Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s John Tierney competes for the boys’ lacrosse team.
WILBRAHAM – Part of the creed for the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys’ Lacrosse team is to “think big.”
No player in the history of the program has ever had a bigger season than John Tierney (Class of 2015) did in 2013.
In a turn-around season, Tierney set single-season records for goals (68), assists (56) and total points (124). After just two seasons, he is closing in on setting new career records in all three categories.
“Having great teammates around me helped me become better,” said Tierney, who has verbally committed to the University of Massachusetts. “I think that helped me a lot this year.”
“Simply put, in 27 years of coaching youth, high school and prep lacrosse, I’ve never had as fine of a lacrosse player as John Tierney,” Coach Phil Roland said. “In every facet – offense, defense, face-offs, scoring ability, teamwork, passing – John is clearly head and shoulders above anyone else I’ve ever had.”
After a 1-13 season in 2012, the Titans went 9-5 during the regular and qualified for the Western New England Secondary School Lacrosse Association Division II playoffs. WMA lost to the Gunnery School in the semifinal round. John had four goals and four assists in the game.
“We had a great year,” Tierney said. “We made tremendous impact in the league this year. We play in one of the stronger leagues in the New England. To go from 1-13 to 9-5 and lose in a semifinal is a great improvement behind a team effort.”
“We’re really excited for next year,” he added. “We have some great recruits coming in.”
“Coach (Phil) Roland, Coach (Mike) MacDonald and Coach (Jeff) Vartabedian have done a great job. We’re looking strong for next year. We’re going to keep improving in the off-season – in the weight room and on the wall.”
Tierney, who was selected to the WNESSLA First Team for the second straight season, has been invited to play in the Brine All-American National Classic for Team New England in Maryland in July.
