Eight years ago, Coach Dylan Ritchkoff was a standout lacrosse player just 20 minutes southwest of here. The former Hamilton West Hornet tallied 35 goals and 27 assists for a career total of 62 career points. Now, he’s back on the lacrosse field , this time on the sidelines– as South’s new boys lacrosse head coach.
In late 2024, Coach Ritchkoff replaced coaches David Henry and Sean Feddema. With experience and energy, Ritchkoff hopes to add a fresh perspective to the program.
Ritchkoff has been a lifelong lacrosse player. “I picked up my first lacrosse stick 11 years ago,” he said.
He started playing competitively his freshman year of highschool. “I wasn’t the most athletically gifted child, which definitely shifted my focus towards other hobbies during my younger years,” said Coach Ritchkoff.
“Once I was introduced to the sport I never looked back”. His passion for the sport led him to play at the collegiate level at Mercer County Community College, McDaniel University and the club team at Rowan University.
“I began coaching a couple years ago when I played in college. I started by running a few local highschool clinics and winter/summer leagues. I had a true position last year when I was on the Nottingham High School coach-
ing staff,” said Coach Ritchkoff.
Last year, the Nottingham Boys Lacrosse team finished with a record of 4-8 with a very difficult schedule. This was a successful season where they beat teams like Ewing High School, Neptune High School and J.P. Stevens.
“He’s got a lot of knowledge about lacrosse,” said athletic director Katherine Dobinson. “I like to build good people and when I’m looking for coaches, I want to find that balance of creating a culture, creating a climate where students can succeed, not just on the field, but take skills that they can
utilize later on in life” she added.
From day one, he has been active recruiting new players, meeting with returning varsity players to plan out the upcoming season. The first step he took when he
got hired in late November, was to get the team prepared for the sea-
son. “Coach Ritchkoff is encouraging us to come to the weight room every day after school to get stronger and prepare for the season which is not something we had last year,” said attackman Joaquin Vitulich (‘26).
Coach Ritchkoff ’s plan is clear. “I want to change the culture and get South back to playing high-level lacrosse,” he said. “I plan to do this by creating strong coach and player bonds and instilling a work ethic that pushes players each and every day.” Players believe in Ritchkoff ’s vision and are excited to see the impact of his leadership. “I hope he really brings out energy from every single one of us,” said Vitiluch. “If Ritchkoff can keep the energy up all season then I think the next three months can be really fun.”
So far the 2025 spring season is looking optimistic for Richkoff and his squad, they are sitting at 1-1 which puts them at second in the Valley Conference.
The question on many people’s minds is if Ritchkoff and his squad will finish this season with a win against cross town rivals, WW-P North?
