Boys’ Lacrosse Win Calls For Traditional Celebration

Going to a Branford boys’ lacrosse home game where the team is victorious turns out to be very special with the tradition that comes with it after.

After every home victory since 2000 the Hornet team assembles in the locker room for announcements and remarks by coach Jim May. Once coach May is finished he calls upon coach Frank Barron to begin the ​“Song and Chant Tradition of Victory.”

In order to get to this point, the team has to win and that’s what they did when they played Sheehan last week at the James L. MacVeigh Alumni Athletic Complex.

The Hornets jumped out early en route to a 14 – 2 win over the Titans. They scored five goals in the first period and three in the second to build up an 8 – 1 lead at halftime. Ten different players scored at least one goal in the game for the Hornets.

Noah Pantani had a hat trick scoring three goals to lead all scorers, with Harry Smith and Ted Stamler scoring two each. 

Individual goals were scored by Matt Potter, Marc Funaro, Noah DeGoursey, Web Templeton, Eamon Duffy, Brian Nichols( pictured), and Don Ardito.

Sheehan goalie Matt Naser heads back to the net after sophomore Marc Funaro’s goal.

Here Harry Smith looks to pass off on his way to the Sheehan goal. He had two goals in the game.

Here Sophomore Web Templeton gets ready to shoot. He had a goal and assist.

Goal keeper Zach DeGoursey had 13 saves against Sheehan.

Senior Donald Ardito scored one goal and had two assists.

“I was really happy the way we played tonight,” said Jim May, Hornet coach. ​“You don’t usually have that many different players score in a game. It was a sign of a special team effort.” The Hornets added four goals in the third period and two in the final stanza.

The captains were a proud group. 

So were the coaches

And as exciting as it is to see the Hornets play well, the post-game tradition is also special. This year the Eagle was invited to attend. 

Coach Barron came to Branford in 2000 after 19 years at Daniel Hand High School of Madison. After a home win he gets the boys clapping in unison that starts with a series of chants and songs that makes the tradition special to the current team members and all alumni. See top photos.

“The traditions are our bond and players and alums will tell you that while they love to win games… they really love the chants and singing the songs,” coach Barron said.

When asked why they do it, the answer always is, ​“It’s what we do.” Songs and chants include ​“Do the Big Dog” and ​“Tiny Bubbles,” among others as the boys stand in front of their lockers with arms around their teammates. 

“The kids love the traditions and will tell everyone, ​‘there is nothing that can rival the traditions of BHS lacrosse.’ We are a one of a kind team,” said Barron.
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