Andrew Kroeckel is entering his first year as head coach of the Bethlehem Catholic lacrosse program and one that he hopes can be a competitive venture.

After finishing 1-13 last year and 1-9 in East Penn Conference play, Kroeckel is given the task of trying to improve the Hawks.

That is easier said than done with a small returning group to the program, where Kroeckel is looking for flexibility out of his lineup.

“We have a small roster, so there will be much less specialization of positions,” he said. “To make up for that, all of the boys need to learn how to be lacrosse players, not just an attackmen, midfielder, defensemen or goalie. That will take more than just a few weeks. We have a very small roster, so all of our returning players are important.”

Returning for Becahi include JoJo Korpics, goalie; Peter Sweeney, midfield; Paul Carreras, LSM; Kyle Young, attack and Mike Hilliard, defense.

So far, the results have not been kind to the Hawks, as they opened the season with a 21-2 loss to Parkland and a 19-1 defeat to Emmaus. Both of those teams are obviously two of the best lacrosse programs in the Lehigh Valley, but Kroeckel hopes that things can turn around for his young team this season.

“We have a strong junior class with some talented offensive players,” he said. “The standing challenge each day in practice is for each of the boys to become a better lacrosse player. Also, gaining respect around the league. Even if we lose more games than we win this year, we want our opponents to know they were in a fight and nothing came easy.”