With the spring sports season in full swing, senior Matt Renz looks to lead the boys’ lacrosse team to a successful campaign in his final varsity season. Renz has been on the team since his freshman year, when he was pulled up to help the team in the 2015 playoffs. Since then, he has been a commanding offensive threat, utilizing his big frame to torch defenders while also using his agility to find space on the crease for tap-in goals.
In addition to his accolades on the lacrosse field, Renz is also a standout for the boys’ varsity football and wrestling teams. In the fall, Renz co-captained the football team, where he started on the offensive line, and this past winter, he co-captained the wrestling team, which he has been on since his freshman year under his father, Rich Renz, the head coach of the wrestling team. Thus far for the lacrosse team, Renz has 21 goals through 11 games, including nine goals in his last two contests. He has currently led the Owls to a 5-6 record overall (2-3 in conference play, which determines playoff seeding) along with fellow co-captains Mike Bouhall, Thomas O’Brien, and Tom Urena.

Despite Lynbrook’s success-filled history in lacrosse, Renz is confident that the Owls will find their footing before season’s end. “Even though we lost a few games, it doesn’t mean we’re done. We’re not going to just throw in the towel. We need to play better and make better passes, but most importantly, we need to have heart,” said Renz. Renz plays at the attack position, something Head Coach Bill Leighley says he excels at: “Matt is extremely active in the crease, and he’s been part of a consistently productive attack unit for us.”

Many of Renz’s teammates speak very highly of him. “I think he’s a great guy,” said junior John DiBenedetto, a teammate on the football, wrestling, and lacrosse teams. “He’s the kind of guy everyone wants to be around, the kind of person you can rally around when times are tough,” added DiBenedetto.

Renz accredits his success to his teammates and coaches. “I wouldn’t be the player I am without the love and encouragement of my teammates and coaches” Even the guys who don’t get playing time give me endless support. Those guys standing on the sideline screaming their heads gives the team the energy it needs to succeed.” The Owls will look to strengthen their in-conference record and hopefully bolster their playoff profile in upcoming matchups against Mineola and Floral Park. As for Renz, he does not plan on letting his last chance to make the playoffs slip through his hands.