After a strong finish to the end of last season, the Orange Lutheran boys lacrosse team is eager to get back on the field and run with that momentum this spring.
 
The Lancers will be fielding two teams with nearly 50 players, the most the program has seen since its inception seven years ago. And with many of last year's varsity roster returning, OLu boys lacrosse head coach John Padama is excited about the potential for this group.
 
"I think we're going to do really well this year," says Padama. "From experience to talent, we've grown a lot in those regards. There's a level of physicality and grit that hasn't been around in a while. The other aspect that's been really cool to see growth-wise is that the camaraderie and culture has completely changed."
 
The Lancers will be led by senior midfielder Jack Hartwig and junior midfielder Jake Tieskoetter. Padama is seeing several multi-sport athletes join the program, such as junior midfielder Matt Martinez (football). The roster also features a solid freshman class, including freshman attack Logan Larsen.
 
Padama and the coaching staff are keeping the philosophy of "Ubuntu" at the center of their approach this season.
 
"Ubuntu is a South African philosophy that can be summarized as, 'I am because we are,'" says Padama. "So everyone knows their place and everyone knows their value."
 
OLu's season gets started on February 13 when the Lancers travel to Long Beach Wilson. Nonleague opponents include Crean Lutheran, Mission Viejo and El Modena. League contests kick off on April 9 when the Lancers visit JSerra.
 
OLu will play in CIF Division 3 this year, and Padama says the program has their sights set on the top postseason prize.
 
"This is a team that's hungry to win, they've been working hard and they're gritty and passionate," says Padama. "It's fun and there's just a feeling of energy and electricity in the air."