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04/27/2017 12:00 AMFor the past few years, James Hespeler has been chomping at the bit to get involved in coaching with the Old Saybrook boys’ lacrosse program. The wait has been well worth it for James, who’s now a part of the family and has already helped the Rams charge their way toward a few glimpses of greatness early on this spring.
James, a Branford resident, grew up in Groton and started playing lacrosse during his junior year of high school before attending college at UConn-Avery Point. After joining the Old Saybrook Middle School staff as a physical education teacher three years ago, James expressed interest in coaching the high school lacrosse squad, but there were no vacancies at the time. When a position opened up, James jumped at the opportunity, and now he’s the Rams’ new head coach. Following a pair of winless campaigns, Old Saybrook promptly got in the win column this year with a 9-5 win over Cromwell in its third game.
“I had always wanted to get involved with lacrosse when I started in Old Saybrook three years ago,” says James. “I was asked about coaching middle school baseball here, so I did that for a year. But then the coaching spots for lacrosse opened up after the JV and varsity coaches left last year. I was able to take on the position with new assistants [varsity assistant Ian Lenly and JV coach Dante Gonzales] with a lot of experience, and they’ve been very helpful to me. It all kind of fell into place.”
James knows full well that this is the first year of a reconstruction process as the Rams adjust to their new leader. Whether it’s on or off the field, James is keeping things as simple as possible while teaching his athletes all about hustle, humility, and respect.
“In general, I preach hard work and commitment to the school and team. It’s a rebuilding year this year, so I start with the fundamentals and build up from there,” James says. “I also teach them that no one person is more important or bigger than the next guy. It’s about working hard and being committed to school.”
James likes being both a teacher and a coach, although he truly loves how the latter role allows him to develop deeper connections with people. That aspect makes coaching all the more enjoyable for James, especially when he’s doing so in such a fast and furious sport.
“I have a great job as a [physical education] teacher, but with coaching, it’s different because you spend more time with kids and creating relationships with them. It’s rewarding to get to know them, and I’ve already gotten a chance to become familiar with them,” says James. “I love how fast lacrosse is. I love the speed, energy, and contact of the game. It’s a fun game to be a part of, and it’s great to watch these kids develop.”
Old Saybrook Athletic Director Mike Cunningham felt confident that James was the right person for the job from get-go. Cunningham appreciates how James eats, breathes, and sleeps lacrosse 24/7.
“It was clear early on in our conversations that being in district as a [physical education] teacher, that he was invested in the community and was excited about taking the next step in his coaching career. He has coached at the middle school level, and the opportunity presented itself as the varsity position opened. He has done research, attended programs, and listens to podcasts [and] audio books on his ride to and from school,” Cunningham says. “James works hard and already has seen some success with our student-athletes buying into the program that he and his staff are putting together. Their first win in over two years is an important step as their goal now is to reach the State Tournament. James continues to grow with his student-athletes each day with new challenges and opportunities for learning. Old Saybrook Rams’ lacrosse is in a great place with James at the helm.”
As the Rams have already taken care of one of James’s short-term goals by getting their first win, they’re now focusing on where he wants them to be at the end of this year and in subsequent seasons. Ultimately, James is aiming to build Old Saybrook boys’ lacrosse into a top-tier program that reaches the pinnacle of the conference and state ranks.
“We’ve already accomplished one of my short-term goals in winning a game. We also have a goal to make states and maybe even Shorelines this year,” James says. “I want to build lacrosse in the town again. I want to try and get more kids in the youth program, which will hopefully help our high school program. We want to get better every year and, hopefully, win a state title down the road.”