Appleton United boys lacrosse eyes another conference title

For AppletonSportsPage.com

APPLETON – With the start of the boys varsity lacrosse season just days away, the 2025 Appleton United team is looking forward to defending their conference title.

A factor that will add to the challenge of repeating is the expansion of the Bay Valley Conference from four teams in the inaugural WIAA lacrosse season to eight this year. Joining the existing member schools (Appleton, Kimberly, Neenah, Oneida Nation) will be Green Bay Notre Dame, De Pere, Pulaski and Wausau. 

Traditional rivals Neenah and Kimberly have strong senior classes and again expect to be formidable opponents. Both teams will look to be in the hunt for the conference title along with AU. While coming into the spring Wausau had projected to be a contender, they have been decimated by off-season injuries in critical positions which may be difficult to overcome. Bay Port, De Pere and Oneida are clubs that could surprise some people in conference play.  Notre Dame and Pulaski look to improve on last year as they continue to work to build their programs.    

In coach Danny Rafalski’s third season as head coach, the United will look different than in recent years. This spring they will build off their strength, which comes from their defensive unit. This well decorated unit returns all three starting senior defensemen and is anchored by their senior goalie Colin Mancl, a honorable mention all-conference pick a year ago. First-team all-Bay Valley defender Aiden Eckes and second-team selection Rowan Cihlar, along with Cooper Willis provide an experienced group for Appleton.

First-team face-off Special Elliot Olm, also a senior, is the top returning midfielder on the defensive side of the field where he will be supported by sophomore Tanner Dean, who was a key contributor time last season at LSM.

Depth at midfield is an area the United will need to solidify throughout the season, likely in the form of underclassmen in their first significant varsity experience. Senior Luke Rheinheimer and junior Jaylen Kempfer (second-team all-conference) are the top two returning two-way midfielders who will again provide offensive spark as well as defensive toughness.

With the loss of all three starting attackers from the 2024 campaign, the United have a hefty amount of scoring to replace. They will look to senior Tristan Dean and junior Trevin Schultz as attackmen for the brunt of their goals and will also need scoring support from their midfield lines.

The United promise to again be an exciting club to watch as they roster a significant amount of returning and upcoming talent. With a preseason ranking of No. 7 in the state poll, AU will be challenged with nonconference matchups against the four of the top-five ranked teams in the state, including Kettle Moraine, Mukwonago, Madison and defending state champions Middleton.

Appleton original season-opener was postponed so it will now start its season at home Monday, April 7, against Muskego. All home games will be played at Pickett Field at Appleton East High School.