WEST MILFORD — Brendan Pick, a senior at West Milford High School, achieved a feat of significant proportions recently as he became the first student-athlete in the history of the Highlanders’ boy’s lacrosse program to reach the 100-goal plateau.
It is a milestone that should rightly give Pick himself, and the young program in general, a strong sense of accomplishment. This is just the second year that West Milford is competing at the varsity level in boy’s lacrosse.
Pick, who has been playing lacrosse since he was 13 years old, recalled his emotions immediately following his 100th career goal, which occurred on Tuesday, April 30 in a game against High Point. The Highlanders won the game by a score of 14-1 and Pick led the way with five goals.
“After I scored my 100th goal, I was very excited,” Pick said. “A timeout was called and my team sprinted out to me and congratulated me on my achievement and I couldn't help but have a huge smile on my face.
“Reaching my 100th goal means a ton to me. I have put so much work into lacrosse and it feels amazing to know that all that hard work is paying off for me.”
The senior vividly recalls the play leading up to his memorable goal.
“The other team had just gotten a penalty called on them and my coach called a play that was designed for me to shoot,” Pick said. “I cut into the middle, received a pass from my teammate and shot it right between the goalies legs. My teammates were all cheering for me.”
West Milford head coach Gary Stoll is obviously joyed with the accomplishment that Pick, a team captain, was able to earn.
“Brendan was asked to do a lot last year for his team, at times carrying them on his back,” Stoll said. “But this year he has begun to see the big picture and he now understands the meaning behind ‘one more pass.’ He has also grown as a leader stepping in to help the younger players with their skills. Overall, Brendan has become and all around lacrosse player.”
Pick, who will further his academic and lacrosse careers at Montclair State University next fall, has enjoyed the progress that the Highlanders have made on the field this spring.
“The team has improved tremendously, both offense and defense, but the most improved area of this team is the heart,” Pick said. “Each game, we have shown more heart than the game before. There is no quit in this team.”