Boys Lacrosse: Hauldren fearless in protection of Glenbrook South net

Ryan Hauldren is a player who isn’t afraid of anything.

Well, that’s probably not entirely true.

But the Glenbrook South junior certainly is more fearless than most.

“Our coaching staff is young, and we can bring the heat in practice,” said Glenbrook South coach Steven Brooks, who played lacrosse at Libertyville and Syracuse before embarking on a pro career. “He never backs down. He has that attitude you need in goal. That’s made him an outstanding player.”

Brooks agreed that lacrosse goalies are a different breed of athlete, one that is willing to block shots, with minimal padding, of 60-plus mph missiles.

“You have to have one or two screws loose to stand in front of the net,” Brooks said, admiringly.

The second-year coach is looking for more players on the team like Hauldren. Although the Titans carry a sub-.500 record, Brooks said they’ve progressed from a year ago because of hard-working players like his goalkeeper.

“Last year was a learning year for a majority of the kids,” Brooks said. “They came in this year with a positive attitude. It’s going a lot better.”

Hauldren is one of several juniors starring on the field this spring.

Spencer Ford, Jack Washburn and Cam Irwin are among the others helping the Titans’ climb to becoming one of the top teams in the state.

Ford played on the varsity last year as a sophomore, but he had a limited role as a midfielder.

This year, he is one of the team’s top scoring threats. He finished with five goals and one assist in the team’s 11-7 game against Maine South that was called after three quarters due to lightning.

“He’s an outstanding player and has a dominating, powerful shot,” Brooks said. “We have a bright future with this junior class. They are taking on more of a major role this year. By the time they are seniors, they will be able to step up even more.”

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