Published in the June 22, 2018 edition
MELROSE—After a dominating 18-2 season, the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team has earned multiple honors by the Eastern Mass Lacrosse Coach’s Association.
Three Red Raiders, Matt Rocha, Jack Wells and Cam Rosie, were named All- American and their coach Matt James, was named Coach-of-the-Year.
The quartet helped the league champion Red Raiders put together the best team to date and finish their regular season 18-1, with the best winning percentage of any team in the division. They entered the Div. 2 North playoff field as the #1 seed.
MELROSE LACROSSE players Jack Wells (left) Cam Rosie (center) and junior Matt Rocha (right) are All-Americans after their terrific 2018 spring season. (courtesy photo)
Of his players, James said, “I could not be more proud of these three for their leadership, unselfishness and most importantly how they are great teammates. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
Acknowledging each, he said, “Cam (Rosie) is one of the top 5-6 best defenders in the state. He made the switch to defense freshmen year and trusted us so that says so much about his character. Jack (Wells) leaves with a new school record of 270 career points. His legacy will be changing the culture of this program. His commitment to the sport year-round has changed how we prepare. And Matt (Rocha) only allowed just 4.5 point-against average. He’s a big game player and a great kid off the field. We’re lucky he’s coming back.”
As for his own honor of being named Coach-of-the-Year by the Eastern Mass Lacrosse Coach’s Association, James was grateful. “It’s very cool and validating. This program has come a long way in a short time and it’s also a reflection of our whole coaching staff. My style might not work other places, but it does in Melrose and I’m glad.”
