Brighton Lacrosse Coaches

It all began on a somewhat warm summer evening back in 2000 when Gregg Gustafson and Charlie Estey first rolled the lacrosse ball out to a curious but enthusiastic group of youngsters behind the confines of Hilton Elementary School. After escaping the wrath of the BAS union and mowing the back 40, Gustafson joined Estey in introducing the 250 year old game, once enjoyed by the Ironedquoit tribe in Oswego County, to a fiery group of 15, yet to experience their first blemish. What later became known as 2 dads and 15 lads has evolved into one of the more establishedlacrosse programs in the Midwest. Today, some 150 Brighton area young men, will enjoy the game of lacrosse and with a little encouragement, will no doubt carry on the tradition in Livingston County for years to come. When talking to Gregg and Charlie one can feel the excitement and enthusiasm for the whole program, but this year they are expecting to be special. The 2007 season brings a lot of promise for the High School program. With many of the players returning from last year and the addition of some quality talent the team looks to advance deep into the KVC playoffs and to the state playoff season as well. Gregg is promising an excellent defensive team built on great ball skills and plenty of speed to keep the competition away from the goal keeper. While Charlie is looking to open things up with a fast and exciting offense that will keep opposing defenses on their heels. This will be an exciting year for Brighton Lacrosse.

Come and catch a Brighton High School lacrosse a game and feel the excitement.

Nate Plecha --Varsity Coach

Nate began playing Lacrosse in 8th grade for Novi. In 9th grade, he was selected to play on the 1995 State Championship team for Novi and earned all-state honors in 1998. Nate went on to play lacrosse at Virginia Military Institute and was voted defensive MVP in 2000. In 2004, Nate returned to Novi and as an assistant coach through this past season. Brighton is excited to have Nate leading our high school program and we wish him all the best in 2008 beyond!

Charlie Estey-- Varsity Offensive Coordinator

Charlie Estey is handling the offensive side of the field for the second year for Brighton high after moving up from the 7th and 8th grade team. Charlie looks forward to the 2007 season As a Defenseman, Charlie captained his high school team to the New York State Playoffs and later started on two NCAA tournament teams at Ithaca College in New York State.

Bob Smith --Junior Varsity

Bob will be entering his 4th year of coaching Lacrosse and began coaching three years ago under the Brighton mentor program. Bob also has worked with the High School program the last two years. Bob has completed his required training of 8 weeks of coaching clinics and has reviewed many a video tape. He has become a student of the game.

Middle School Coaches

Matt McCord.

Matt has been with the Brighton Lacrosse program for three years. His two boys are in the program: Michael, 8th grade, and Ryan, 6th grade. Matt has coached @ the 5/6th grade level for 3 years and now has moved up to 7/8. Matt’s background is in football and wrestling. He continues to educate himself on the game of lacrosse and attended this year’s US Lacrosse Association National Convention and Meeting in Philadelphia.

In his other life, as a physician, he cares for children and educates medical students affiliated with the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.