Class Acts

By the Numbers

600 — The approximate number of boys lacrosse players across the country who were named 2015 US Lacrosse High School All-Americans or All-Academic Team members. 

65 — The number of goals Griffith scored for the Cougars this season. 

10 — The number of wins Stoffel and Griffith helped lead Cardinal Mooney to this past season.

5 — The number of players from Florida, including Stoffel, who were selected as 2015 US Lacrosse High School All-Academic Team members. 

27 — The number of ground balls Stoffel recorded this past season. 

SARASOTA — For lacrosse players Alex Stoffel and Reagan Griffith, Cardinal Mooney’s season can be summed up in one word: victory. 

Stoffel, a 2015 graduate, and Griffith, a rising senior, helped power the Cougars to a 14-12 victory against lacrosse proverbial powerhouse Tampa Jesuit before eventually advancing to the second round play-in game of the FHSAA Boys Lacrosse Championship. 

It was a defining moment for the two players who saw their teammates rally together and achieve one of Cardinal Mooney’s main goals of the season — make it to the championship game. 

And, up until two weeks ago, it was the one accomplishment that stood above the rest. 

But now Stoffel and Griffith each have a new individual accolade that defines them. 

On July 1, US Lacrosse announced the boys players chosen as 2015 US Lacrosse High School All-Americans and All-Academic Team members. 

Griffith was named a High School All-American while Stoffel made the All-Academic Team. Nearly 600 players across the country were recognized for their efforts both on and off the field. 

Griffith was one of 10 players from Florida, and one of only two juniors, who were selected as High School All-Americans. To be named a US Lacrosse All-American, a player must exhibit superior skills and techniques, possess exceptional game sense and knowledge and embody excellent sportsmanship. 

Griffith scored 65 goals and added 24 assists in 19 games this past season while helping lead Cardinal Mooney to a 10-6 record. 

Griffith was in the airport traveling to the 2015 Brine National Classic, in Virginia, when his parents told him the good news. It’s an honor the Cougars attackman wasn’t expecting following his junior season. 

“All of my hard work paid off,” Griffith says. “It’s good to know it was worth it doing all of the (little) stuff.” 

Stoffel was one of only five players from Florida to earn High School All-Academic Team honors. The distinction is awarded to players who exhibit exemplary lacrosse skills, good sportsmanship on the field and represent high standards of academic achievement in the classroom. 

“I was definitely surprised,” Stoffel says. “It’s kind of a sense of accomplishment for senior year. We had a lot of good things happen, and this is kind of like the cherry on top.

“It just shows that (Cardinal) Mooney and Florida lacrosse in general has come a long way,” Stoffel says. “We can compete and earn high awards in Florida and this area.”

Now Stoffel and Griffith both are preparing for the next step in their lacrosse careers. Stoffel will be heading to Skidmore College, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in September, while Griffith, who also plays for the Pride of Florida, will prepare for his senior season in which he will assume the role of team captain, a position formerly held by Stoffel. 

Although Stoffel and Griffith recognize the responsibility that comes from being a leader on the field and helping their teammates achieve their goals, it’s what the two do outside of practice that sets them apart. 

In addition to attending practices, Griffith and Stoffel both work out on their own to improve their skills. Griffith spends time boxing and lifting weights while also working with his lacrosse coach. Additionally, as an attackman, Griffith spends time hitting the wall. 

As a defender, Stoffel’s focus is geared more toward lifting weights to maintain his frame. He also jumps rope and does ladder drills to improve his footwork and reaction time. 

Stoffel and Griffith also work out together as a way to further push one another to achieve their goals. 

“It’s really what you do before and after practice,” Stoffel says. “You’ll see some kids out there with their stick out giving it there all and trying, but it’s those kids who stick around after practice and run sprints or hit the wall (for awhile). Those are the kids who are really training hard.” 

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].