By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Walpole has become a big-time recruiting ground for Plymouth State men’s lacrosse in recent years. In 2019, the Panthers rostered three Walpole High alums: LSM Charlie Harrington (2016), close D Zach Conrad (2017) and midfielder Harvest Perez (2013).
Last week, Walpole High senior Marc Hirshom became the latest piece of the pipeline connecting Plymouth, NH to Walpole. A three-year varsity player, 2020 captain and an anchor of Walpole’s close defense corps, Hirshom committed to play his college lacrosse at Plymouth State, where he will join former teammate Zach Conrad next year.
This past winter, Hirshom co-captained the Walpole High boys hockey team and helped the Rebels to the program’s first-ever Division I South championship. The Rebels were set to play Belmont in the Division I state championship game before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the game into cancellation. Hirshom and Walpole lacrosse looked to put together a run back to the state tournament this spring before the season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
"My commitment to Plymouth means a lot to me, especially after missing out on my senior lacrosse season at Walpole," said Hirshom. "I am able to continue playing the sport that I love for a great team and a school that I can’t wait to attend. I hope my defensive skills can help us win the LEC conference."
It has not been an ideal 2020 for most of us, especially for senior athletes whose high school lacrosse and hockey careers suddenly ended. In every tough situation comes a silver-lining, though - and for Walpole High lacrosse, that appears to be Marc Hirshom getting an opportunity to play at the next level, despite not being able to suit up in 2020. Marc now becomes the second member of his family to play collegiate lacrosse, with his brother Kyle having just finished up his sophomore year at St. Michael’s in Vermont.
For funny and incisive sports analysis as well as game highlights, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram @flano0.
