By Brett Manney

According to African folklore, the aardvark is admired because of its constant quest for food and intrepid response to the soldier ant. The Oregon Episcopal School Aardvarks lacrosse team should be admired for their diligent quest for a state championship in 2009, while representing the OES community with the utmost respect. The Aardvarks are currently 16-0 and sit atop the Oregon's LaxPower state rankings.

With a supportive school, talented youth program, and dedicated coaching staff, the Oregon Episcopal lacrosse program has developed into a perennial state power. The lacrosse program was started by current athletic director Kris VanHatcher, who roamed the sidelines for 15 years before current head coach Dennis Sullivan stepped in.

The program has continued to flourish. Sullivan played and then helped coach at Ridgewood High School (NJ) before taking over the OES program. He notes VanHatcher, who now coaches the middle school team, has been instrumental in the success of the program.

"We are very lucky to have Kris. He started the program, and he supported the program after he left with quality coaches" said Sullivan

Lacrosse has caught on like wildfire at the K-12 school located just outside Southwest Portland. Kids start playing for the middle school teams and then move on to high school. By that time, the coaching staff has watched them develop and already knows what type of player they are. Many people have helped the lacrosse team achieve its success because OES is a tight-knit community, but the efforts of people have not gone unnoticed.

"There is a great support system here at OES," VanHatcher said. "The school has been very supportive as well as the whole OES community."

The Aardvarks are one of only a handful of teams in Oregon fully funded by the school. Both Sullivan and VanHatcher agree that has helped with the success of the program. But the support of the community and determined players is what separates the Aardvarks from the rest of the pack in Oregon. Many of the high school players dedicate their free time to the OES youth and middle school players who will one day be donning an Aardvark jersey. The elder statesmen develop the talent of the young players to build the program--not only to develop great lacrosse players but to develop young men.

"These players represent themselves and the OES community both on and off the field. Lacrosse is such a small community and it is another vehicle to support the school. Win or lose, the OES community appreciates the team." said Sullivan.

This year's unbeaten squad looks to capture the state championship after falling short to Lincoln last year in the state final, 6-5. This is a very focused team, which VanHatcher noticed because each player developed a role on the squad. Yet, like every successful team there are those senior leaders who are determined to make their mark on a program, and this year's senior class is no different.

The seniors are on a quest to win a state championship this year and have the experience to realize what it takes. Furthermore, the seniors have been to three state championships in lacrosse and many of them have been to two in soccer. After losing two key seniors to injuries this year--the top two face-off men—-the Aardvarks have not lost a step even though their top face-off is now a freshman.

"Coach Sullivan does a great job at keeping kids under control. He always emphasizes playing your best no matter who the opponent is, and these kids have the passion to not only work hard in games but also in practice," said VanHatcher.

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2009-05-21