The Navy Old Goats lacrosse club claimed victory at the prestigious Vail Shootout, marking their first championship win in 25 years. This triumph comes as a significant milestone for the team, which was originally formed in 1991 under the guidance of former Navy men’s lacrosse coach Bryan Matthews. The Old Goats have evolved from a group of former players into a vital part of the Navy Lacrosse Brotherhood.
In 1991, Matthews was approached by Vail Shootout organizers to assemble a team of former Navy players. He enlisted the help of 1971 graduate Mike Gottleib, who successfully brought together a squad featuring notable alumni including Brian Lantier (Class of 1965), Dennis Wedekind (1965), and Ray Finnegan (1974). Over the next decade, the Old Goats captured three championships between 1995 and 2000, becoming a formidable presence in the tournament.
After two decades of fluctuating participation and leadership, Syd Abernethy took charge three years ago. A first team All-American from 1981, Abernethy revitalized the Old Goats by enhancing membership and shifting the focus from merely competing in tournaments to fostering connections within the Navy lacrosse community.
“We shifted our focus from just showing up to tournaments to connecting more with Navy lacrosse,” Abernethy said. Under his leadership, the Old Goats pledged to donate $10,000 annually to the Navy men’s lacrosse program, supporting the construction of the proposed $22 million Navy Lacrosse Center announced in 2023.
Abernethy also introduced a mentorship program linking former players with current Midshipmen. This commitment to outreach has garnered appreciation from Joe Amplo, the current Navy men’s lacrosse coach, who noted the importance of fellowship and community within the Navy Lacrosse Brotherhood.
In addition to their organizational growth, the Old Goats demonstrated their prowess on the field. Last month, the newly formed 40-and-over team clinched the Supermasters Division at the Vail Shootout, defeating a combined team of former Johns Hopkins and Notre Dame players, Domewood, with a score of 5-4 in a thrilling double overtime match.
Key players in this victory included Paul Haberlein (2003) and Chris Kiesel (2002), who led the 40-plus squad. The championship-winning goal was scored by midfielder Adam Reel, a member of the 2004 Navy team that reached the national championship game. Nate Small, son of Old Goat veteran Jim Small (1978), contributed significantly by tying the game with a remarkable goal at the end of regulation.
The Old Goats’ success extended beyond the 40-and-over team; their 60-plus team also excelled, reaching the finals of the Zenmasters Division before falling to a Texas team, Los Abuelos. Standout performers included attackman Dave Guill (1981) and goalie Dave “The Wall” Miller.
Abernethy expressed optimism about the future of the 60-plus team, believing that strategic additions could elevate their competitive edge. He also aims to bolster the 50-and-over team and establish a 30-and-over squad within the next two years.
Reflecting on the camaraderie and spirit of the event, Haberlein remarked, “Getting together with my former Navy teammates decades later has been one of the most rewarding lacrosse experiences of my life.” This latest victory serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Navy lacrosse community and the commitment of its former players to support the next generation.
