Oyster River High School (ORHS) Bobcats boys lacrosse team looks to take down Winnacunnet High School Warriors for the first time in over ten years.
The Bobcats, 1-1 on the season, hope a new coach will help them match up against Winnacunnet on April 21st for their home opener.
During the offseason, the Oyster River lacrosse program hired Amani Mwingira as the team’s new head coach. Mwingira, who graduated and played at Plymouth State just five years ago, has already built up quite his resume. As an assistant coach at Laconia High School, he helped guide the Sachems to a Division 3 state championship in 2022, then was awarded Assistant Coach of the Year in 2024.
Mwingira has quickly fit in with the team, with nothing but positive remarks from his players. “Everyone loves him. He coaches to our style and understands us as if he was a teammate,” said Sawyer Levesque (’25).
This change might be just what the team needs to finally take down Winnacunnet. “This has always been a team where teammates and coaches get down on each other,” said Co-Captain Travis Faul (’25). “It always happens to be against Winna that you have teammates clashing against teammates.” Having Mwingira’s and his experience from his time as a player and coach in big moments may be pivotal in games like these.
However, the Bobcats will need more than good coaching to get them by the Warriors. Last year, Winnacunnet battled through to the state semifinals. This season, they’re in a position to strike again, making it more than just a losing streak standing in Oyster River’s way.
“They were a really good team with a lot of great talent and it just happens that their roster is very similar this year,” said Faul.
The Bobcats’ preparation began all the way back during last summer, giving players an opportunity to get touches on the ball throughout the year. They also participated in a winter 7 on 7 league, getting even more chances for development. “It’s so good for the up-and-coming players and also gives us upperclassmen a chance to work on leadership,” said Levesque.
The offseason made it clear to the team that the mentality differs from previous years. “There was a lot of obvious negativities in past years. This year we see tough games like Winna and every single one of us wants to win,” said the team’s goalie and co-captain Cole Norris (‘25).
Stop by the ORHS turf on April 21st at 7 PM to see the Oyster River Varsity lacrosse team take an early step in a hopeful season.
– KEVIN KELL
Photo courtesy of Gabi Selig
Mouth of the River 
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