PS: Your squad is coming off a hard fought win over Lafayette last night. What helped you defeat the Lancers last night?
MS: Lafayette is a very talented team and can virtually score from anywhere. I think the biggest aspect that contributed to our win was the composure our guys showed. It was a physical game and we battled hard and won the ground ball game. Doing that led to more possessions allowing us more opportunities to score.
PS:With the short rest between games will depth/fatigue be a factor?
MS: No, I don't feel that it will. We work hard all season to be in the best shape possible. We work hard to simulate game-like practices. If our guys can do practice everyday, 2 games in 3 days should not be an issue.
PS: Your special teams are up there among the best in the state with junior Goalie Jack Perryman and junior Face-Off man Patrick Broughton. How have they helped put your team in a Spot to succeed?
MS: Face offs and Goalie play are huge in the game. It's all about possessions and when you win face offs and save the ball, it's that many more opportunities we have to score. Both Jack and Patrick are leaders of this team and their work ethic definitely rubs off on others.
PS: Like Coach Douglas you are also a De Smet alum. What are some memorable moments from the rivalry?
MS: I don't know if there's one or two specific memorable moments. To me it's more the environment of the game. It's always an emotional game playing against Desmet. Not just for me, but the kids and the schools are all cut from the same Jesuit block. Their is an energy level in air and the atmosphere is just something you just can't duplicate anywhere else.
PS: Any change now that you lead the Jr. Bills?
MS: I mean I love it. Like I said earlier, the schools, kids, families, we're all cut from the same Jesuit block. It was an easy transition, the kids want to learn and want to be coached. That's the important thing.
PS: You had the opportunity to play for legendary De Smet coach Mike Sennett. How has that experience impacted your life?
MS: Coach Sennett is essentially the Godfather of lacrosse in St. Louis. He was an unbelievable coach of the game, but what most remember him by is the effect he had as a mentor in your life. We all coach because we love the game, but more importantly we coach because we want have a positive impact on our players.
PS: Lastly how is this years team built to handle a big game spectacle such as this afternoon?
MS: We have younger players but really this is one of biggest senior classes in recent history. The leadership we have at the senior level, specifically our captains, Helfrich, Hewlett and Schmidt, really set the tone for practice and games. Every year we look to our seniors as the leaders and let them determine the direction we want to take this team. They always step up to the challenge and it's fun as a coach to see that develop over the course of the 3 month season.
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