An 18-year friendship on the Cortland Men’s Lacrosse team had created such a good dynamic and a closer chemistry that most teams hope to achieve eventually. Zach Perlett and Richie Finn have been lifelong best friends and have a special connection that is hard to achieve.
Most important friendships are introduced in college, as it is usually harder to maintain friendships that were created in our youth. This was never a challenge for Richie and Zach, as they have been best friends since they were 3 years old.
Their relationship is admirable, and it proves how a close connection off the field can help translate into how well they play together in game situations. Owen Folkwein, a junior goalie on the team expresses how much he enjoys watching Richie and Zach play together during practices and games.
“Watching Perlett and Richie play together on the field is always so smooth and has such a nice flow,” Folkwein said. “You can really tell how close they are and how much it benefits our team chemistry.”
Not only have they been lifelong best friends, but they also have been lifelong teammates. Ever since they were very young, they began playing baseball together and eventually switched to Lacrosse. Both of their dads had coached them together, which made the family dynamic even stronger to feel as though they were brothers.
“We began playing lacrosse when we were in 2nd grade and bored of baseball,” Perlett said. “Ever since then we never stopped, got into a routine of how to play together, and fortunately got to in college as well.”
Zach had transferred schools when he entered high school at Iona Prep, so they had to go separate ways for 4 years of playing lacrosse. They did not let this affect their relationship, they remained friends and continued to practice all the time together. After they had completed their high school careers, they decided they wanted to reunite in college.
They believe this was the best decision they could have made and thinks that being separated for high school only made them appreciate being together more. They are roommates in an apartment at school and are trying to not take their second to last season for granted.
“Senior season is going to be here before we know it,” Folkwein said. “It is a shame to see it all go by so quickly, but it is worth it meeting such amazing friends like Zach and Richie.”
Growing up and being able to keep such a close relationship with each other is not only impressive but also extremely beneficial for how well they can play together. Team chemistry is very important for the team to succeed and thrive over other competition.
They are excited to show how well they play together in the upcoming games for the rest of the season. The next Mens Lacrosse game is 1pm Saturday, March 30th against SUNY Plattsburg at home.