff Molinari, Kevin Heenan and Zack Koufakis along with three very valuable Division III players in Jeff Izzo, John Duvnjak and Glen Tompkins. Graduating that many seniors you can imagine our team will be very young but definitely prepared.

Getting two transfers in Chris Cook, a shifty attackman, and Ryan Lawler, a 6-4 defenseman, will definitely make the duty of replacing the graduating seniors much easier.

Sophomores Bobby Duvnjak (D), Ryan Matthews (M) and Quinn Moroney (A) will need to take roles as contributors to our team. Juniors Harry Kucharzyk (M), Tom Gavin (D), Matt Tompkins (A) and Jon Tompkins (M) had little experience last year but have done a great job in the early parts of the season.

The seniors must set the example for the younger guys. Ricky Buhr (M and FO), Kevin Coleman (D), Nick Zanetis (LSM), Pat Moroney (M) and Brian Petracca (M) will all have to step up and take a leadership role. The goalie position is up for grabs with Chris Boukas, Frank Morelli and Zack Gunzburg.

What regular-season game are you most looking forward to?
Definitely Garden City in the Woodstick Classic. It’s been amazing being a part of this rivalry and there would be no better way to leave our legacy as a class as going out on top.

What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
The players that will surprise people this season will be Quinn Moroney, Harry Kucharzyk and Frank Morelli.

What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
I think the strength of our team will be in our defense. Returning starter Kevin Coleman will lead our defense and will be the focal part of our team this year.

* For a look at Manhasset’s roster, click here.

* For a look at Manhasset’s schedule, click here.

Connect with us

LaxLessons.com recruiting coverage

• Recruiting review and commitment rundown

• Recruit profile archive

Posted In: Player's perspective

If you liked this article, please take this time to share it with your Facebook friends using the Facebook button (see Facebook post button to the left) or retweet it using Twitter (see retweet button to the left). You may also want to follow us or subscribe to the site to stay up-to-date with this article. If you'd rather follow us from your Facebook account, join our Facebook fan page.

9 Responses to “Player’s perspective: Manhasset’s Drew Belinsky, senior midfielder”

  1. Ballbag says:

    congrats on heading to Penn Drew. U da man. I think this team will surprise folks. go set

  2. Setter says:

    Good luck Big Drew! Get it done this year!!

  3. robes says:

    great story.

  4. Traditions says:

    Congrats on the great start Drew!! Keep it up!

  5. Setter says:

    Good luck tomorrow vs. JJ – maybe after we beat the new #7 team in the nation in the latest IL rankings we will finally get ranked!

  6. LAXman says:

    Even I as a JJ fan can’t agree with that ranking. But I’ll feel a little more comfortable if we beat Manhasset tomorrow. Mahasset is looking good it’ll be a tough match!

  7. Traditions says:

    Good luck in the playoffs Drew and Set. Bring home another title!

  8. laxingonli says:

    Huge win against CSH for County Championship. Great game Drew. Keep it up SET.

  9. laxingonli says:

    Congratulations on helping Manhasset win back to back State Championships. A Manhasset first. Also congrats on an undefeated season 20-0 and being named All-American

Leave a Reply to Setter