By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Christian Schneeloch will begin his third and final year of lacrosse at Holliston High this spring, and when the season concludes, it’ll mark the end of an era.

A midfielder, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Schneeloch is the third in his family to play lacrosse for the Panthers, following his brothers A.J. and Zach. The trio has kept the Schneeloch name active in lacrosse for the last eight years.

But, there’s another name linked to the trio that got the era started. The boys’ father — Drew — served for 11 years with Holliston Youth Lacrosse, first as a coach and later as the group’s president (six years). When he started in 2004, 70 youths participated and when he left the organization in 2015, there were 180 boys and girls participating.

A.J. graduated from Holliston High in 2015 and a year later Zach had his diploma. Both were Tri Valley League all-stars and both played club lacrosse in college. A.J. competed for Rutgers and Zach played for the University of New Hampshire.

“At Holliston, they both came into their own and enjoyed top-notch seasons as seniors,’’ Christian said. “I’m blessed to be able to carry out what my dad and brothers started in the youth league. They paved the way and hopefully I’ll be able to finish off the family’s legacy in a memorable way.’’

That shouldn’t be a problem as far as John Mulvaney is concerned. The veteran Holliston coach admires Christian’s passion for the sport and his style as a defensive midfielder.

“Christian is one of our fastest players and one of the best athletes on the team,’’ Mulvaney said. “He’s great on defense. A good team player, he’s athletic, has good field awareness and a high lacrosse IQ. An unselfish midfielder, I’m hopeful he’ll generate more offense, whether it’s by scoring goals or assisting on others.’’

Schneeloch, who stressed defense as a freshman and sophomore, is optimistic he can deliver on the offensive end. “Improving my stick skills will help and developing effective moves should be a plus,’’ he emphasized.

Aggressive on defense, Schneeloch’s calling card on offense is finesse. The 18-year-old enjoys the sport’s fast pace and likes his role in midfield. “Lacrosse is challenging,’’ he said. “To prevent goals you have to be aware of your surroundings and watch for cutters. As a midfielder, there’s lots of transition and activity.’’

Schneeloch’s team goals this season are to play plus-.500 lacrosse, qualify for the sectionals and go as deep as possible. During his first two years, he’s been on teams that finished 9-9. “Our prospects are good,’’ he noted. “Our team has talent and experience. My individual goals are to be more of an offensive threat and to be named a TVL all-star.’’

All-star recognition would complete a triple-play. Schneeloch was chosen a first-team all-star as a cornerback in football as a junior and he was an honorable-mention choice as a defenseman in ice hockey as a senior.

Unable to compete in lacrosse last year after State officials canceled all spring sports because of the covid-19 pandemic, Schneeloch is extremely pleased to get another chance.

“It was disappointing to lose last year because our team could have been very good,’’ he said. “The lesson learned from the coronavirus is don’t take anything for granted. It was a tough spring. I’m not worried about any changes and modifications to our sport this season. I just want one more year with teammates I’ve known a long time. But, the top priority still is to beat covid-19.’’

Schneeloch did a great job beating Wayland in Holliston’s final regular season match when he was a sophomore. Leading by one goal with 45 seconds left in the contest, the Panthers needed to run out the clock. “If we won, we qualified for tourney play,’’ Schneeloch recalled. “I ran around until time expired. We had lost to Wayland earlier in the year. I had a good game, assisting on two goals and forcing three turnovers.’’

Two teammates admired by Schneeloch are senior midfielder Kevin Lyons and sophomore goalie Austin Boardo. “Kevin is experienced, fast and skilled,’’ he said. “Austin has good instincts, tracks the ball well and gained experience playing club lacrosse last summer.’’

Also bullish on his coach, Schneeloch calls Mulvaney “a great guy who’s passionate about the sport and a motivator who strives to get the best out of everyone.’’

A good student, Schneeloch plans on majoring in business. His college destination could lead to Alfred University (New York), Endicott (Beverly) or the University of New Hampshire. “I’m open to playing football in college if I choose a Division 3 school,’’ he said.

Calling his parents (Drew and Lynda) role models for their encouragement and commitment, Schneeloch relies on a competitive philosophy that focuses on winning, reaching his potential and having fun. He says athletics have helped him learn valuable life lessons. “Sports have helped me to overcome adversity, to be a leader and to be a good teammate,’’ Schneeloch emphasized.

Whether it’s Christian, A.J. or Zach, who all played in Holliston’s youth league, their father is extremely proud of their achievements. A positive era will soon be in the Panthers’ record book and Drew Schneeloch is acutely aware how blessed he’s been.

“The boys played lacrosse with passion and they were all willing to learn the sport and  improve their abilities,’’ he said. “I wanted them to play a sport and they had the option to choose whichever one they wanted.’’

Christian and Zach selected football, hockey and lacrosse while A.J. picked football and lacrosse.

The boys’ commitment to lacrosse is admirable and their play for the last eight years at Holliston has indeed left an indelible impression.