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SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Lacrosse team’s senior leads by ‘perfect’ example

By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
   South Brunswick High School senior and varsity lacrosse defenseman, Justin Berger contributes significantly to the team’s success according to Head Coach Mark Ziminski.
   ”He must perform well for us to be successful this season,” Mr. Ziminski said.
   Mr. Berger began playing lacrosse in 5th grade when his father’s friend recommended the sport. He then started playing for a traveling lacrosse team, 2 Knights Lacrosse, over the summer.
   As a freshman at South Brunswick High School, Mr. Berger played on the freshman team, and for the past three years he has played at the varsity level.
   ”I think that I have gotten a lot more athletic and the biggest thing I need to work on is my stick skills,” Mr. Berger said.
   Mr. Ziminski said that Mr. Berger stands out among all of the other players on the team by going above and beyond through practicing.
   ”He shows a definite effort to improve his skills outside of practice,” Mr. Ziminski said.
   Mr. Berger needs to rely less on his stick, and have better discipline and decision making on the field such as knowing when to throw the ball according to Mr. Ziminski.
   Through coaching Mr. Berger for three consecutive years, Mr. Ziminski said he has seen him grow in his understanding the games and his own capabilities.
   ”He is starting to understand how he has to play with his inner abilities,” Mr. Ziminski said.
   Mr. Berger agrees that over the years he has seen himself improve in comprehending the concepts of the game, and understanding that the best way he can contribute to the team is playing his best on defense.
   ”I have realized that it is not about taking the ball away, but making sure the opponent does not score goals,” Mr. Berger said.
   Mr. Berger is one of the more quiet players on the team, but is vocal when he must be; he leads by example Mr. Ziminski said.
   ”I would like to challenge everyone on the team,” Mr. Berger said. “I hope that they learn from my example, and push themselves to do as good.”
   After graduation, Mr. Berger will be attending Stony Brook University in Long Island, N.Y. where he was recruited for lacrosse. He also received an academic scholarship from the university and was accepted into their Honors College where he will be majoring in Pre-Med or Psychology.
   ”Ever since I was little I wanted to play college lacrosse, and I will be doing that next year,” Mr. Berger said, “It is an amazing opportunity to play with the highest level of players in the country. I worked hard to get there.”
   Although Mr. Berger is elated to be playing lacrosse at Stony Brook next year, he still wants to win a GMC Championship this year at South Brunswick as well as the State and National Championships. He said that he will miss the special bond he has made between his friends on the South Brunswick team.
   Overall, Mr. Berger is a great role model and an outstanding example of the team and lacrosse program according to Mr. Ziminski.
   ”He is the perfect scholar athlete,” Mr. Ziminski said. “He is a good student in the classroom and a good player on the field. I hope all my players could emulate him.”