What St. Sebastian’s took from the GEICO High School Lacrosse Nationals

Mike Swirbalus is one of many players who made it through the admissions process at St. Sebastian's. (Credit: St. Sebastian's School)

As Adam White put it, the St. Sebastian's coach left a big decision up to his seniors "12 Angry Men"-style.

On May 13, two days after the Arrows notched an 8-7 win over Governor's Academy to remain perfect on the season, White directed that dozen players in their final year at the Needham, Mass., prep school to come to a consensus. On the table was whether or not to accept an invitation to the GEICO High School Lacrosse Nationals at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

St. Seb's played in the event in the previous two years, winning a game over St. Anne's-Belfield (Va.) in 2017 before losing to The Hill Academy (Ont.), then losing in the first round against Hill again in 2018.

But this season was different. The Arrows were four games away from running the table in the ultra-competitive Independent School League. It would have been easy to turn down the trip, concentrate on the perfect season, and step away knowing there was nothing left to prove.