By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The 2025 season is a milestone one for the North Reading High lacrosse teams as they are celebrating their 20th year at the varsity level.
Chuck Campobasso, the Hornets’ boys’ coach, has been there since the start as they were a club team the first year and a junior varsity team the second season before becoming a varsity team 20 years ago.
“To see the growth in the youth program over the years has been special,” he said. “What has been great for me is the relationships I have developed over the years.”
Campobasso has seen the game change since that first varsity team he coached.
“The game has evolved a lot,” he pointed out. “The players are faster than in the past. Also we get as many good athletes who play basketball as we do in hockey.”
Many hockey players gravitate to lacrosse in the spring due to its similar concepts but those concepts also apply to basketball players which Campobasso has seen.
“In basketball, they learn about spacing which is key in lacrosse,” said Campobasso.
The Hornets’ boys’ team made the states last year as did the girls’ team which is coached by Matt Costello, who is entering his seventh year.
“To see both of our teams reach 20 years is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Costello. “The sport has grown so much during that time and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
On May 17, there will be a double-header as the boys’ team will take on Methuen. Then, the girls’ team will face Boston Latin Academy.
All former Hornets players and coaches are invited to attend as Campobasso and Costello might try to put together a social event either the night before or the night of the doubleheader.