Saint Rose’s Jack and Luke Pemrick looking forward to spring
ALBANY, NY » This spring could be the only season that freshman Luke Pemrick and senior Jack Pemrick play together on The College of Saint Rose men’s lacrosse team. The duo, who were both on the field for the Greenwich
High Witches in 2016 and 2017, are looking forward to the opportunity.
“I’m definitely really excited to get back on the field, playing with both the guys I came in with, those that are back, and the newcomers. I think we can make an impact in the Northeast-10 Conference this spring,” said Jack, who enters the campaign with 27 goals and 33 assists, across 35 career games.
Jack, the oldest of three brothers, would help his younger siblings on the field while growing up in Greenwich, N.Y. As a Golden Knight, he would go back to Greenwich High to help out the varsity and JV squads. He also currently coaches the
Witches middle school summer league team.
“Playing lacrosse with Jack and his friends, who were bigger and stronger, helped me improve and pushed me to be the best I could be,” said Luke, who did share that being able to play with his older brother was one of the many reasons he decided to attend Saint Rose.
That assistance translated off the field to Luke’s arrival to campus this fall semester.
“Jack helped me out a bunch this fall,” said Luke. “As a fellow communications major, he gave me an idea what things were like and how the classes were. He helped me get my books and showed me around campus and Albany.”
The senior’s leadership skills are appreciated by Saint Rose head coach Jim
Morrissey.
“Jack Pemrick has been a leader since the moment he stepped on campus due to his work ethic in the weight room and on the field. He is more of a lead by example type of leader, which is just fine by me. When he does speak his teammates sure listen,” said Morrissey.
The fall semester was full of challenges for students across the country brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Things were no different at the College. Luke had two of his classes transition from in-person into online ones. Lacrosse practices were socially-distanced with small groups. The senior and the rookie met the potential difficulties head-on, both in the classroom and at the Plumeri Sports Complex.
“This past semester was overall challenging, but rewarding,” said Jack. “The online classes presented new challenges, I had to teach myself how to do a few things, but I was able to
get through it and keep my grades where I wanted them to be. It gave me a sense of pride to finish the semester strong, both academically and lacrosse-wise.”
Overcoming the fall semester adversity bodes well for the pair heading into the spring. Though not committing to anything lineupwise, Morrissey has high expectations for the duo.
“Luke has been an even better player than I expected since his arrival this fall,” said Morrissey. “Like Jack, he shows up every day and quietly works his tail off to improve every time he steps foot on the field. The brothers have a natural chemistry and work very well together on the field and as a coach that is something that’s important coming from your midfield combinations.”
As the calendar changed from 2020 to 2021, the optimism for the Golden Knights returning to action has increased. Yet despite the brotherly-bonds, COVID-19 still clouds everyday
life, not just the athletic world.
Saint Rose had most of its 2020 season canceled last March 18 when the NE10 Conference Council of Presidents unanimously decided to suspend all team activities and competitions (in all 24 NE10 sports) on member institution campuses. The shortened campaign, one where the Golden Knights went 3-1 and received votes in the USILA coaches national poll, serves as added motivation for the elder Pemrick, who was named to the 2018 NE10 Conference All-Rookie team.
“Having our season get cut short last year, I feel that we have something to prove,” said Jack. “I’d like for us to make the NE10 playoffs, like we did my freshman year, and continue to earn respect within the conference and region.”
The senior’s effort in achieving those team goals will be aided with by the presence of his younger brother.