By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Nate Kittler has guided the Natick High boys lacrosse team to 15 tournament berths in the last 22 years. To qualify for the playoffs for the 16th time will be a challenge but don’t discount the Redhawks or their veteran coach.

Losing 19 seniors to graduation is a good enough reason why the degree of difficulty for a tourney appearance is high. Another aspect to consider is that Kittler has only seven returnees. However, one of the coach’s three goals for the 2024 season suggests that his Redhawks will be peaking at the right time.

“Our prime objective is for our inexperienced players to improve daily and hope that by the end of May they’ll be seasoned competitors,’’ he said. “Our other goals are ones we include every year. We want to compete for the Carey Division title of the Bay State Conference and qualify for the tourney.’’ 

Kittler believes his team’s goals are realistic. “Our kids worked out constantly in the off-season, they were diligent in their approach and their work ethic was solid. Our captains displayed lots of leadership.

Natick seems to have enough overall team strengths to come close to last year’s 11-7 record.

“Our team chemistry is good, the players are coachable and their work ethic is excellent,’’ said Kittler. “Our lacrosse IQ continues to improve and our instincts and athleticism are good. On the field, our defense will be a strength and our offense will develop as the season moves along.’’

The Redhawks’ three captains are seniors — David Popp (defensive midfielder), Tim Eckelkamp (midfield/attack), and Jack Cuddy (defense). Kittler likes their passion for leadership. “They lead by example, they communicate well and they’re quick to help younger players,’’ he noted.

Popp, Eckelkamp and Cuddy will be prime contributors in a variety of ways.

“David plays with grit and intensity,’’ Kittler said. “He’s in his second year of varsity play but he’s tough, a hard-worker and a very good one-on-one defensive player. Tim has good skills, he’s solid in transition and he’s fast and efficient. Jack is big at 6-3 and his lacrosse IQ is high. A dedicated competitor, his stickwork and his approach are solid. He’s a joy to coach and he’ll be playing for Salve Regina next year.’’

Two juniors who’ll be major contributors are Alex Peck at attack and Roy Gilkes, an offensive midfielder who’ll handle face-offs.

“Alex is a prolific scorer,’’ Kittler emphasized. “His stickwork is great, he’s tough and agile, and his lacrosse IQ is high. He’s quick and tough to cover. Roy has been on the varsity since his freshman year. He’s aggressive, tough, has great hands and his lacrosse IQ is good.’’

A pair of midfielders — sophomore Levi Gagnon and junior Donnie Guglielmucci — are capable competitors. “Levi is young but he’s a leader,’’ said Kittler, who’s taught sixth-grade science in Natick for 28 years. “A confident player, he’ll go head-to-head with anyone. His offensive skills are good, he’s got speed and quickness, and he’s gained experience at the club level. Donnie is a grinder who developed toughness as a wrestler. He dodges effectively, his work ethic is strong and he continues to work on his transition game.’’

Sophomore Josh London is a left-handed attack who gained experience on the jayvees  last year. “Josh is big, has a hard, accurate shot and he’s worked hard to improve his skills. He’s dedicated to the sport.’’

Two junior defensemen — Ben Vose and Alex Masterangelo — will team with Cuddy to form what Kittler hopes is an effective wall in front of Natick’s goalies.

“Ben is tall (6-2), aggressive and intelligent,’’ Kittler said. A tenacious defender, his long stride enables him to cover a lot of ground. Alex is also aggressive and tenacious. A strong stick-handler, he likes contact.’’

The 51-year-old Kittler has assembled a top-notch group of assistants. They include defensive coordinator Ted Calicandro, who’s the head football coach at Newton South; jayvee coach John Larkin, a former player with 10 years of experience as an assistant; freshman coach Matt Custodio; and Bruce Chanenchuck, a former all-American at John Hopkins who’ll work with the offense. 

A native of Natick, Kittler, whose team last year lost in the tourney’s first round to Needham, relies on a coaching philosophy that focuses on potential and enjoyment. “I strive to make sure our players reach their potential and have fun in their athletic journey,’’ he said. “When that occurs, winning will be the by-product. It’s also important to build a family atmosphere and camaraderie.’’

Kittler also labels the lacrosse field as “an extension of the classroom.’’ He knows valuable life lessons can be learned there.

“Sports teach kids to overcome adversity and be resilient,’’ he said. “Players also can learn how to lead and how to become quality teammates. Sports also help individuals develop character.’’

The Redhawks will open their season on April 2 at Waltham. The non-league contest should be a good test. If Natick loses, fans shouldn’t fret or be overly disappointed. Because Nate Kittler has coached long enough to know the importance of peaking at the right time. 

Natick is a young and inexperienced squad that will be evolving from game to game. What may look like a work in progress early on may be a well-oiled machine by late May.