CLICK HERE to read original article, written by Newburyport News Sports Editor Dan Guttenplan.
Bert Comins has never cared about individual statistics in lacrosse; otherwise, he wouldn't have played defense.
However, the St. Joseph's College of Maine coaching staff found a way to quantify Comins' contribution to the lacrosse team during his four-year career, and the coaches found that the Triton Regional High alumnus stacks up as the best defenseman in school history.
Comins, who will graduate from St. Joseph's on Saturday, was a four-time All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference selection. He leaves the program as the Monks' all-time leader in caused turnovers (127) and second in ground balls (211).
"I started right away as a freshman, and I guess I broke a couple of records," Comins said. "I'd say fundamentally this was my best season. I didn't have the stats I usually have, but we played more difficult teams. I played my best lacrosse as a senior."
Comins tallied 38 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers for a St. Joseph's team that went 7-10 overall and 6-3 in the GNAC. The Monks earned the No. 4 seed in the GNAC tournament and fell to No. 5 Emmanuel College 9-8 April 23.
"The team never really got too far in the playoffs when I was here, but we got a little better every year," Comins said. "I'd say the biggest thing that improved for me was my discipline. I used to get a lot of penalties. My general skills improved too."
Comins graduated from Triton in 2009 with an extensive lacrosse background. He played for multiple select and Top Gun teams before enrolling at St. Joseph's.
After studying environmental studies in college, Comins plans to return home to Newbury after graduation as he searches for a career. He plans to pursue lacrosse coaching positions either in Massachusetts or Maine.
"I'll probably end up playing men's league or club," Comins said. "I would love to coach college, but it would probably be a safer bet at the high school level. I'll work my way into college."
While his playing days may be over, Comins is not ready to walk away from the game for good.
"I just love the game," Comins said. "The men's leagues out of college aren't that competitive. What I love most is the competitiveness, so I'll have to replace that somehow. That's what I'll miss the most."