Purfeerst Nets Eight, Despite Being Forced to Use Coach’s Stick

Nicholas Magnuson, N/A

At Rosemount Stadium, on Tuesday, April 16th, senior lacrosse captain Thomas Purfeerst broke his own Rosemount school record by scoring eight goals; with his coach’s stick.

Purfeerst’s stick was checked before the game and determined to be illegal. The head of his stick did not meet the minimum width requirement, so he resorted to using his coach’s. A change in equipment didn’t slow him down; he broke the record with ease, as he was taken out in the third quarter after his eighth goal.

On the sideline, head coach Lance Kuehn was the first to congratulate Purfeerst, meeting him with a handshake. Kuehn reflected on the performance, stating, “It was arguably one of the best performances we’ve ever had.”

Purfeerst was particularly excited about one of his goals, where he caught the goalie’s clearing attempt, “out of his stick,” and scored immediately thereafter. Despite this, Purfeerst deflected personal attention back on the team, saying, “It’s not about the points, its whether the team wins or loses.”

Purfeerst isn’t Rosemount’s only special talent. Sam Johnson, a four year starter for the Irish, also serves as team captain. Luke Majewski will join Purfeerst to attend Lewis University and play Division II lacrosse.

After beating Bloomington Jefferson, Rosemount bested Bloomington Kennedy 17-2 on Purfeerst’s historic night. Since then, the Irish have lost to two powerhouses. Top ranked Minnetonka beat Rosemount 13-7 and number ten, Lakeville North did the same 14-11.

Kuehn believes his team now “knows where it needs to go,” and he still has high expectations for the 2019 season. “We need to do more to meet those expectations and get our mindset and mentality to match them,” he said.

Purfeerst shares his coaches excitement for their young 2-2 season, as well as his desire to improve. “We need to practice like we play and not act like were the best,” he stated.

The Irish look to rebound Thursday, the night of the 25th, against 3-0 Lakeville South. The game will be held at Rosemount’s stadium at 5:30 PM.