A four-time collegiate All-American and an all-star with the MLL's Baltimore Bayhawks, lacrosse superstar Tom Marechek completed a mission by leading Glenelg Country to the MIAA C Conference lacrosse championship this season

by Gary Adornato

Glenelg Country head lacrosse coach Tom Marechek has a lacrosse resume second to none and, if he so desired, this former four-time collegiate All-American and current star of Major League Lacrosse's Baltimore Bayhawks could land a coaching position at nearly any top prep or collegiate program in the United States. For the last eight years, however, Marechek has nurtured the lacrosse fortunes of Glenelg Country in hopes of bringing a championship to this small MIAA C Conference program – a mission which was completed yesterday when his Dragons rolled past Howard County rival Chapelgate Christian, 12-7, in the C Conference title game at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium.

"This was the fourth time for myself in the championship in the last eight years and these guys worked hard. They deserved it," said Marechek as he described Glenelg Country's first MIAA title. "This was really sweet and it is big for our school, which is getting a little bigger and we'll be recognized now."

Battling the two-time defending champion Yellowjackets (16-3), which denied Glenelg Country in last year's championship game, the Dragons broke open a one-goal game with a dominating second-half performance, yesterday.

Leading 6-5, Glenelg Country scored four times in the first five minutes of the third quarter to build a commanding 10-5 advantage. From there, the Dragons played strong defense, protected the ball and managed the clock as they completed a 13-2 season.

"It feels great to end this with a championship," said Glenelg Country senior Chris Burge, who finished with two goals and two assists, including one of each in the decisive third period. "We've worked hard for this and it really puts our school on the map." Sophomore Robbie Lynch led the Dragons with three goals, while junior Ben Rosen and senior Paul Jonnsen each scored two. Sophomore Taylor Reese also had a strong effort with a goal and two assists.

Chapelgate senior Alex Hahn ended a brilliant career for the Yellowjackets with three goals and an assist.