Quantcast
skip navigation

Burnsville set up for success

By Aaron Paitich, Special to the Star Tribune, 04/05/11, 1:00PM CDT

Share

Core group of seniors has played together for a long time


Burnsville High School boy's lacrosse coach Jesse Schelitzche. David Brewster, Star Tribune

Bodhi Engum solidified himself as one of high school hockey’s top goaltenders the past couple seasons.

So when he started playing lacrosse back in sixth grade with Burnsville hockey teammate Jace Childs and others, everyone thought it would be a natural transition to a familiar position. Turns out, Engum’s never even asked coach Jesse Schelitzche to play goalie.

“Yeah, that’s weird,” said Childs, a high-scoring hockey forward and lacrosse attackman. “He said he wanted to score. He likes goalie but he wanted his turn to score.”

And score he has.

The Star Tribune’s first- and
second-team All-Metro hockey netminder in 2010 and 2011, respectively, finished with 45 points in 13 games in lacrosse last season, second on the Blaze only to Childs.

The skill set and athleticism of a successful hockey goalie has given Engum the tools to be a dynamic scorer in lacrosse. His unorthodox style of play confuses defenders. Paired with speed, quickness and smarts — it’s made for a fun coaching experience.

“In a good sense of the word, he’s one of the most unconventional players I’ve probably ever coached,” said Schelitzche, entering his fifth year at Burnsville. “He’s able to bend his body and move his body in ways that most lacrosse players can’t and somehow that works to his advantage.”

Engum, Childs and senior Neal Pester solidify the senior-laden Blaze’s potent offense.

Childs, a very different player than Engum, led the team last year with 42 goals and 24 assists for 66 points in 15 games.

“He’s the perfect example that you don’t need to be the biggest guy on the field to be the best,” Schelitzche said of the 5-6 attackman and second-team all-state selection.

Childs uses quick feet and anticipation to get open. He could pursue lacrosse or hockey opportunities after high school; he was the hockey team’s second-leading scorer this past season.

Pester could be the biggest surprise of the group. The senior came out of his shell last year and has continued to put in a lot of work over the summer. The late bloomer didn’t start playing lacrosse until a few years ago but has really developed as a strong attackman complementing Childs and Engum.

“He could be a top attacker on many other teams,” Schelitzche said.

Junior Jake Maxson and senior Dylan Delaney return for the Blaze. On defense, second-team all-state defenseman Colin Schroeder and fellow senior Scott Wheeler will help solidify the back end with Kyle Perisic taking over in goal.

It’s shaping up to be the best season Burnsville lacrosse has seen, with plenty of returning players and experience at all positions. It’s a bold statement, considering the Blaze finished 10-3 last season, but this core group of seniors has been together for a long time and they’re ready to get over the hump.

“We’re going to state this year,” Childs said.

The boys will be thrown into the fire immediately with their season opener on the road against defending state champion and perennial powerhouse Benilde-St. Margaret’s on April 14.


Michael Callahan, left, and Riley Sisk pass the ball during lacrosse practice at Burnsville High School. David Brewster, Star Tribune