Hutchison lacrosse sets the standard

Following last Thursday's lacrosse match at Hutchison School, it was hard to differentiate the winners from the losers.

The Sting — despite playing far below their usual standard — were naturally happy to come away with another victory, keeping them undefeated so far this season. Visiting Nashville Ensworth however seemed downright ecstatic to come within four goals of the Sting. And that speaks volumes, because Hutchison coach Dave Gearhardt said his team will likely meet up with the Tigers sometime in the postseason.

So is everyone else playing for second? In the Tennessee Girls Lacrosse Association, it sure seems that way.

Welcome to the best dynasty in Shelby County high school sports.

Hutchison has won the state title for each of the last six seasons while producing several players who have earned all-American mention. But Gearhardt doesn't mince words though when talking about this year's group, which has won its first 14 matches.

"This is probably my best group," he said. "No question; this is the best team I've had."

That's saying something. Hutchison hasn't lost a game against Tennessee competition since 2010, or when the current senior class was in the fifth grade. 

But while the Sting's dominance in Tennessee can't be argued, in past seasons the team hasn't fared as well against competition from other parts of the the country. That's changed this year too.

An early-season trip to California saw Hutchison come away with victories over Mater Dei, Foothill and St. Margaret, ranked first, second and third in the state. The victory over Mater Dei handed that team its first loss since 2015.

Hutchison then followed up with an 18-17 victory earlier this month over Academy of the Holy Cross from the lacrosse-mad Baltimore area, a victory Gearhardt called "the program's biggest win in history." The success has the Sting poised to break into the uslaxmagazine.com's national Top 20.

"It was a good experience, good for us all to all work together," said Elizabeth Farnsworth of the trip out west. "Everything went well; everyone did their job. It was our first big test ... and it was really positive for us."

"It was completely competitive ... the midfielders were exhausted, running up and down. But it was good for us to see that kind of competition."

Added Farnsworth's cousin and co-star, Griffin Gearhardt, "(Holy Cross) was similar competition, I'd say even better. Maryland is just where lacrosse is ... (and) I don't think they thought there'd be as much competition here."

Farnsworth and Gearhardt can compete with anyone in the country. Both have been honored as Commercial Appeal player of the year and it will be a major surprise if one doesn't win this year. Gearhardt, a senior, was named national player of the week after scoring eight goals against Holy Cross and following that up with seven and seven assists against Houston.

"We've gone to the east coast three of the last four years and the girls wanted to do something different," said Dave Gearhardt, Griffin's dad.

"I just kind of looked up the top teams in California and that's who we called and that's who we played. None of us really knew what to expect. We knew would have more skill, maybe not top to bottom but at the top, and that they would be more athletic. Turns out we matched their athleticism and we beat them on skill.

"It was a huge boost to our confidence. We've been on the map but this has kind of solidified it. There are a lot of good teams that aren't on the east coast but sometimes it takes some work to get noticed."

Work is what Hutchison does better than anyone. While there are other schools with good facilities, plenty of money and parental support, what separates the Sting from their peers is a grit-grind ethos that Tony Allen would be proud of.

Take speed training. Dave Gearhardt said this is the first season Hutchison has had training facilities and trainers on campus. Preseason work was "mandatory" but Griffin's use of air quotes make it clear that corners could have been cut. However, no one did and the results are plain to see when you watch Hutchison's players spring up and down the field like gazelles.

"We did timed miles, timed two-miles," said senior Scottie Spiegelman. "Ladders, gassers, sprints. Speed, strength we hit it all. ... I've never done anything like it in my life.

"Going back to California ... we saw how fast we were. It was a noticeable difference even from last year and I personally think it's because of all the training."

Added Griffin Gearhardt, "The California teams were like 'ya'll are really fast.' And we've never gotten that."

Even still, Dave Gearhardt knows the program's dominance can't last forever. Programs like Ensworth and others around the state are catching up and players like Griffin Gearhardt and Spiegelman will soon be moving on.

But Farnsworth will return next year, along with another terrific junior in Jordan Groover. And Hutchison continues to develop talented youngsters like freshman Janessa Mai.

But it's not sprints and ladders with this team. The Sting knows how to have a good time too, as Dave Gearhardt can attest thanks to the money he's spent on MemPops and cupcakes. 

The coach knows the time is coming when someone else will be favored to win the state title. But until then, the players are enjoying the ride.

"Obviously it's important to work hard ... but you just do what you have to do," said Griffin Gearhardt. "But sometimes when you get too serious it doesn't come together. I think by making it more fun it helps us play better."

Added Spiegelman, "We're all best friends and I think that truly makes a difference between a good team and a great team."

And make no mistake; this is one great team.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.