By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s lacrosse coach Greg Normand believed it when he took over the program last season.

“This is a dream waiting to happen here,” he said in the spring of 2008.

The coach said bluntly that his program would be on par with the school’s basketball, baseball and football teams, which have all competed for state championships in recent years.

With an appearance in the Division 2 state final June 6 at Troy Athens, the coach made good on his promise.

Though St. Mary’s lost to the two-time defending state champs from East Grand Rapids 13-12 in overtime, Normand knows there are some who are surprised at how far the program has already come.

The Eaglets have lost in the first round of the playoffs for the last three years. Two years ago, they won just three games, and last season, they won 10 games.

This season, St. Mary’s finished 18-5 overall and as the No. 2-ranked team in D-2.

“I don’t think it was so much me being a great coach or unlocking the secrets as much as it was dusting off the shelves and letting it run,” Normand said days after his team fell.

The Eaglets nearly claimed the title, leading 9-5 at the half and 10-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

But Normand said the Pioneers’ experience, coupled with his team’s inexperience, showed.

“They were down in pretty much every game of the tournament and had a propensity of coming back,” Normand said of EGR. “We had our chances; we just couldn’t close the door.

“You can talk all you want, but you can’t coach experience. It’s as simple as that. Until you’re there, some kids get it and some don’t.”

The Eaglets say goodbye to seniors Stephan Knoblock, Kevin DiSalle, Scott Koenigsknecht, Tom Pellerito, Joey LaFlamme, Patrick Kendrick, James Maher, Keegan Dupak, Jonathan Sheehan, Pat Turner and Adam Hatcher.

“Obviously, the legacy that we will have is because of them. The maturity that they brought to the table and the work ethic that they brought for the other guys to follow will make it easier for me to show how it’s done,” Normand said. “They are as good of role models that I’ve had in 30 years of coaching.”

For the athletes coming back, Normand said the squad will be back to work for next season in the coming days, and he’s sure they’ll have another shot at their dream.

“We’ll be back in the finals next year, not because we’re hungry, but because we’re doing the work,” he said.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.