After a 12-year run as coach of the St. Thomas men’s lacrosse team, Peter Moosbrugger decided over the summer to officially step down, ushering in a new era for the Tommies.
Moosbrugger ultimately decided it was time to move on after deliberating about his future for several months.
“I started to realize it was time,” he said. “My daughters are older and getting into youth athletics. They’re wondering why dad always had to be at lacrosse, and I didn’t want to miss out on family stuff. I also have a full-time, rigorous job. I’ve been doing it for 12 years and knew it was time to move on.”
Despite having a new coach for the first time in over a decade, Moosbrugger believes the team will transition smoothly into an unfamiliar situation under longtime assistant Brian Gross.
“I’ve always seen Brian as working side by side with me, putting decisions that need to be made to assistants and leaders on the team,” Moosbrugger stated. “Brian has been a part of all those decisions’ processes. He went to (St. Thomas), so he has the same dedication to the program as myself.”
After the team lost to Grand Valley State University (Michigan) in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association national semifinals, Moosbrugger worked with the players in an unofficial capacity during fall ball before finally stepping away.
Players said they will miss the passion and energy Moosbrugger brought to the lacrosse field, but team captain and midfielder John Michael Coon agreed that playing for Gross makes for a smooth transition going forward.
“Coach Gross has been there pretty much every step of the way with Moose,” Coon said. “I think Gross is intense but more quiet (than Moosbrugger). You know he’s just as calculated and just as into it; it just comes out differently.”
Coon added there will be less of an adjustment to certain facets of the game.
“The schemes and the game plans aren’t necessarily different. It’s more just the temperament of the coaching staff that will be different,” Coon said.
Midfielder Andrew Sotis stressed senior leadership is another key that will enable the team to smoothly transition into Gross’ reign as coach.
“Moose always stressed the senior leadership, and this year we have the best senior leadership you could ever have,” Sotis said. “Our two captains, John Michael Coon and Matt Kleven, are really extremely good role models, and all the guys on the team look up to them and respect their work ethic and lifestyle … this will help our transition.”
Moosbrugger’s involvement with the Tommie lacrosse program dates back to 1996 during his time as a student-athlete at St. Thomas. He had a stint coaching lacrosse at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield before taking over as coach of the Tommies in 2003.
While it was hard to walk away from his passion of coaching St. Thomas lacrosse, Moosbrugger said it was rewarding to watch the program grow during his tenure as coach.
“Every year I felt like the team got better and better,” Moosbrugger said. “I’ve said in the past, we’ve gone from a loosely-run club to a serious organization. We treat it like a college sport and the club is highly organized. I will never forget the four national championships, and I’ve made memories that will never be taken away.”
The team begins its first campaign under Gross March 14 against Missouri Valley College (Missouri). The game will be held at Concordia University in St. Paul.
William Faust can be reached at faus5612@stthomas.edu.