Steamboat Pilot & Today

Glenwood Springs — Late in the final frame, Glenwood Springs' J.R. Krueger rocketed a mid-range shot into the net and the Glenwood boys lacrosse team celebrated wildly.

Considering the goal was the Demons’ first of the game — and followed 18 by Steamboat Springs — the celebration seemed out of place.

But there was rhyme and reason to the raucous display of emotion.

Scoring a goal on Steamboat was one of the preseason goals for the young Glenwood program, which suffered an 18-1 loss to visiting Steamboat on Saturday.

“We had a preseason discussion with the seniors, and we had several goals,” Demons coach Rick Stevens explained. “One was respect for fellow teammates. Another was to establish a new culture, and then one was to score a goal against Steamboat. That’s why they all got so excited.”

That scoring a goal on the Sailors was a preseason objective for Glenwood is a testament to the strength of the Steamboat program, which has towered over the Mountain League in recent years. The three-time defending league champion is off to a solid start in 2012.

“The kids are playing really well,” said Steamboat coach Bob Hiester, whose team improved to 3-1. “We have a pretty good lacrosse team. We have really good skill level right now, so I’m pleased. They played very consistent, and that’s what we’re trying to do. No matter who we’re playing against, we need to play at a high level.”

High level might be an understatement in describing the Sailors’ Saturday performance at Stubler Memorial Field.

Ben Wharton finished with a team-high four goals as Steamboat attacked relentlessly. Christian Ramirez and Wilber Ranieri scored three goals apiece, and Kai Rogers and Mike Lekarczyk each found the net twice. Jace Worden, John Wharton, Lance Ostrom and Brad Ryan all had one goal.

Worden and Ostrom each had three assists.

“I was impressed with Glenwood,” Hiester said. “They hung in there and kept up their enthusiasm level. It was a fun game.”

Steamboat next plays at 5 p.m. Friday at Air Academy.