In a world where Googling your name has become an acceptable pastime, seniors Thomas Gilligan and Dom Burg have an edge over their peers. After all, who doesn’t want ESPN.com’s national lists of the top 100 high school lacrosse player to be among those results.

Gilligan, who was ranked fifteenth in the goalie section by ESPN columnist Tom Peace, found out when a friend wrote on his Facebook wall. “I was so surprised. I couldn’t even believe it,” said Gilligan.

Accompanying this decision was a quote from Peace: “Gilligan helped Benilde-St. Margaret’s win its second consecutive state title this past spring, saving 16 shots in the title game as the Red Knights beat Eden Prairie by a 9-3 score. Gilligan recently committed to Amherst College.

Burg found out his ranking in a similar manner. “My phone had been vibrating all day. When I finally checked it, it was a couple of coaches of mine from this summer telling me to check ESPN.com. It was really crazy. I was shocked,” said Burg.

Burg was ranked nineteenth among face-off specialists by Peace as well. “Burg was one of only two juniors to earn All-State first team honors in Minnesota this past spring. Last season Burg won 115 face-offs and lost just 35. He led the Knights to the state lacrosse title,” said another ESPN columnist, Christopher Parish.

Gilligan, who will be a captain this upcoming season, remains modest. “I’ve seen some of the other goalies [ranked on the list] play, and they’re unbelievable. I don’t even feel like I deserve it,” said Gilligan.

Gilligan’s teammates, on the other hand, are not surprised by this decision. “He’s a phenomenal player. One of the best on the team. Definitely the best goalie in the state. He’s a really humble guy, but he manages to take control on the field,” says junior Rob Lance.

Burg, who has been playing lacrosse since seventh grade, has also gained the respects of his peers. “Dom has terrific work ethic. [He] really leads by example,” said Lance. “A lot of our game relies on a quick break after the face-off, obviously assuming that we win. With Dom taking the face-off, we can make that assumption without hesitation.”