Two years ago the varsity lacrosse team defeated the Sunset Apollos 7-6, clinching the boy’s state title for a third year in a row. Jack Gross, a sophomore at the time, was able to contribute to his team and aid senior players such as Grant Clifford and Jake Marcy in taking down the Apollos.

Now a senior and soon to be collegiate lacrosse player for Dominican University, Gross is focused, once again, on capturing a state championship.

“It’s definitely a possibility,” Gross said. “I wouldn’t count us out of anything. The games we’ve played against top teams in state have all been one or two point games, even if we lose, we’re competitive.”

Currently, the Cardinals are 8-5, second in the Columbia Conference, and fifth in state. In past years the team has ranked in the top five throughout the season, beating such tough opponents as OES, Lake Oswego, and Lakeridge. This season the boys have lost to Lakeridge and OES, but defeated Sunset 15-8. “We’re not clearing the ball very well,” Gross said, “But what we really need to work on, is playing as a team, playing as one.”

With only five games left in the regular season, the focus is slowly shifting towards the playoff season. Gross, as the offensive captain and having two years of experience in the playoffs, understands the challenges of the post-season. “He knows what he needs to do for the team and does what is necessary to improve not only his own play, but the whole team’s,” Sam Silva-Craig, senior, said.

In Gross’s two previous season’s, the team won a state championship and the next year, lost 10-7 to Clackamas in the second round of the playoffs. “Once the playoffs get going, every game could be your last game,” Gross said. “You go into each game with the mindset that this could be your last time in a Cardinal uniform, leave it all on the field.”

Past players such as Michael Marcott, Grant Clifford, and Peter Baum are recognized as pioneers of the lacrosse program at Lincoln.

All of them won at least one state championship during their time and went on to play in college. Gross is following in their footsteps but hopes to leave behind more than just another championship. In a moment of reflection on the season he said, “If I could have a legacy of being a good teammate and never selling my self short, always giving one hundred percent for my teammates, coaches, and the entire program…that’s what I really want to leave behind.”