Recently, WHS boys lacrosse coach William Wertheimer was selected as the New Jersey Lacrosse Coach of the Year. This past season, the team went 18-6, winning the Union County Tournament with a victory over long-time rival Summit, the North Jersey Group 4 Sectional Title and the Group 4 State Championship.
Wertheimer was honored to hear his name called for this prestigious award, noting it wasn’t just earned by himself. “It’s not just for me, but it shows the hard work from the team and the other coaching staff. I just happen to be the one recognized.”
The award was a reflection of the coaches’ dedication to the program. “We put so much work in as a staff, and as the head coach, I get it, but it’s for all of us. It feels good.”
Since his first full season as head coach in 2020, Westfield has emerged as one of the top public powerhouses across New Jersey. “It’s not easy for a public school to be strong like they are right now in a sport like that. So it obviously tells us how good a coach he is, but it’s also a reflection of him, the community, and the program,” said Westfield Athletic Director Jim DeSarno.
According to Wertheimer, the key to success is consistency each year. “We say the same thing year in and year out. We always stay humble. We always stay hungry. That’s why we have two H’s on the back of our shirts. We also buy in each day, buy into the system. If you do what’s asked of you, we should succeed.”
This system has helped the development of countless players in the program throughout the years. Senior and Stevens commit, Ben Seward said, “He’s been very influential, although he’s the offensive coordinator. He still helps out on defense, he’s an overall leader and the team respects him, which is very necessary for a coach. He was my coach in eighth grade, so he’s always been there across my entire journey.”
Over the course of a long season, Wertheimer knows how to keep his players ready and motivated for whatever challenge they may face, switching up practice plans and game plans for their opponents. “It’s different each game. Sometimes it can be as simple as film, it can be a different drill, changing it up and sometimes it might be a little bit more than that,” he said.
Many kids growing up in Westfield play for the Westfield Lacrosse Club. Wertheimer noted that his team’s success begins there. “There are over 700 girls and boys in it, and I know I’m blessed from what they’re able to do down there to the kids that stay in Westfield and come up and have success.”
Westfield looks to repeat as champions this upcoming spring to add on to Wertheimer’s already impressive resume.
