Brunswick High School boys lacrosse coach Don Glover talks to his team at the beginning of practice on Monday. High school spring sports teams began their first day of practices around the state on Monday. (Eric Maxim / The Times Record)
BRUNSWICK — “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
Brunswick High School boy’s lacrosse coach Don Glover echoed those words at the beginning of Monday’s practice, explaining to all of his players, both new and old, of the expectations of being a member of the Brunswick lacrosse team.
Like all other high school teams across the state, Glover’s squad opened the 2019 spring sports season with practice number one. And like a lot of other teams, the Dragons began the season with practice inside the gym, while the snow on their field melts away and dries out in the March wind and sun.
“We’re indoors,” said Glover when asked about his expectations the first couple of weeks. “We’ve been inside on the average of two weeks every year that I’ve been here.”
While it can be frustrating for players to be inside, practicing in a totally different environment than they’ll be competing in, a lot of work can be done during these first couple of weeks.
“We say it builds character, and we make good use of our gym time.,” Glover said. “We do all the physical tests tonight (Monday) and kick in Tuesday with cardiovascular in the hallways, we use the facilities as best possible.”
Members of the Brunswick High School boys lacrosse teams throw up against the wall during warm ups at Monday’s practice. (Eric Maxim / The Times Record)
Apparently, they do make best use of the time. Since 2000, the Dragons have won 14 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference championships, captured eight regional finals, while winning four state championships, including three of the last four, two in Class A — 2015 and 2017, and winning the title in their first year in Class B a year ago.
That success leads to plenty of excitement and anticipation. Even though Glover said he’s been “relaxing and doing all of the paperwork” the last
Brunswick High School boys lacrosse players line up along the baseline for a drill at Monday’s practice. (Eric Maxim / The Times Record)
couple of weeks.
“The anxiety of getting underway, that’s the piece building up to this moment,” said Glover, beginning his 22nd season as the head coach. “You wait all winter for it and the kids feel it too. They felt the hype to get ready to go.”
While it’s only the first week, and a lot still needs to be sorted out, Glover is already on the lookout for players to replace graduating seniors from last year’s team, seeing if someone catches his eye.
“We’ve graduated a bunch, we have to replace our entire defense, so I’m always looking at everyone, every practice, to make that first impression,” Glover added.
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