Geof Weisenborn learned the importance of discipline in lacrosse as a defenseman at UMBC during the mid-1990s.
These days, it's that same philosophy that is helping the third-year coach lead Francis Scott Key back to prominence in Carroll County. Through yesterday, the Eagles were 8-2, already besting their win totals in each of the past two years with four games left in the regular season.
Two of Key's more recent wins have come against county powers Liberty, by 8-6, and South Carroll, 9-6, and if the team continues on its current course, Friday's makeup game against state finalist Westminster could decide the county title.
"We knew the talent we had coming back, but I don't know if you can expect an 8-2 record until you actually see it," said Weisenborn, whose team was coming off a 7-5 record last year after a 4-8 mark during his first season. "We have been young for the past two years. This is our first year with a good group of seniors that are contributing, so we are hoping to take another step forward."
To move forward, Weisenborn has taken a page from former college coach Don Zimmerman, who always preached patience on offense.
"Coach Zimmerman taught me almost everything I know about the game," said Weisenborn, who played for UMBC from 1994 to 1997. "What he taught me most was that discipline wins games. We have a very similar style here. It's ball control, trying to be very disciplined and understanding the importance of possession."
Not that the Eagles aren't willing to run. Led by senior attackmen Jeff Ziegler and Zack Devilbiss, they've scored at least 14 goals three times this season and are generally willing to take what opposing defenses give them.
The team has about a half dozen players with 20 or more points.
After advancing to the regional finals two years ago and falling to Liberty by a goal in the regional semifinals last season, Key is now taking aim at capturing its first regional title since 2001.
"This year, with a little added talent and a little more maturity, we hope we can make that next step," Weisenborn said.
Owls still strong
The No. 3-ranked Westminster softball team won't have another undefeated season, but that doesn't bother coach Byron Moore because the Owls still are doing fine with an 8-4 record as the playoffs approach in a few weeks.
Moore lost some key players from last year's Class 4A state championship team, but Carroll County Player of the Year Stacy Davis (pitcher/shortstop) has been impressive once more. The senior was 5-1 through last Thursday and batting .391 while giving the Owls some strong hitting in the number three spot.
Davis' first loss was a 3-2 decision to Urbana two weeks ago. She threw a four-hitter, but the Owls wasted a late 2-0 lead. Also pitching well is junior Megan Lahner (3-3), who hasn't received much run support so far. Moore alternates starting the two during the regular season.
Senior catcher Stephanie Gerber has been one of the team's most consistent hitters, batting .416 from the cleanup spot. Classmate Kristine Skinner (.346) has continued helping at the plate and in the field.
Early-season mistakes in the form of mental and fielding errors cost Westminster several times. The Owls twice lost by one run and dropped another game in extra innings. But they've rebounded, scoring an 8-1 victory over sixth-ranked Institute of Notre Dame recently.
"Overall, I'm pleased with our results," Moore said. "Our record may not be as strong as I think our team is, [but] we're coming along really well."
Receiving honors
North Carroll High School recently honored two former lacrosse players who just returned from tours of duty in Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Kyle Lettau and Lance Cpl. Bill Nash, former varsity starters at the school, came home after serving in Iraq for about seven months, according to coach John Piper. They were honored at the North Carroll-Winters Mill game eight days ago.
Both are Marines and were named honorary captains for the game and received a fleece vest in the school colors of red and black, donated by Athletic Wear Direct.
"I heard they were coming back during the lacrosse season," Piper said. "We tried to set up a game where we could honor them and say we were proud for what they've done for this country."
Lettau was a four-year starter in goal at North Carroll, graduating in 2001. The Panthers had one of their best seasons ever during his senior year, making it to the region finals before falling to eventual Class 4A-3A champion Fallston.
Nash played on the varsity for two years and started as a senior. He was a solid defenseman and graduated in 2003.
Piper said both former Panthers are back and training again in the United States and could see more time Iraq in the coming months.
