The Navy Old Goats lacrosse team celebrated a remarkable victory at the Vail Shootout, reclaiming the championship title after a 25-year hiatus. This year’s tournament, held in Colorado, marked a significant milestone for the Old Goats, a team composed of former Navy players dedicated to fostering camaraderie and excellence in the sport.
The origins of the Old Goats can be traced back to 1991, when Bryan Matthews, the head coach of Navy men’s lacrosse, was approached by the tournament organizers to form a team. Matthews enlisted the help of Mike Gottleib, a graduate from the Class of 1971, who successfully assembled a squad featuring notable players from various classes, including Brian Lantier (1965), Dennis Wedekind (1965), Hank Malloy (1965), Kevin O’Connor (1971), and Ray Finnegan (1974). This initiative laid the groundwork for the Old Goats, who became a prominent fixture in the tournament.
Under Gottleib’s leadership, the Old Goats enjoyed significant success, winning three championships between 1995 and 2000. However, participation dwindled over the following two decades, leading to challenges in fielding competitive teams.
The revitalization of the Old Goats began three years ago when Syd Abernethy, an All-American attackman from the Class of 1981, took the helm. Abernethy shifted the focus of the organization from merely participating in tournaments to actively engaging with the Navy lacrosse community. His leadership has not only increased membership but has also introduced initiatives that benefit the current team, including a commitment to donate $10,000 annually to the Navy men’s lacrosse program. This funding will support the development of the proposed Navy Lacrosse Center, a $22 million facility announced in 2023.
Abernethy’s efforts have also led to the establishment of a mentorship program connecting former players with current Midshipmen. Joe Amplo, the current Navy men’s lacrosse coach, expressed appreciation for the Old Goats’ contributions, highlighting their role in fostering fellowship and strengthening the connections between generations of players.
The Old Goats’ resurgence is evident not only in their organizational success but also on the field. In the recent tournament, the newly-formed 40-and-over team clinched the Supermasters Division title, defeating Domewood—a team comprised of former players from Johns Hopkins and Notre Dame—by a score of 5-4. The championship match was a thrilling double-overtime affair, with midfielder Adam Reel scoring the decisive goal. Reel had previously played a crucial role in the 2004 Navy team that reached the national championship game.
Significant contributions also came from Nate Small, who tied the game with a spectacular effort against a triple team, and Chris Pieczonka, who received the Garth Herd Award for his exceptional performance in the tournament. The 40-plus team showcased impressive teamwork, going unbeaten in group play and outscoring opponents 27-3.
The Old Goats’ 60-and-over team also demonstrated resilience, making it to the finals of the Zenmasters Division before falling short against Los Abuelos from Texas, with a final score of 5-2. Notable performers included attackman Dave Guill (1981) and faceoff specialist Sean Logan (1985), who contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Abernethy, who served as player-coach for the 60-plus team, is optimistic about the future. He aims to enhance the roster by increasing the number of former Navy players, thereby elevating the team’s competitive edge.
Reflecting on the recent triumphs, Paul Haberlein (2003) remarked, “Getting together with my former Navy teammates decades later has been one of the most rewarding lacrosse experiences of my life. It turns out we can all still play lacrosse at a relatively high level.”
The revitalization of the Navy Old Goats exemplifies the enduring spirit of teamwork and community within the Navy lacrosse fraternity, ensuring that these former athletes continue to make significant contributions both on and off the field.
