Returning only one starter – and competing in the top division in the state – is not usually a recipe for athletic success.  Not only did the graduating class leave an immense hole in talent, but they also left the reputation for unseemly off the field activity.

This year’s team was left with the task of rebuilding in both areas.  While wins have remained elusive for the 2012 Hounds, the team has succeeded in recreating a family atmosphere.

Captain Jonathan Matheny, the lone returning starter on the team, said a theme of this year’s club was to play with “respect and dignity.” With a crew consisting of half freshman, Matheny has the responsibility to set the example.

“We aren’t expecting to win a ton of games, but we are going to work really hard and set the tone for the next few years,” Matheny said.  “Especially off the field, with all of the issues we had last year, cleaning up off-field behavior is really important to us.”

Head lacrosse coach Ben Hjelle (CHS ’02) said last year’s incidents shook the team “to the core.”  Hjelle spent this school year reaching out to administrators and developing a base for better communication.

“We can’t run away from the fact that people think that way about us,” Hjelle said.  “The players all understand that there’s a reputation that needs to be improved, and the captains have done a great job communicating that to the younger guys.”

Junior captain Adam Luxon also pointed to a clear change in the atmosphere of Clayton lacrosse.

“We’re working to build a strong foundation for the years to come,” junior captain Adam Luxon said. “We’ve started a new chapter in Clayton Lacrosse with this season.”

This new chapter extends beyond the high school.  A lacrosse program is now offered for students as young as fifth grade.

CHS parent Trish Lopata started a Jr. Greyhounds lacrosse team for seventh and eighth grade students, which was incredibly successful in its first year.

“We are in the process of building the program,” Lopata said. “In three or four years, our mission is for it to be a huge presence at Clayton.”

With an involved group of parents and middle school students – alongside the leadership of Matheny and Luxon – a state caliber lacrosse team is within sight.

“I couldn’t ask for a better captain than Jonathan Matheny,” Hjelle said.  “He’s been incredibly patient with his younger teammates and is a phenomenal guy.  Adam Luxon has also come in and done a tremendous job keeping us focused through tough times.”

Hjelle is only the second coach for the club, now in its 16th year.  Hjelle was a captain and three year starter for the Hounds, earning all conference honors for his efforts.  In his first two seasons as coach, he has had the opportunity to coach teams on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

“People say last year was our most successful year ever, which is probably true,” Hjelle said. “Personally, it’s hard to start coaching in that atmosphere and then to struggle the next year, but ultimately I think it’s going to contribute to my growth as a person, coach and teacher.”

Matheny and Luxon agreed on the ultimate goal for the season:  establish the standard for work ethic, and mend the team’s reputation.  This new atmosphere, Hjelle believes, will lead the Hounds to success.

“I think we’re headed in a positive direction and people feel like they can cheer for us because we’ve got great guys playing for us,” Hjelle said.