Bartlett, St. Charles N. take
litmus test in season-opener
New Bartlett coach DiNuzzo has 16 seniors on roster;
St. Charles North returns 13 from 11-win season
By Chris Walker
Vince DiNuzzo could probably still suit up and star in goal for Bartlett just like he did less than 10 years ago.
Instead he'll debut as the head coach for the Hawks and look to pick up that unforgettable first victory when Bartlett travels to St. Charles North on Tuesday in the opening game of the season for both squads.
“It’s really exciting for me,” he said. “This is where I played, where I grew up, so it’s a cool connection to return to something I’ve been a part of for many years. But, more than that, it’s about the kids at all levels. I hope to give them the same experience I had as we continue to build toward great things.”
Bartlett has room to grow after battling through a 6-14-0 season last fall. The Hawks have reason to be optimistic though. While they took more then their fair share of defeats, they also learned a lot along the way and return a good chunk of that team.
“We’ve got 16 seniors on the roster and 13 of them are returners so we’ve got a lot of experience back,” DiNuzzo said. “We’ve also got three young, impact players. I think we’ll be flying under the radar a bit, and I want to keep it that way.”
St. Charles North is coming off a strong season. The North Stars bounced back from a three-win campaign in 2013 to go 11-6-4, including a 4-1-2 record in the Upstate Eight Conference's River Division last season. That was good for third behind two ranked teams -- conference champion Batavia and runner-up St. Charles East.
“Our high school always sets its expectations high,” North Stars coach Eric Willson said. “We want to compete with the best teams out there.”
Willson especially likes the chemistry of his team this year, which includes 13 returning varsity players and six newcomers. Still, the mix may take time to jell.
“This group of 19 players has not played any games together yet,” he said. “Not sure what we are capable of.”
He’ll certainly have a better idea by late Tuesday evening. While one game won’t tell you everything, it certainly will be more exciting then summer camp and preseason practices.
Zack Norton returns in goal for the North Stars, and midfielder Alex Amro appears to be the team’s best scoring threat. Brandon Stricker will look to lead the backline. Look for forward Dylan Mientus to become an impact player immediately. The junior will likely be a key addition to the offense.
Bartlett gets Jake Hasenstein back in goal and returns top scorer Timmy Riordan. A.J. Santori will also be expected to produce for the Hawks.
This will be the first time these teams have squared off in four years. St. Charles North prevailed, 5-2 in 2011, and the teams tied 2-2 in 2010. Bartlett came through in 2009 on an Eric Kennebeck header for a 1-0 victory.
litmus test in season-opener
New Bartlett coach DiNuzzo has 16 seniors on roster;
St. Charles North returns 13 from 11-win season
By Chris Walker
Vince DiNuzzo could probably still suit up and star in goal for Bartlett just like he did less than 10 years ago.
Instead he'll debut as the head coach for the Hawks and look to pick up that unforgettable first victory when Bartlett travels to St. Charles North on Tuesday in the opening game of the season for both squads.
“It’s really exciting for me,” he said. “This is where I played, where I grew up, so it’s a cool connection to return to something I’ve been a part of for many years. But, more than that, it’s about the kids at all levels. I hope to give them the same experience I had as we continue to build toward great things.”
Bartlett has room to grow after battling through a 6-14-0 season last fall. The Hawks have reason to be optimistic though. While they took more then their fair share of defeats, they also learned a lot along the way and return a good chunk of that team.
“We’ve got 16 seniors on the roster and 13 of them are returners so we’ve got a lot of experience back,” DiNuzzo said. “We’ve also got three young, impact players. I think we’ll be flying under the radar a bit, and I want to keep it that way.”
St. Charles North is coming off a strong season. The North Stars bounced back from a three-win campaign in 2013 to go 11-6-4, including a 4-1-2 record in the Upstate Eight Conference's River Division last season. That was good for third behind two ranked teams -- conference champion Batavia and runner-up St. Charles East.
“Our high school always sets its expectations high,” North Stars coach Eric Willson said. “We want to compete with the best teams out there.”
Willson especially likes the chemistry of his team this year, which includes 13 returning varsity players and six newcomers. Still, the mix may take time to jell.
“This group of 19 players has not played any games together yet,” he said. “Not sure what we are capable of.”
He’ll certainly have a better idea by late Tuesday evening. While one game won’t tell you everything, it certainly will be more exciting then summer camp and preseason practices.
Zack Norton returns in goal for the North Stars, and midfielder Alex Amro appears to be the team’s best scoring threat. Brandon Stricker will look to lead the backline. Look for forward Dylan Mientus to become an impact player immediately. The junior will likely be a key addition to the offense.
Bartlett gets Jake Hasenstein back in goal and returns top scorer Timmy Riordan. A.J. Santori will also be expected to produce for the Hawks.
This will be the first time these teams have squared off in four years. St. Charles North prevailed, 5-2 in 2011, and the teams tied 2-2 in 2010. Bartlett came through in 2009 on an Eric Kennebeck header for a 1-0 victory.