James Brunk, '94, to Head Up DLS Varsity Lacrosse

Forging leaders among his players is just one goal that James Brunk, ’94, new DLS varsity lacrosse head coach, has in mind for the upcoming season. 

This is the time to nurture young men, he said. “I want to develop outstanding young men grounded in education, respect, faith, and inclusivity, empowering them to positively influence each other, their communities, and the future,” Brunk said. 

He’s ready for the challenge, and said it was his time as a student at De La Salle that helped to lay the groundwork for excellence. Looking back, he described his years at his alma mater as “truly exceptional.” 

“Thanks to my coaches, teachers, and the lifelong friends I made, I grew into the person I am today,” he added. “I discovered a passion for art and design, celebrated a state championship in lacrosse with my teammates, and forged connections that will last a lifetime.”

As a senior in the 1994 DLS lacrosse state championship season, Brunk served as team captain, was named Offensive MVP of the state championship game, and earned First Team All-State honors. 

He earned a scholarship to play Division 1 lacrosse at Michigan State University and went on to play professionally.

Athletic Director Dan Rohn is excited to have Coach Brunk lead the DLS lacrosse program: “His experience and knowledge of the game are just some of the qualities that we are excited about,” he said. “He’s passionate about making DLS lacrosse great because of his history and love for the DLS program which is just one of the things I’m looking forward to seeing this spring.”

Brunk has more than 20 years of experience coaching lacrosse, beginning as a camp counselor with Warrior Lacrosse, later culminating in a 2002 state championship with Birmingham United as the offensive coordinator and assistant coach. 

Besides Birmingham United, he’s also had positions with the Farmington youth program, the Birmingham Jr. Bulldogs, the Hawks & Dogs youth program, and PLG Box and Field Lacrosse. In addition, he has served as the head coach for Farmington United.

The plan for his DLS varsity team is well-thought-out, including cultivating a strong foundation from within: “At the heart of every successful team is a robust and dynamic culture,” Brunk said. “To build a lasting and victorious team, we need to foster a mission-driven environment where everyone supports, believes in, and is committed to the cause.”

He continued that by doing so, the team needs to “honor tradition to lead effectively. Without tradition, a team lacks direction and purpose,” he said. “Revitalize a program with a focus on positivity, discipline, and resilience to restore the winning legacy of one of the state's oldest lacrosse programs.”

Mike Jolly, his DLS Lacrosse state championship coach, said Brunk's return creates a convergence of dreams. 

"First, the dream of every young man to play for a truly great coach who not only knows and can teach the game but who also truly cares for them personally. This is every parent's dream for their son, too.

"Second," Jolly added, "James' dream of returning to the school that not only nurtured his personal, academic, and spiritual growth but provided him the canvas on which he could paint his dreams of being a state champion along with his friends. He truly 'gets' what De La Salle is about - personally and culturally.

"Thirdly, my dream of having James be provided this great opportunity to return our program to its former championship status."  

Jolly stressed, "Our culture should be ready to embrace his vision for 'The Creator's Game' as played by the purple and  gold. He is both prepared and worthy. Embrace his dream and enjoy the ride that he and his all-DLS staff will take us on! James' return to the school that his heart never left also coincides with a few other things: the 40th anniversary of the founding of our program, the 30th anniversary of our first state championship, the return of our former principal, Bro. Tom Lackey, FCS, with whom we shared our championship ride, and the arrival of Bro Thomas Zoppo, FSC, our new president. 

"Athletic Director Dan Rohn has made a superb selection of the right man to lead our stickmen back to well-earned respect and reward," he said. 

There is much more to the sport of lacrosse than one may realize, Brunk stressed: “I hope players discover how lacrosse can open doors and break down barriers. The stick’s ‘magic’ is truly remarkable — it’s like a wand that can create happiness, forge friendships, and help make your dreams come true, as long as you dedicate yourself with effort and a positive attitude.”

It’s not too late to get started, either. Brunk suggested that anyone who may be interested in playing use a journal “and make it a daily routine to hit the wall 100 times with each hand, recording your progress.” 

“If you commit to this practice every day, there's a strong chance you'll rise to become one of the top players on the team,” he said.  

When not focused on lacrosse, Brunk spends time with his wife of 22 years, Sheri, and their two children, Sawyer and Scarlett. “Coaching is truly a team effort, and I couldn't do it without their unwavering support,” he said. 

“I look forward to bringing this unique perspective to the De La Salle community and inspiring a fresh approach to the game.”

 

James Brunk, '94, to Head Up DLS Varsity Lacrosse
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