By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxrecruits.com, Posted 6/3/14

Senior co-captain JT Thiemann said the Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School (MICDS) boys’ lacrosse team was successful because it built a close-knit community.

“Camaraderie was a big key,” said Thiemann, an All-American attackman who helpedlead MICDS to the Misosuri state championship last month. “The entire team went on a trip to Farmington for team building exercises over spring break, which really set the expectations for leadership, accountability, and having each other’s backs.

“We maintained this camaraderie on and off the field, and by the end of the year the relationships between the players and the coaches was one of the biggest contributors to our success.”

Indeed, the Rams used every ounce of that closeness in defeating defending champion Christian Brothers College, 11-10, in overtime on May 23 for the Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association Division I title at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park. The win avenged an 11-10 loss to CBC earlier in the year and an 11-8 loss to the Cadets in last year’s state semifinals.

Under coach Andy Kay, the Rams went 18-2 and won their final 12 games, including a 7-5 win over Eureka in the state semifinals for their first state title in nine years. Two years ago MICDS fell to St. Louis University Jesuit, 7-6, in the title game.

“It has been a dream come true for all of us and the feeling we had after the OT win is almost indescribable,” said Thiemann, an attackman recently named US Lacrosse All-American. “This year was an important breakthrough for the entire program because we have been so close in recent years.

“The experience was absolutely incredible and I’m glad we were finally able to walk away from a season with smiles.”

Junior All-American Will Cella scored the game-winner 1:27 into overtime in the championship game and face-off specialist Alex Bean – another All-American – was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship game. Jack Zurlinden and Michael Gianino each had three goals to lead MICDS.

At one point, CBC led, 8-6, but the Rams fought back.

“As expected, there was a sudden sense of urgency, but we stayed calm and composed and fought our way back,” said Thiemann. “We knew that with Alex Bean at the faceoff, a solid defense, and two outstanding goalies, we were going to have plenty of opportunities to get back in the game.”

What changes did MICDS make after falling to CBC the last few times?

“There were some minor adjustments to defensive matchups and offensive sets, but throughout the entire season we were never really a team that stressed detailed game plans or strategies,” said Thiemann. “We had the right foundation and preparation offensively, defensively, and in between the lines, so it just came down to execution.”

Thiemann wished to thank his coaching staff and teammates as well as the MICDS community.

“I would like to thank our entire coaching staff for being the best teachers and mentors a player could ask for, and specifically coach Kay for everything that he has done for MICDS lacrosse over the past 6 years,” he said. “I would also like to thank the families and friends that supported us throughout the season. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.”