New Trier lacrosse ends ‘special year’ with runnerup state trophy

New Trier lacrosse playing in the state championship is far from unheard of.

But for the Trevians the journey to get to Saturday at Hinsdale Central was a long one.

New Trier played in 21 state championships in 26 seasons from 1994-2019, never missing more than two consecutive state finals in that time.

Since then, a span of four seasons, the Trevians have missed out on the grand finale, and head coach Adam Dickson praised his team for overcoming major obstacles, including Loyola Academy and continually improving in-state competition.

“It meant a lot for us to get back here, knowing how hard it is, having to go through very good teams, beating our rival for the second time this season,” Dickson said. “I’m so proud of this group for making the most of that opportunity. It’s hard to beat Loyola and then go back out and (win) three more times. And they gave us an opportunity to have this moment. It’s special.”

New Trier fell short of its 14th state championship, falling 8-5 to Lake Forest (24-2) on Saturday, June 7, in Hinsdale. The Scouts became the first back-to-back state winners in the IHSA era (six seasons). Loyola also has two IHSA titles (2018, ’22), while Wheaton Academy and New Trier have the others.

Dickson said Lake Forest’s defense shined in the championship, particularly goalie Thomas Walsh.

“Their defense is exceptional. I thought their goalie had a great game today too,” Dickson said. “… We had our opportunities and I think our guys worked hard, even at the end there.

“They made that extra play, that extra effort, that countered us.”

New Trier put together the resurgent season on the backs of its 16 seniors.

Seniors like Hans Huber (162 goals) and Trevor Martay (143) led the attack and Ian Schnizlein the defense, but Dickson said all 16 made the state-run happen.

“A lot of them started, a lot of them made huge strides from last year, and the guys who maybe weren’t necessarily contributing on the field were such great leaders for us, they showed the way, they were mentors for the younger group,” Dickson said. “They really, really wanted it. They did all the work in the offseason. They were the ones who found that belief and brought us back to a point we hadn’t been in a while.”

Schnizlein has been a varsity Trevian since his freshman year. With his fellow seniors, he accomplished a series of firsts in his final year.

“This is the first year we beat Loyola, so to do it twice and go on a playoff run is something special,” he said. “This group of seniors, the leadership has been something we haven’t seen in a while. Everyone wanted it so much. … Everyone wants it so much for each other, not just for themselves, and I think that’s what pushed everyone to do better. This is definitely a special, special year.”

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