It’s hardly a bold statement to say that Yorktown is one of the leading contenders for the New York Class B state championship in 2014.
The Huskers, after all, have made 34 straight Section 1 title-game appearances.
Last season, Yorktown dealt previously unbeaten Chaminade, then the consensus No. 1-ranked team nationally, its first loss, defeating the Flyers 12-8 on April 27. The Huskers’ season ended with a 13-11 loss to Niskayuna in the state quarterfinals.
Yorktown had won its third straight sectional titles, beating John Jay in the final each game.
How do the Huskers, who have won six state titles in program history. look heading into the 2014 season?
For more, we check in with All-America midfielder Luke Palmadesso. An outstanding two-way player who also excels in the faceoff X, Palmadesso, a senior, will be playing collegiately at Villanova.
Now, here are Luke’s perspectives on the upcoming season.
What have you been doing to get ready for the season?
Personally, I do some strength training, wall ball and faceoff reps year-round. I also attended Project 9.9 in October, which was a great experience.
Currently, I am also in season for basketball, which helps as a good cross training sport. The guys who are not in season have started weight room workouts and open lax.
How does your schedule look, what games are you looking forward to most, and who are some of your scrimmages against?
This year we have one of our toughest schedules ever, but we will be ready for the challenge. We are resuming our game against Ward Melville this year, as well as still facing other Long Island opponents Chaminade and St. Anthony’s.
We will also be making our bi-annual trip to Maryland, this year going up against McDonough.
Of course, the Murphy Cup (against rival Lakeland/Panas) is a game we circle on our calendars every year as well.
From Connecticut, we will play Darien, Ridgefield and Wilton.
Preseason scrimmages include matches against Don Bosco and Hauppauge.
What players on your team do you think will surprise some people this season?
We have a solid senior class with some great contributors. Kris Alvarado will be a key player for us, playing on both ends of the field, Eric Meyreles is returning as a strong, athletic short-stick D mid and Tomas Rodriguez is looking to have another great year as our starting pole.
Returning juniors Ryan Baker, Billy Strassman and Nick DelBene should also have an impact at the midfield.
What do you think the strength of your team will be this year?
I think we have talent all over the field, we have strong players returning at every position; Austin Graham in net, Austin Fusco, Tomas Rodriguez, Eric Meyreles and Kris Alvarado on the defensive end, Ryan Baker and myself at midfield, and Connor Vercruysse and Nicky Bonitatibus on attack.
Overall, the seniors on this team and the experience we have on the varsity level will be vital for our team’s success. We will look to excel in between the lines and at the faceoff X. Even though we graduated some great players in Nick Mariano , Brian Prestreau, Trevor Koelsch, Jack Phelan, Danny Manning and Zach Reilly, I believe experience, dedication, skill and determination should help us continue our winning ways of last year
How do you view the race in your league and who do you think some of the contending teams will be?
Some of the contending teams might be Somers and John Jay. One of our goals every year is to win the section and we’re going to do whatever it takes to get that done.
* Preseason player perspective archive
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Posted In: Hudson Valley, Player's perspective, Section 1