By Eric S. Smith

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

This inspirational quotation appears on the goals section of the Christian Brothers (MO) lacrosse web site.

While King was addressing much headier topics than high school lacrosse, the Cadets certainly embody this sentiment. In 2007, a mere two years ago, Christian Brothers was caught in the ultimate moment of comfort after winning a Missouri state title. However, last season the Cadets quickly faced times of challenge.

Christian Brothers lost 22 seniors--which included every starter at key positions--from the 2007 squad, and began 2008 with mostly sophomores. So they followed a banner year with a mediocre 11-8 record.

"After the state title game, we were left scratching our heads as to how we were going to do it again," Christian Brothers head coach Ed Condon said. "We wanted to get back to the state title and defend it. But these sophomores were mostly like deer in headlights in their first experience of varsity lacrosse.

"After that season, we chatted with the boys about what they had to do to improve. They went to all the camps they could afford and we started really seeing progress."

And now, out of their times of challenge and controversy, the Cadets have started the 2009 campaign with a perfect 10-0 record. This team has answered the call and really has proven itself as one of the early favorites for a state title.

They already have some quality wins over opponents both inside and out of the Show-Me State; however their biggest test won't come until May 2 when they play defending state champion Rockhurst Jesuit.

But, nonetheless, the Cadets have run out to a quick start--quite literally.

Condon has always taught an aggressive running style of play. This season he has the athletes to do it.

"We have a lot of hockey players," Condon said. "CB has the best hockey team in the state and the players are great athletes. The only bad thing is that they come onto the team so late in the season. But I would like to get a few more football players. I think the two sports are a great complement to each other."

For the Christian Brothers' offense, it all starts with face-offs where John Berra has won 85 percent and Corey Briggs has hauled in 75 percent. Then there is midfielder Gerry Leonard, a New Jersey transplant with 27 goals and 15 assists. The attack is led by Jack Walsh and Nick Condon, Ed's son. Goalie Jacob Redlingshafer has also been a stalwart in net for the team.

The offensive pace is what the Cadets really pride themselves upon.

"Our goal is to score 12 goals per game," Condon said. "I know it's a lofty number, but we want to overachieve in that way. But now teams are using more zones to slow us down and it's frustrating at times."

Christian Brothers has been surpassing even its own goals, as it has put up nearly 13.9 goals per contest.

Condon is proud of the way his team performs, but he is even prouder of the way the sport of lacrosse has blossomed throughout the state. He started coaching at Parkway Central in Missouri in 1992 when the first four teams began to play in the state.

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2009-04-17