Rockin' Mules were no pushovers

A perfect blend of players from East Rockaway and Malverne this spring formed one of the best boys’ lacrosse teams in program history, compiling a record of 7-8 and missing out on the Nassau Class B playoffs by the slimmest of margins.

The Rockin’ Mules dropped three one-goal games, including a 7-6 overtime decision to Sewanhaka on May 5 that eventually cost them a spot in the tournament, as well as a two-goal game. They also recorded a pair of one-goal victories.

“We were able to compete and win our share,” Coach Mike Whalen said after last Friday’s season-ending defeat at Hewlett. “The kids bought into the team concept and worked hard.”

Fifteen student-athletes from each school comprised a deep roster featuring 16 seniors, including captains Joe Cantone and Kevin DeMott from East Rockaway and Stephen Shishko from Malverne. Cantone, a key part of the offensive attack who netted a memorable double-overtime winner against Great Neck North, said chemistry on and off the field was a big reason for the team’s success. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more this season,” said Cantone, who had 15 goals on the year. “Everyone gets along. We had some newcomers this year and they blended in well.”

The Rockin’ Mules didn’t set the tone early, losing four of their first five, but Whalen said their confidence began to grow after midfielder Nick DiChiara, a senior from East Rockaway, had four goals and two assists in an 8-4 victory at Lawrence. “Nick’s an unselfish player who always came up with big goals and big ground balls,” Whalen said of DiChiara, who scored 20 goals and added 10 assists.

Seniors Rich Reimuller (East Rockaway) and Malcolm Walcott (Malverne) saw time in the midfield and attack. They split the face-off responsibilities and enjoyed their share of success on draws. “Rich is the kind of player who makes others around him better,” Whalen said of Reimuller, who led the team in goals with 23, “and Malcolm is someone we counted on to do a lot at both ends.”