The Rye Boys Lacrosse team fell short of a sixth consecutive Sectional championship in 2025, falling to Somers 12-7 – their only league loss of the year. Since then, they lost a very strong class of 2025 to graduation and their head coach. For many programs, this could indicate the beginning of a transitional period. But, Rye is not like many programs.
The Garnets enter 2026 looking for their 16th league title, 7th regional title, and 10th sectional title. Their loss to Somers last year was their first in the Section One tournament since 2018. They will be lead by first-year head man Jeremy Guski, a former All-American at UMass and head coach of Yorktown.
“We are setting out to avenge last year’s loss in the sectional finals to Somers,” Guski told MyRye.com before the season. “Our goal is improve individually and collectively every day. We always put the ‘we’ before the ‘me’ and together we will work tirelessly to accomplish our goals.”
The head coach did not mince words when describing his goal for the Garnets in 2026, despite the exodus of talent. “The team goal is to win the section and beyond,” Guski said. “If we play as a team, anything is possible.”
The Garnets will have four captains leading the way this spring – Carson Miller, Nigel Strazzini, Henry Shoemaker, and Jack Melville. All four bring championship experience to the table and lead by example, making their teammates better and creating a welcoming team environment. “We have a nice group of athletes with superior leadership,” Guski told MyRye.com.
Rye will not have to wait long to get another crack at Somers, as they host the Tuskers in their season opener on March 28. Rye has already played three preseason scrimmages and have another one later today before hosting Somers at Nugent Stadium on Saturday as part of a four-game homestand.
One of their other home games, scheduled for May 9 against Mamaroneck, is one that Guski and his group are looking forward to. “We are both talented teams and it will a good game,” Guski said. “Get your popcorn ready.”
With other high-profile non-league games on the docket, the Garnets have another challenging year ahead. They have the potential to make a postseason run, but their turnover from 2025 will be something to watch, especially early in the season. The campaign begins in two days and lasts until late May or early June, depending on the length of Rye’s playoff run.
