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Boys Lacrosse: Bond runs deep for award-winning Lyons Township pair
Updated: July 3, 2012 11:50AM
Lyons Township senior Jack Albertini is pretty sure he never would have started playing lacrosse if it wasn’t for Will Konstant and his family.
“I’m indebted to them,” Albertini said. “It’s kind of funny. I’ve lived next door to him since sixth grade and we share the same driveway. We’ve had an influence on each other’s lives and his family got me to play lacrosse.”
A driveway is now not the only thing the senior players share.
Konstant was named an Illinois High School Lacrosse Association All-American and All-State midfielder, while Albertini earned second-team All-State honors.
“My head coach (Bill Kalbfleisch) called me first and told me I was All-American and All-State, and I saw that Jack also made it,” Konstant said. “I was so tempted to run over there and tell him before our coach called him because I was so excited for him. It’s something he’s really worked toward and deserves. Playing lacrosse together has only furthered our friendship.”
Albertini is a two-year varsity player who started playing the sport his freshman year.
“It’s a great honor being all-state, especially to be voted by all the coaches,” Albertini said. “We had a couple other kids that should’ve been recognized, like (goalie) Ricky Razo. I’m humbled to get it. It means a lot to me and symbolizes all the work I put into the sport the past four years. I finally have something to take pride in.”
Albertini’s success in lacrosse has come primarily as a defender.
“Definitely, footwork is key to being a successful defender,” Albertini said. “That is one of the first things they teach you. You have to beat guys to where they want to go. For younger players, I would suggest jumping rope or using a speed ladder to improve your footwork.”
Konstant would trade all his individual accolades in a heartbeat if it meant reaching the team’s goal of nabbing a state crown.
“It’s always great to be recognized,” Konstant said. “It’s good to strive for goals like that, but it’s all for nothing unless I bring the team a state championship. I’m blessed to have great teammates that allow me to be All-State and All-American. I have to give them thanks, because without them this wouldn’t be possible. It’s about team success, and our working toward our ultimate goal of winning State.”
The Lions had five first-team All-West Suburban Conference selections: attacker Luke Gallagher, Albertini, goalie Razo, long stick midfielder Alex Fisher and midfielder Konstant.
Defender Conor Belawich and midfielder Scott Doten made the second team, while attackers John Evans and Jeff Rickert, and midfielders Pat Kelley and John Salemo were honorable mention selections.
LT beat Stevenson 13-6 on May 24 to reach the state quarterfinals; the Lions were set to meet No. 1 Loyola on Tuesday.
