I still remember the day. Just finished my first marathon- complete exhaustion, but energized from the accomplishment. Received a note along with a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma society from coach earlier in the week wishing us well. You could always count on Sennett. A lot has changed over the past 4 years for me. He has been on my mind a lot lately during lacrosse season- trying to remember what he tried to teach me as know it all teenager and what I would give to hear some of his wisdom now. Hope in the time that has passed that the I have been able to live up to the motto that I am just now starting to understand its impact- Count on me.
Thanks coach.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Reflection
Sometimes we forget how much we miss Coach. You go around and live life just like he would want, "Miss me, but let me go". That is what I thought of and is what I think of every time I hear something about Coach.
How can we not miss him? He affected so many people. You see people that you met at his funeral or at a random game after his death or you see an old team mate and you can't help but start sharing memories about him.
But the thing that I can never forget or let go is the wisdom that he gave us all. Everyone remembers "Count On Me". Many of the teammates that I see still wear the arm bands that are a constant reminders. Another quote that I remember and really had an effect on me is "An aggressive mistake is better than a passive failure."
This meant to me that you have to do everything that you do with the same passion that Coach did every day of your life. You have to run through the line. Finish in the corners. Say "one more", or pass it to the guy who says it. All of these things are what I saw and realized in the game. But how often do we forget this when we are looking at our normal life?
I skip class, take naps when I should be doing work, I slack off at work. Looking back and remembering what coach said I realize that he would challenge me to be better. Thinking, now that a new day is ahead, how can I make a better tomorrow?
I have to make myself better, live out "Count on Me" and "make an aggressive mistake, not a passive failure." This is my little challenge for all of us. How can we make our lives better? How can we live "count on me" and how can me make that "aggressive mistake"?
Tomorrow's a new day, you have a clean slate. I challenge all of us to make it a better day than the one before.
We miss you Coach, but there are some things that you would never want us to let go.
How can we not miss him? He affected so many people. You see people that you met at his funeral or at a random game after his death or you see an old team mate and you can't help but start sharing memories about him.
But the thing that I can never forget or let go is the wisdom that he gave us all. Everyone remembers "Count On Me". Many of the teammates that I see still wear the arm bands that are a constant reminders. Another quote that I remember and really had an effect on me is "An aggressive mistake is better than a passive failure."
This meant to me that you have to do everything that you do with the same passion that Coach did every day of your life. You have to run through the line. Finish in the corners. Say "one more", or pass it to the guy who says it. All of these things are what I saw and realized in the game. But how often do we forget this when we are looking at our normal life?
I skip class, take naps when I should be doing work, I slack off at work. Looking back and remembering what coach said I realize that he would challenge me to be better. Thinking, now that a new day is ahead, how can I make a better tomorrow?
I have to make myself better, live out "Count on Me" and "make an aggressive mistake, not a passive failure." This is my little challenge for all of us. How can we make our lives better? How can we live "count on me" and how can me make that "aggressive mistake"?
Tomorrow's a new day, you have a clean slate. I challenge all of us to make it a better day than the one before.
We miss you Coach, but there are some things that you would never want us to let go.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Great Times Remembered
I first came to St Louis in '93 from Long Island to pursue schooling in Chiropractic. I quickly met Steel from playing Attack alongside him on The St Louis Men's Club Team and we were instant pals. I helped him coach at DeSmet along with Midfield great Tom Coons and had a blast doing it. It was fun to be a part of then a new and building program which has because of him and his tremendous work ethic turned into a perennial power in the Midwest.
We used to go out to his place out on Highway T where he lived with Rich "Hannibal" Lechter. Barbecued Pork Steaks were a regularity and watching some VHS tapes of NCAA Championship games including the '89 Championship between Hopkins/Syracuse and my HS teammates Matt Panetta and Pat McCabe going against each other. Some times he would have another friend or two come over, including a football offensive lineman from ND who at the time was blocking for Joe Montana and showed us the shotgun that Joe gave him engraved and all.
Steel was the one that gave me my "lacrosse nickname" in St Louis: He was always so interested in where I came from and would ask details about it, only to find out that it was the most west town on Long Island right next to Queens. Once he heard that, from that point on it was : "Queens" and in The St Louis lacrosse arena that name has stuck as anyone from that team still calls me.
It is so great to see how 1 single man has influenced the lives of so many others in such a positive way.
Steel, I only hope that I could live my life in such a fun, caring, good, and meaningful way as you did and that I can raise my children as such.
Thank you for all that you have done.
You are truly missed,
Your Friend,
Queens
(Rob Arnone)
We used to go out to his place out on Highway T where he lived with Rich "Hannibal" Lechter. Barbecued Pork Steaks were a regularity and watching some VHS tapes of NCAA Championship games including the '89 Championship between Hopkins/Syracuse and my HS teammates Matt Panetta and Pat McCabe going against each other. Some times he would have another friend or two come over, including a football offensive lineman from ND who at the time was blocking for Joe Montana and showed us the shotgun that Joe gave him engraved and all.
Steel was the one that gave me my "lacrosse nickname" in St Louis: He was always so interested in where I came from and would ask details about it, only to find out that it was the most west town on Long Island right next to Queens. Once he heard that, from that point on it was : "Queens" and in The St Louis lacrosse arena that name has stuck as anyone from that team still calls me.
It is so great to see how 1 single man has influenced the lives of so many others in such a positive way.
Steel, I only hope that I could live my life in such a fun, caring, good, and meaningful way as you did and that I can raise my children as such.
Thank you for all that you have done.
You are truly missed,
Your Friend,
Queens
(Rob Arnone)
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
A New Way of Honoring Mike
Mike's friends from Brother Rice started the Mike Sennett "Count on Me" Memorial Scholarship a year or so ago. Their goal is to have the scholarship fully endowed in three years. To assist them in achieving their goal, the Brother Rice Lacrosse Alumni are making the annual alumni game the Mike "Steel" Sennett Memorial Alumni Lacrosse game in his honor. The event will be held on June 7th, 2009 at Brother Rice High School, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. If you would like to attend, please contact Renee Lynch at lynch@brrice.edu to RSVP or to donate if you can't make it. A more detailed flyer will be available on the Brother Rice website shortly. www.brrice.edu. This is the 1st of what we plan on being an annual event to remember Mike and all that he meant to us. I think it's right up his alley...guys playing lacrosse enjoying some good food, friends, and drink!
Hope to see you all there!
Chris Cote'
Rice '86
Hope to see you all there!
Chris Cote'
Rice '86
Thursday, April 30, 2009
My angel and hero. I love you baby
I have never posted on this blog before and I have actually never looked at it until this month. I have wanted to look and read what people have written about Mikey for the longest time but I have never brought myself to actually do so. I had a special relationship with Mike. He was not only my uncle, but he was a role model, a big brother, a mentor and a best friend. I have been avoiding reading these posts mainly because I did not feel like crying. I feel now that I am ready to share with you, whoever reads this, my stories and memories of mike. I can remember so many things that mike did through for me and with me through his years that it’s hard to pick just one to share. One of the reasons I loved being around him so much was because he was like a big brother to me, when he would visit I remember him rolling up in his car from the airport and me running out to the car to see him. He would step out of the car with brief case and spit bottle in hand, grab me and kiss me and every time he came I looked forward to that, even though it was such a small gesture it meant so much to me. When we would be lounging around on Sunday or Saturday mornings, he would watch movies and play games and I remember he would always have to patience to play all day and would put himself at my level. Whenever he came home we would go to national coney island on woodward and chow on coney dogs and chilly cheese fries (he often picked them up on his way to our house from the airport as well) when we would visit in saint Louis, we would go out to eat then as tradition go to Oberwies for ice cream after our meal no matter how full we were. These are just the little traditions and memories that I, as well as my family held with Mike. It is hard to believe he is gone but it is amazing to see how he still has such an influence in so many peoples lives still to this day. I never knew how many people my uncle helped and how much he had done for so many people. He truly was an amazing man and everyone who had the chance to meet him I know was blessed by the experience for he really was so remarkable. Something so hard goes straight to the soul; it seems impossible to get over and my heart is left with a big hole. I'm trying to be happy, wearing a smile; but I'm dying inside. The world seems to be fading, and I just want to run and hide. Everywhere I go I see your face, and realize how much I miss you; and on the day you died a piece of me died too. I could talk all day about Mike and tell stories but I am going to leave here with a passage from one of my favorite songs .. What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts:
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still cant believe your gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that ive been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world, would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the skies so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
*Mikey I miss you so much you would never know. I think about you everyday and remember all the memories that we made. I know your in a better place and as much as it hurts that your not still here I know you still are. I love you and cant wait to see you some day.
All my love always and forever,
Count on me forever… even when it seems too hard.
RIP angel
Love
Rachel Sennett
Sunny days seem to hurt the most
I wear the pain like a heavy coat
I feel you everywhere I go
I see your smile, I see your face
I hear you laughing in the rain
I still cant believe your gone
It aint fair you died too young
Like a story that had just begun
But death tore the pages all away
God knows how I miss you
All the hell that ive been through
Just knowing no one could take your place
Sometimes I wonder who you’d be today
Would you see the world, would you chase your dreams
Settle down with a family
I wonder what would you name your babies
Some days the skies so blue
I feel like I can talk to you
I know it might sound crazy
*Mikey I miss you so much you would never know. I think about you everyday and remember all the memories that we made. I know your in a better place and as much as it hurts that your not still here I know you still are. I love you and cant wait to see you some day.
All my love always and forever,
Count on me forever… even when it seems too hard.
RIP angel
Love
Rachel Sennett
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I woke up yesterday and immediately put on the state champs of 1996 hat that Coach Sennett gave me one afternoon before practice senior year. I thought it was cool then, but now it simply means everything. As I walked around the campus of Mizzou, I was overcome with the amount of players whom I had played against in high school, not even from DeSmet, coming up to me and telling a story they had about Sennett. It is amazing the amount of respect he has from everyone from the DeSmet community, the lacrosse community, and the rest of the world for that matter.
Like others, Coach felt like a second father to me. 2 years ago I sat as a freshman in my dorm room at Wittenberg University. Not happy with how the season had been going and more or less not happy with my coach, I called Sennett. I simply asked his advice on what I should do. The conversation lasted just over an hour as I sat there and listened to every single word he was saying. Little did I know this would be the last time I talked to him. I took his advice, confronting my coach and quickly finding myself on the field again, playing like I did for him.
I can remember the phone call from my mother delivering the news of his passing. Coincidentally, I was on a bus on the way to play our last game of the season. I can remember having to wake up Reinberg, Birner, and Gerber, all the while in tears not knowing what else to say. I can remember having to call Spencer Hampton and telling him too. But we all knew he was there with us, watching over us and was by our side. It brought us closer together than ever before.
If the world had just a pinch of the character that Coach had, this would be a better place. I know that there is no way I would be the man I am today without the character I built at DeSmet, and most importantly the care, generosity, and passion of Coach Sennett in my life. I can only hope that I live my life with him as my model for success.
Count on me Coach, I will always miss you.
Jim Bunten 06'
Like others, Coach felt like a second father to me. 2 years ago I sat as a freshman in my dorm room at Wittenberg University. Not happy with how the season had been going and more or less not happy with my coach, I called Sennett. I simply asked his advice on what I should do. The conversation lasted just over an hour as I sat there and listened to every single word he was saying. Little did I know this would be the last time I talked to him. I took his advice, confronting my coach and quickly finding myself on the field again, playing like I did for him.
I can remember the phone call from my mother delivering the news of his passing. Coincidentally, I was on a bus on the way to play our last game of the season. I can remember having to wake up Reinberg, Birner, and Gerber, all the while in tears not knowing what else to say. I can remember having to call Spencer Hampton and telling him too. But we all knew he was there with us, watching over us and was by our side. It brought us closer together than ever before.
If the world had just a pinch of the character that Coach had, this would be a better place. I know that there is no way I would be the man I am today without the character I built at DeSmet, and most importantly the care, generosity, and passion of Coach Sennett in my life. I can only hope that I live my life with him as my model for success.
Count on me Coach, I will always miss you.
Jim Bunten 06'
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Godbless #40
I can't even believe that it has already been two years. Like everyone else, Coach Steel made an enormous impact on my life and future. In my case he completely turned mine around; he picked me up, dusted me off, and threw me back in. When my father moved out early freshman year at DeSmet, Coach stepped right in. When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, he and the whole team rallied around us. He tought me and everyone how to be tough... real tough because that was his motto- give life everything you got.
For four years he was there for me, pushed me to be my best in everything. He tought me everything I know about how to be a real man, friend, leader, teammate, son, sibling, and brother in Christ.
Because of him, Chris Goudy, the whole DeSmet Jesuit administration, I can say that my teammates and I are men for others, men to count on. I am so honored and lucky to have had that experience, and to be able to live with his values for rest of my life.
Thank you again Coach. Godbless #40,
Spencer K Hampton, DeSmet Jesuit '06
An Irish Blessng
May the road rise to
meet you
May the wind be
always at your back
May the sun shine
warm upon your face
May the rains fall
soft upon your fields
And until we meet
again
May God hold you in the palm of
His hand.
For four years he was there for me, pushed me to be my best in everything. He tought me everything I know about how to be a real man, friend, leader, teammate, son, sibling, and brother in Christ.
Because of him, Chris Goudy, the whole DeSmet Jesuit administration, I can say that my teammates and I are men for others, men to count on. I am so honored and lucky to have had that experience, and to be able to live with his values for rest of my life.
Thank you again Coach. Godbless #40,
Spencer K Hampton, DeSmet Jesuit '06
An Irish Blessng
May the road rise to
meet you
May the wind be
always at your back
May the sun shine
warm upon your face
May the rains fall
soft upon your fields
And until we meet
again
May God hold you in the palm of
His hand.
Monday, April 27, 2009
still cant believe he's gone
well the date is here again this year, i recieved a nice letter about mike's brother rice "count on me scholarship" as i'm sure many have , and i was so pleased at how well the fund has done , but not surprised at all. this time of year cant come for me without reflection on mike and how he touched us all. i'm sure he is on a very important mission for our Lord and i understand that, cant help but still miss him.
phil hunt 4/27/09
phil hunt 4/27/09
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I'm Sure Mike is Celebrating
It's hard to believe that it has been over a year since Mike left us, and I know that his loss still weighs heavily on all of us. I was reading insidelacrosse.com last week, and I saw some news that will hopefully will bring a smile to everyone's face:
"The only team in the STX/Inside Lacrosse preseason top 25 that went through their season without a loss, the Warriors of Brother Rice are the 2008 STX/Inside Lacrosse national champions."
Im sure that Mike is looking down on us with a huge smile, knowing that his beloved alma mater, Brother Rice, is the top-ranked high school lacrosse program in the country after completing a 23-0 season that culminated in yet another Michigan state championship.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=65840&cat=67366&hidecontent=yes&id=190854
I hope that everyone is well, and everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. Take care.
-Beau Barnett
Class of '97
"The only team in the STX/Inside Lacrosse preseason top 25 that went through their season without a loss, the Warriors of Brother Rice are the 2008 STX/Inside Lacrosse national champions."
Im sure that Mike is looking down on us with a huge smile, knowing that his beloved alma mater, Brother Rice, is the top-ranked high school lacrosse program in the country after completing a 23-0 season that culminated in yet another Michigan state championship.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=65840&cat=67366&hidecontent=yes&id=190854
I hope that everyone is well, and everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer. Take care.
-Beau Barnett
Class of '97
Monday, April 28, 2008
In our hearts
It has been a year since Mike has left us. Sometimes it feels like a long time and sometimes it feels like yesterday. I have thought about writing so many times, but today just seemed to be the right time.
I think often about how things would have been, but also think about how things are today because of Mike's presence in our lives. Even though he left us too early, he will always be a part of our lives. He gave so much to us: faith, happiness, love, kindness, laughter, his friends and family, his love to my daughter.
From my heart, Susie Haltenhof (Amber's Mom)
I think often about how things would have been, but also think about how things are today because of Mike's presence in our lives. Even though he left us too early, he will always be a part of our lives. He gave so much to us: faith, happiness, love, kindness, laughter, his friends and family, his love to my daughter.
From my heart, Susie Haltenhof (Amber's Mom)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Coaching is not easy
Walking back onto the familiar grounds of DeSmet Jesuit High day after day, it remains unfamiliar to look over to the varisty and not being able to hear or see you. I am trying my best to be a man for these kids as you were for me. It isn't easy, it's frustrating as you know. I can only hope I can be a bit like you so they can catch a glimpse of the man that taught me how to play. The game lives on in me and I will never forget you. It's not possible. The important thing I try never to forget is that it's not about being the best but putting out the best effort you have day in and day out; to give 100% just like you taught us. (sometimes I forget...and losing is definitely never going to be manageable, but I'll try) I know that you are always smiling down on all of us right after you finish making the angels run some rips.
DeSmet may never know another like you again. Count on me coach. I still miss you.
-Ferris '04
DeSmet may never know another like you again. Count on me coach. I still miss you.
-Ferris '04
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Missing Mike
I was happy to see a few posted comments lately about Mike. Over the past year I am certain that there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t thought about him or his impact in my life. Here are a few pictures that I have found in the past few months that are of Mike in a much different way than most of you remember him. I knew Mike as a firefighter, financial mentor and friend.
Thanks Mike for everything.
Mike Thiemann
Saturday, April 19, 2008
1 year later
I have never posted on this blog but i can remember endless nights where i would stay up and read everyone's thoughts of coach. I was personally there in Indiana when coach died and recieved the news from Coach Goudy when he simply said..."he didnt make it." As the one year anniversary of that day looms near i cannot help but think of coach sennett every single day. it hurts to look at the prayer card that i still have from last year that is in my money clip and read the "miss me - but let me go" prayer that is on it. When i do read it though i am filled with so many different emotions that i cant even desribe. It pains me to say that i never knew what coach sennett really meant to me until he was gone and i had to live life without him. he taught me so many things that, as life unfolds, i am seeing really mkae sense. His game was not just lacrosse and we all know that. Coach put every cell of energy into making us better kids and to hopefully grow us into men. i see his example everyday. I dont think words could, or will, ever describe how much i mis coach sennett on a daily basis. every single aspect of coach i miss and i wish he was there to hug me when i visited practice and came to games to see how our team was doing. i also am truly sorry for the future players at desmet that they never knew coach sennett, but also encourage players to listen to coach goudy, because in my opinion, he is coach's best living example. Coach Sennett, i was always a little afraid of you but never, ever did i not respect and love you for what you gave me. I can never personally thank you enough for your impact on my life. This past year has seemed unreal and one i would want you to be here for, but I will take an extra angel lookinfg over me. Thanks for everything and I miss you.
-Ted Klein
-Ted Klein
Friday, April 18, 2008
My Angel
Hey everyone. I had the unique perspective of having mike in my life from day 1. I'm Johnny, his oldest nephew. I hadn't looked at this website until today, mostly because I didn't feel like crying. Well I'm sitting in the airport, waiting for a delayed flight and decided it was about time. So now im posting my memory, with happy tears in my eyes.
Mike hooked me up with my first lacrosse stick, a busted pealing white brine shaft, and a savage head with a traditional string job, when I was in 6th grade. I also got a "bucket helmet" anyone who has been around the game knows how ugly those relics are. Well from that day I was hooked. Anyway my memory of Mike happened in Barbados. We had gathered the whole family together to celebrate my grandparents anniversary. I had snuck a couple of sticks down in my duffle bag. Well I busted those bad boys out and asked Mikey to play a little. I was about 14 and I toss Mikey the ball. No Problem. Then Mike throws it back, and by throw I mean launch at what seemed like a 1,000,000,000 mph. I just looked at him as the ball went bay and said "really?" haha mikey just laughed and we went and got the ball together. We continued to play catch after we found the ball, and Mike refused to slow down the passes. I was frustrated at him then, but looking back on it, that was the best thing he could have done. Growing up with Mikey's rocket passes made for an easy transition into my future role as a defenseman. I remember going to tryouts and not caring about getting hit by a shot, since mikey had been doing it for so long. He really taught me a fundamental lessons. They're not gonna slow down their shot because u get in the way. He also taught me not to drink out of his "Ice Tea" bottles.
Mike was a great mentor, and he is the reason I came to St. Louis. I play lacrosse at Fontbonne, thanks in great part to Mikey's influence. To all his boys, u guys got lucky, u had a great coach and a legend teach you the game, to all his friends (the old guys) haha, I wish I could have seen Mikey in his prime at Notre Dame.
My personal feelings about Mikey's moving on are, #1 I know he is in heaven and he is waiting for all of us with a big half crooked smile,and #2 I KNOW he s putting together the perfect field, so that when we all join him, we will have a kick ass field to play on.
Mikey, I love u, I miss you, and I hope u will always look down on me and smile, proud that you can call me your nephew. Mike you taught me everything I would ever need to know,and you are all the role model I will ever need. (Don't worry, u too Dad) :-)
Count On Me, forever
-Johnny Sennett
Mike hooked me up with my first lacrosse stick, a busted pealing white brine shaft, and a savage head with a traditional string job, when I was in 6th grade. I also got a "bucket helmet" anyone who has been around the game knows how ugly those relics are. Well from that day I was hooked. Anyway my memory of Mike happened in Barbados. We had gathered the whole family together to celebrate my grandparents anniversary. I had snuck a couple of sticks down in my duffle bag. Well I busted those bad boys out and asked Mikey to play a little. I was about 14 and I toss Mikey the ball. No Problem. Then Mike throws it back, and by throw I mean launch at what seemed like a 1,000,000,000 mph. I just looked at him as the ball went bay and said "really?" haha mikey just laughed and we went and got the ball together. We continued to play catch after we found the ball, and Mike refused to slow down the passes. I was frustrated at him then, but looking back on it, that was the best thing he could have done. Growing up with Mikey's rocket passes made for an easy transition into my future role as a defenseman. I remember going to tryouts and not caring about getting hit by a shot, since mikey had been doing it for so long. He really taught me a fundamental lessons. They're not gonna slow down their shot because u get in the way. He also taught me not to drink out of his "Ice Tea" bottles.
Mike was a great mentor, and he is the reason I came to St. Louis. I play lacrosse at Fontbonne, thanks in great part to Mikey's influence. To all his boys, u guys got lucky, u had a great coach and a legend teach you the game, to all his friends (the old guys) haha, I wish I could have seen Mikey in his prime at Notre Dame.
My personal feelings about Mikey's moving on are, #1 I know he is in heaven and he is waiting for all of us with a big half crooked smile,and #2 I KNOW he s putting together the perfect field, so that when we all join him, we will have a kick ass field to play on.
Mikey, I love u, I miss you, and I hope u will always look down on me and smile, proud that you can call me your nephew. Mike you taught me everything I would ever need to know,and you are all the role model I will ever need. (Don't worry, u too Dad) :-)
Count On Me, forever
-Johnny Sennett
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
1 Man
To the world Mike Sennett was one man, but the many individuals Mike Sennett was the world.
Ed Hendry
Ed Hendry
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Message from Tom
I went to high school with Mike in Michigan and lost touch with him many, many
years ago. I just heard the tragic news about Mike but am heartened (and awed)
by how many lives he touched in such a positive way.
I wanted to tell one quick story about Mike from almost 20 years ago. For those
that played for Mike over the years, they may not have known how hard Mike
worked to be a lacrosse player and what a good player he became.
Mike and I had played on a state championship team together in high school in
1986. My memories of Mike was that he was someone who just loved the game and
worked so hard to get better. He was always one of the last to leave the field
and was always working on something to improve his game. Some others had more
natural talent than Mike, but no one was going to outwork or out-hustle him.
Mike and I both went on from Brother Rice High School to play lacrosse in
college. It was a big step back then, because all of the spots on the college
teams were filled by kids who had been playing lacrosse on the east coast --
kids who had been playing the game since they were quite young. Mike and I both
picked up the sport in high school and worked hard to learn the game.
Mike and I were home from college one summer -- I believe it was the summer of
1988 -- playing in a lacrosse league at Cranbrook in Michigan. Coach Bill
Tierney, the head coach from Princeton University, would come through Michigan
each summer to have a lacrosse camp in the area and always brought with him some
great college players to help coach the camps. One of those players was Dave
Pietramala, widely considered to be the greatest defenseman to ever play the
game (he is now the Johns Hopkins head lacrosse coach). In the evenings that
summer those of us who were trying to play college lacrosse from the Michigan
area would get together to scrimmage at night. This time some of the coaches
from the camp decided to join in, included Dave Pietramala, who was about to
enter his senior year at Johns Hopkins (he would go on to become NCAA Player of
the Year that year).
I had played against Dave in college that year and knew how dominating he was.
He could take over a lacrosse game from the defensive end of the field --
something I had not seen before in college lacrosse. Well that night Dave was
having fun -- taking the ball away from every one and running down and scoring
multiple goals. It as a complete mismatch -- the greatest defenseman ever to
play the game, at the prime of his game, versus a bunch of high school and
college kids from Michigan, most of whom had only started playing the game in
the last few years. When most attackmen caught the ball and Dave was covering
them, they passed it along to the next person as quickly as possible.
Well, then Mike checked into the scrimmage. The first time Mike touched the
ball (he was playing attack on the wing) he charged right at the mighty Dave
Pietramala, drove him up high above the goal line extended, and then did a quick
inside roll and fired the ball at the goal. Before anyone knew what happened,
the ball went past the goalie's ear into the net for a goal. Everyone just
dropped their sticks and went crazy. Dave was shocked and a little embarrassed
-- he never thought he could get beat for a goal by some kid from Michigan,
nonetheless someone a couple years younger than him. It took enormous guts of
Mike to try that move against the greatest defenseman in the land.
It is said that no one beat Dave Pietramala during a college lacrosse game the
entire year in 1989. Well, the summer before that season, in a scrimmage at
Cranbrook, Mike scored (one-on-one) against the greatest defenseman to ever play
the game.
In reading this blog about Mike, it seems like that is how he lived his life --
without fear.
I am proud to have known him.
Tom Barnds
years ago. I just heard the tragic news about Mike but am heartened (and awed)
by how many lives he touched in such a positive way.
I wanted to tell one quick story about Mike from almost 20 years ago. For those
that played for Mike over the years, they may not have known how hard Mike
worked to be a lacrosse player and what a good player he became.
Mike and I had played on a state championship team together in high school in
1986. My memories of Mike was that he was someone who just loved the game and
worked so hard to get better. He was always one of the last to leave the field
and was always working on something to improve his game. Some others had more
natural talent than Mike, but no one was going to outwork or out-hustle him.
Mike and I both went on from Brother Rice High School to play lacrosse in
college. It was a big step back then, because all of the spots on the college
teams were filled by kids who had been playing lacrosse on the east coast --
kids who had been playing the game since they were quite young. Mike and I both
picked up the sport in high school and worked hard to learn the game.
Mike and I were home from college one summer -- I believe it was the summer of
1988 -- playing in a lacrosse league at Cranbrook in Michigan. Coach Bill
Tierney, the head coach from Princeton University, would come through Michigan
each summer to have a lacrosse camp in the area and always brought with him some
great college players to help coach the camps. One of those players was Dave
Pietramala, widely considered to be the greatest defenseman to ever play the
game (he is now the Johns Hopkins head lacrosse coach). In the evenings that
summer those of us who were trying to play college lacrosse from the Michigan
area would get together to scrimmage at night. This time some of the coaches
from the camp decided to join in, included Dave Pietramala, who was about to
enter his senior year at Johns Hopkins (he would go on to become NCAA Player of
the Year that year).
I had played against Dave in college that year and knew how dominating he was.
He could take over a lacrosse game from the defensive end of the field --
something I had not seen before in college lacrosse. Well that night Dave was
having fun -- taking the ball away from every one and running down and scoring
multiple goals. It as a complete mismatch -- the greatest defenseman ever to
play the game, at the prime of his game, versus a bunch of high school and
college kids from Michigan, most of whom had only started playing the game in
the last few years. When most attackmen caught the ball and Dave was covering
them, they passed it along to the next person as quickly as possible.
Well, then Mike checked into the scrimmage. The first time Mike touched the
ball (he was playing attack on the wing) he charged right at the mighty Dave
Pietramala, drove him up high above the goal line extended, and then did a quick
inside roll and fired the ball at the goal. Before anyone knew what happened,
the ball went past the goalie's ear into the net for a goal. Everyone just
dropped their sticks and went crazy. Dave was shocked and a little embarrassed
-- he never thought he could get beat for a goal by some kid from Michigan,
nonetheless someone a couple years younger than him. It took enormous guts of
Mike to try that move against the greatest defenseman in the land.
It is said that no one beat Dave Pietramala during a college lacrosse game the
entire year in 1989. Well, the summer before that season, in a scrimmage at
Cranbrook, Mike scored (one-on-one) against the greatest defenseman to ever play
the game.
In reading this blog about Mike, it seems like that is how he lived his life --
without fear.
I am proud to have known him.
Tom Barnds
Monday, May 7, 2007
Be Humble
Over the six years that I have known Coach Mike Sennett, I have had the pleasure to have him in my life. So many memories fill my head when his name comes into my head. I’ll start with lacrosse practice. When we would practice Vo-tech I would walk to the field and see his black Yukon, that meant coach was here and it would remind me why I was on that field. He would change from his suit to his famous orange shorts or his Notre Dame shorts, and his penny. At practice he would have his orange kryptolite shaft with a brine cyber head, and for some reason that was the lightest stick I have ever picked up in my life. These are some objects that reminded me of Coach.
During practice one time were doing some clears and we needed a middie on the flied and it was suppose to be Mcmanus, and he wasn’t paying attention. Coach yells, “Mcmanus get your thumb out of your ass!!!” I was trying hard not to laugh because I would be the next one to be yelled at because Coach was a little distraught at the time.
During at certain game I have never seen that man happier at a game. It was the year 2002, semi-final game DeSmet vs. Rochurst. We conquered a huge victory that game with a score of something like 14-6 I can’t remember off the top of my head. It was a big game since we only beat them in double overtime earlier in the season. I have never seen Coach Sennett jump as high as he did when we did back to back fast break goals. At the end of the game he had a grin from ear to ear smiling at us, not just because we defeated Rochurst, but because we used everything that he taught us in that game.
Our next game was against MICDS for the finals at Ladue field (I miss that perfect grass field) Every time we came in at quarter and at half-time we were winning, Coach told us to be humble, the words have stuck in my head ever since that game. For us not to be arrogant during that game was the most important thought. If we got bigheaded the game could have turned around, but it didn’t we went on to win with a score of 12-7, that’s off the top of my head. Again Coach was proud of what he has taught us and what we have done with what we had learned.
One more lacrosse memory was Febuary of 2003, I didn’t want to do it but I had to and that was to make the call to Coach Sennett and Goudy that I had tore my ACL and was out the entire season. I attended practice everyday or as much as I could have on or off crutches and Coach was happy and appreciative to see my integrity towards interest of being part of the team. Later coach asks me if I still wanted to be on the team and roster, I responded with yes.
My post lacrosse years I would attend DeSmet Lacrosse games. After the games I would either go to the sidelines or meet Coach Sennett and Goudy to congratulate on their victory. When I would see Coach Sennett I would reach out my hand for a hand shake. He would look me in the eyes and give me a hug. He would continue asking me questions on how my life is going, how my team is, how school is going, and how my family is doing. He was happy to know everything is doing great. I got an email from Northwestern Mutual that was inquiring my interest in a summer internship. It said that Mike Sennett had requested that they look into me to see if I was interested. I appreciate him doing that and always looking out for his friends.
This last week has been hard on me and the many people that have filled his life. It was grateful to see the many old faces and some new ones. Mike’s mom was one of the nicest ladies that I have met; she came up to me and gave me a hug at the wake and the funeral. I had never met her before but it seemed like I had knew her my whole life. I talked to her and she couldn’t believe how many people there were when she turned looked behind her at the new Cathedral. The last thing I told her was, “Thank you and your family’s decision on letting Mike be buried in St. Louis.”
Mike you will be remebered in my heart and many others, we thank you for everything you have done for us.
Nick Zeiser
#34 ‘03
Count on Me
During practice one time were doing some clears and we needed a middie on the flied and it was suppose to be Mcmanus, and he wasn’t paying attention. Coach yells, “Mcmanus get your thumb out of your ass!!!” I was trying hard not to laugh because I would be the next one to be yelled at because Coach was a little distraught at the time.
During at certain game I have never seen that man happier at a game. It was the year 2002, semi-final game DeSmet vs. Rochurst. We conquered a huge victory that game with a score of something like 14-6 I can’t remember off the top of my head. It was a big game since we only beat them in double overtime earlier in the season. I have never seen Coach Sennett jump as high as he did when we did back to back fast break goals. At the end of the game he had a grin from ear to ear smiling at us, not just because we defeated Rochurst, but because we used everything that he taught us in that game.
Our next game was against MICDS for the finals at Ladue field (I miss that perfect grass field) Every time we came in at quarter and at half-time we were winning, Coach told us to be humble, the words have stuck in my head ever since that game. For us not to be arrogant during that game was the most important thought. If we got bigheaded the game could have turned around, but it didn’t we went on to win with a score of 12-7, that’s off the top of my head. Again Coach was proud of what he has taught us and what we have done with what we had learned.
One more lacrosse memory was Febuary of 2003, I didn’t want to do it but I had to and that was to make the call to Coach Sennett and Goudy that I had tore my ACL and was out the entire season. I attended practice everyday or as much as I could have on or off crutches and Coach was happy and appreciative to see my integrity towards interest of being part of the team. Later coach asks me if I still wanted to be on the team and roster, I responded with yes.
My post lacrosse years I would attend DeSmet Lacrosse games. After the games I would either go to the sidelines or meet Coach Sennett and Goudy to congratulate on their victory. When I would see Coach Sennett I would reach out my hand for a hand shake. He would look me in the eyes and give me a hug. He would continue asking me questions on how my life is going, how my team is, how school is going, and how my family is doing. He was happy to know everything is doing great. I got an email from Northwestern Mutual that was inquiring my interest in a summer internship. It said that Mike Sennett had requested that they look into me to see if I was interested. I appreciate him doing that and always looking out for his friends.
This last week has been hard on me and the many people that have filled his life. It was grateful to see the many old faces and some new ones. Mike’s mom was one of the nicest ladies that I have met; she came up to me and gave me a hug at the wake and the funeral. I had never met her before but it seemed like I had knew her my whole life. I talked to her and she couldn’t believe how many people there were when she turned looked behind her at the new Cathedral. The last thing I told her was, “Thank you and your family’s decision on letting Mike be buried in St. Louis.”
Mike you will be remebered in my heart and many others, we thank you for everything you have done for us.
Nick Zeiser
#34 ‘03
Count on Me
Sunday, May 6, 2007
It was God, not me.
I hesitate to share the sorrow I am most taken with right now, b/c I feel selfish and inadequate in the shadow of our dear friend who was neither. My husband needs Mike, I need Mike – my kids need him – I wonder who will fill the role he played, who will be my husband’s spiritual coach. I loved his unwillingness to gloss things over or beat around the bush. My mother-in-law and I often discuss the ease with which we can communicate with somebody by whether or not they “get it.” Mike “got it.” I could leave the disclaimers behind with him and just say what was on my heart and he reciprocated with his whole heart. We often had deep conversations about the love of Christ and the responsibility to share and develop that love with my children. We talked about marriage, parenting, accountability, love, trust, doubt and so much more.
We shared so many of the most important milestones in our life with Mike – he was there when Buzz and I first started dating, for our marriage, for the births of our children, their birthday parties, and later, he became part of our family. I was so proud on Thursday when I found out that Mike and Amber had become engaged – I was literally beaming with joy. Amber is my cousin – Mike, one of our very best friends – both had been in our wedding. Mike, of course, had laid the impossibly heavy burden of his impending engagement to Amber on me and my husband (and a slew of others, apparently!) on Easter Sunday. I love to talk - keeping this secret was unimaginable, but I did it! So, when the news came of their engagement, I just about hit the ceiling with excitement. Not being as humble as Mike, I was proud to exclaim that I had set Mike and Amber up about a year and a half ago. Mike was a gift to me and to my family…yet another new family for Mike. Yet another branch of the “Mike Sennett fan club.”
My heart is aching for my husband (who he dragged to retreats without ever losing patience) and my son, Louie (who broke my heart as he sobbed in Buzz’s arms while we processed out of church Thursday), my daughters Bonnie, Sarah and Anna (they had quite a “thing” for each other – a shared “feisty-ness”). He loved them so much and they loved him – even though it wasn’t a love marked by anything extraordinary – they loved him simply and purely – in the same way they love me and Buzz – without effort.
Those of you who knew Mike are familiar with his uncanny ability to show up when he was “just in the neighborhood” which did not necessarily qualify that time as opportune for me, a busy mother of four busy kids – so, like Mike, who was comfortable in almost any situation, I was also comfortable saying, “Alright Mike, it’s me and you, Buzz is on a fire call, get busy.” And thus I would assign Mike a task – on one occasion, I asked Mike to read a bedtime story to the kids. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the image of him lying on the bed with them piled all around him. He seemed perfectly comfortable – but, afterward, when the kids were all tucked in, he shared with me what a milestone that had been for him. I can’t remember the exact words, but he told me that he had always been afraid of reading to kids at bedtime – he was nervous about doing it “right.” But, I love it that he made sure that I knew it was a big deal for him – I am honored that we could help him clear that hurdle.
It will take time for me to quit thinking of “what could have been.” I wanted to have an engagement party for Mike and Amber, participate in what would have surely been one of the most beautiful weddings, hear him read flawlessly to his own children…and so much more.
Mike contemplated things that some men wouldn’t – after he and Amber had been dating a while and it was clear that he was “smitten” (his words to my husband), he called and wanted to know what had ever prompted me to set them up. We concluded together that it was God, not me.
Tina Eckelkamp
Washington, MO
We shared so many of the most important milestones in our life with Mike – he was there when Buzz and I first started dating, for our marriage, for the births of our children, their birthday parties, and later, he became part of our family. I was so proud on Thursday when I found out that Mike and Amber had become engaged – I was literally beaming with joy. Amber is my cousin – Mike, one of our very best friends – both had been in our wedding. Mike, of course, had laid the impossibly heavy burden of his impending engagement to Amber on me and my husband (and a slew of others, apparently!) on Easter Sunday. I love to talk - keeping this secret was unimaginable, but I did it! So, when the news came of their engagement, I just about hit the ceiling with excitement. Not being as humble as Mike, I was proud to exclaim that I had set Mike and Amber up about a year and a half ago. Mike was a gift to me and to my family…yet another new family for Mike. Yet another branch of the “Mike Sennett fan club.”
My heart is aching for my husband (who he dragged to retreats without ever losing patience) and my son, Louie (who broke my heart as he sobbed in Buzz’s arms while we processed out of church Thursday), my daughters Bonnie, Sarah and Anna (they had quite a “thing” for each other – a shared “feisty-ness”). He loved them so much and they loved him – even though it wasn’t a love marked by anything extraordinary – they loved him simply and purely – in the same way they love me and Buzz – without effort.
Those of you who knew Mike are familiar with his uncanny ability to show up when he was “just in the neighborhood” which did not necessarily qualify that time as opportune for me, a busy mother of four busy kids – so, like Mike, who was comfortable in almost any situation, I was also comfortable saying, “Alright Mike, it’s me and you, Buzz is on a fire call, get busy.” And thus I would assign Mike a task – on one occasion, I asked Mike to read a bedtime story to the kids. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the image of him lying on the bed with them piled all around him. He seemed perfectly comfortable – but, afterward, when the kids were all tucked in, he shared with me what a milestone that had been for him. I can’t remember the exact words, but he told me that he had always been afraid of reading to kids at bedtime – he was nervous about doing it “right.” But, I love it that he made sure that I knew it was a big deal for him – I am honored that we could help him clear that hurdle.
It will take time for me to quit thinking of “what could have been.” I wanted to have an engagement party for Mike and Amber, participate in what would have surely been one of the most beautiful weddings, hear him read flawlessly to his own children…and so much more.
Mike contemplated things that some men wouldn’t – after he and Amber had been dating a while and it was clear that he was “smitten” (his words to my husband), he called and wanted to know what had ever prompted me to set them up. We concluded together that it was God, not me.
Tina Eckelkamp
Washington, MO
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