The Emmaus High School boys lacrosse team will be under the guidance of new leadership in first-year head coach Bob Kornicke. Kornicke takes over a program that went 12-7 overall last season and qualified for both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 playoffs.

Stu Speicher had success in his time at the helm and leaves Kornicke with a talented group heading into the 2023 season.

“We have a good team I’m expecting this year,” said Kornicke. “I’m coming into a good situation as I believe the players we have back from last year and some younger players will join together and form a talented team. I’m excited with what we have going on this season.”

There are some talented returning starters to this year’s team including All-EPC performer Will Barber, who eclipsed the 100-point mark last season as a sophomore. Aiden Garrett has the program career faceoff winning percentage of 74 percent. Zach Zenawine and Sam Rainford are also back as upperclassmen and experienced, varsity players.

“The guys have been bringing a lot of energy and intensity during the preseason and I think that will bode well for us during the season,” Kornicke said. “The guys are working hard at practice and are hungry to continue to grow and get better to bring a championship back to this program.”

Even with a new person in charge, the Hornets’ program has year-in and year-out been one of the more successful ones in the district, and that should not be changing under Kornicke.

“We want to be competitive in every game that we play,” said Kornicke. “We also want to continue to improve throughout the season and be playing for championships.”

Emmaus opens its 2023 campaign on the road in EPC competition at Nazareth next Wednesday. The home opener is set for Tuesday, March 28, against Bethlehem Catholic.