Even a three-year span during which Friends lost the MIAA B Conference boys lacrosse championship game in 2012, a semifinal two years ago and a quarterfinal last spring doesn't dampen the enthusiasm of coach Tom Marechek.
That's because Marechek believes in his team, and that his Quakers are in position to reverse the trend with nine returning starters.
"We haven't had a team as well-balanced as this," said Marechek, a fourth-year coach. We could be really good. I'm expecting pretty much to go all the way."
The Quakers should be strong on offense.
Three seasoned attackmen — seniors Teagan Cook, Cole Hudson (Coast Guard Academy) and Teddy Kasper (Connecticut College) and sophomore William Mortimer — should pose problems for opposing defenders.
"I would consider it the best attack in the whole conference," Marechek said of the 10-team league. "They have played together for three years now. Teddy is a lefty, which helps. Cook is a good dodger and finisher. Mortimer can play both sides of the wings. He can be a lefty and righty. It's just a good balanced group."
Freshmen midfielders Stephen Bogusky and Patrick Linehan should complement juniors Lee Edelstein and William Katzen and seniors Benjamin Sitzer, Langston Lee and Devon deFilippi.
Sitzer and deFilippi are also solid faceoff men.
Midfield depth is a concern for Marechek.
"We don't have the numbers," he said. "We just have to plug guys in as the season goes along."
The defense, spearheaded by juniors John Herzog and Joseph Rogers, has a combination of size and toughness.
"They are tall, big and fast," Marechek said. "It's a more experienced defense than we have had in the past."
The unit also features freshmen Owen McManus and Thomas Whiteford.
"These kids are experienced and play club ball all year round," Marechek said.
Marechek also has confidence in junior goalie John Whiteford, a returning starter.
"He can surprise you with a big in-close save to change the game," Marechek said. "And he can make a great outlet pass."
Marechek appreciates his players' dedication, smarts and winning attitude.
"This team has a better lacrosse I.Q.," he said. "They all play club ball all year round.
"Their offseason workouts were outstanding," he added. "They all worked out with our personal strength and conditioning at school coach all fall, winter and summer."