When you are already in the history books as a state record holders in Lacrosse, it is obvious you plan to “stick” with it.

Utica High School sophomore Tate Tomatti recently broke a state record for goals and junior Matt Engelhardt recently set the high mark for saves as part of the Utica-Eisenhower Lacrosse team.

Tomatti scored set a state high seven goals in a 12-1 victory over Cass Tech and Engelhardt recorded a record 24 saves in a 5-4 loss across Grosse Pointe South.

“It is a nice accomplishment, so it feels good,” Englehardt said. “I received a lot of congratulations.”

This is actually the third time Engelhardt has broken the state record – including two previous ones that were set by him.

“Matt has been one of the pillars of the team,” said Lacrosse Board President Dave Weinert. “Starting goalie on varsity as a freshman was a tall task that he has lived up to and then some. We can say that he has helped win some games with his steady play in net. Being a state record holder just solidifies his continued stellar play in net and has helped Utica-IKE rebuild the program coming out of the cancelled covid season.”

Engelhardt is also putting together state records for most saves in a season, with 219 and 240 over the past two years.  He said goalie has always been his preferred position.

“I like it requires a lot of eye-hand coordination and you need to be able to communicate well with your teammates,” he said. “I think this is the best team I’ve been a part of so I’m excited for the playoffs.”

While he still needs to get through his senior year, he said he plans to continue his Lacrosse career at college, and has already received two scholarship offers.

Tomatti, a sophomore, credited his successful scoring record in part to his teammates, who were “playing really good offense.”

He said he usually trains between two to three hours each day and has been playing for five years. He also wrestles for Utica High School during the winter season.

“(Tate) has been amazing to watch,” Weinert said.  “While most varsity players on other teams may be taller and/or bigger than he is, and he still manages to score the way he does, which only speaks to the years of practice he has put in and has a never quit attitude.”

Weinert also said that the team reflects the success that have had on the field.

“They are playing very tough this year,” he said. “We have already surpassed the game win total from last year with still a number of games left on the schedule. The boys on the team are pretty close on and off the field – they are one and have each other's backs each practice and game.”