Zach Runberg: Colorado Lacrosse's Golden Boy
Published on August 29, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Denver Outlaws News Release
Boston, MA - When you think of Denver sports legend, who comes to mind? John Elway? Joe Sakic? Carmelo Anthony? Todd Helton? One thing these Denver sports icons can't say, the thin mountain air of the mile-high city made them the superstar athlete we know. One person who can say that however, is Denver Outlaws rookie, Zach Runberg. Playing for his hometown team, Runberg hopes his name will be added to that list of Denver sports legends.
Runberg, now 24, is in the midst of his rookie season with the Denver Outlaws, the team he grew up watching. Runberg is appreciative of what Colorado has given him saying "Denver and Colorado has been great to me so far, especially in the lacrosse world."
In a city of transplants, Runberg is the outlier. Runberg grew up in Centennial, Colorado in a house his parents have owned for over 30 years. It was there, where Runberg's athletic career began to blossom.
From an early age, Runberg played almost every sport, except lacrosse. In the late 90s, early 2000s, lacrosse wasn't that popular in Colorado. In Runberg's words, "People didn't really know about lacrosse for a little while." He added, "the sport kind of flew under the radar."
Runberg started playing lacrosse around third grade, but "really fell in love with the game after fifth grade." Runberg was drawn to "how fast paced lacrosse was."
Like many kids growing up in Denver, Runberg wanted to be the next "Peyton Manning or Steve Nash," but when high school came around, he realized he was more likely to follow in the footsteps of John Grant Jr. Runberg excelled at Arapahoe High School. He was a two-time state champion, and during his senior season he was named an All-American after scoring 51 goals and adding 32 assists.
Runberg spend the first 18 years plus of his life in Colorado, and when college came around, he decided it was time for a change of scenery. Runberg choose to play his college lacrosse at the University of Delaware, almost 1,800 miles from Denver.
Runberg had a solid rookie season for the Blue Hens, scoring four goals and adding nine assists. Runberg said, "he had an awesome time," but acknowledged he missed home. Runberg said being in Delaware made him realize "how much he missed home and how much Colorado was a huge part of his life." He decided to come home and play for the University of Denver.
While at Denver, Runberg wanted to "make a story out of himself." Make a story he did, Runberg tallied 21 points at DU as an SSDM. He also scooped up 37 ground balls with the Pioneers. Runberg said coming home to play for DU was "one of the best decisions I have ever made."
Despite a successful college career, Runberg was unsure about his next steps. After his final game at Denver, Runberg truly believed, "that was my final game, for sure." After graduation from DU, Runberg went on a European excursion with a friend, and then did what all other college graduates do, he moved home with Mom and Dad and got a job.
In the spring of 2019, as the MLL season got closer, Runberg saw locally advertised information about an open tryout with the Denver Outlaws. Runberg's college coach, Bill Tierney, made a call on Runberg's behalf to Outlaws Coach, Tony Seaman, about bringing Runberg in for the tryout.
In mid-April, things went well for Runberg at the tryout. He was asked to attend training camp with the Outlaws. Runberg continued to impress, and in May, just weeks before the Outlaws' first game, he received an email. Runberg was being placed on the Denver Outlaws Practice Squad. Runberg was "excited for the opportunity."
On June 27th, Runberg made his professional debut against the Dallas Rattlers. He caused a turnover in limited action. Runberg described his first game as a "wakeup call." He shared that the speed and the physicality of Major League Lacrosse play was unlike anything he had ever been a part of thus far in his lacrosse career.
Runberg settled in and two days later he had the biggest moment of his professional career. With under half a minute left against the Boston Cannons, Runberg scooped up a ground ball off of a faceoff, went streaking down the field and fired the game winning goal past Cannons netminder Nick Marrocco. It was Runberg's first career goal, giving the Outlaws a 17-16 win. Runberg expressed that, that moment is one he will "remember forever."
Runberg's season has been slowed down a bit by injuries. He has played in five games scoring a goal and two assists.
Playing for his hometown team has been "surreal"Â for Runberg. He said it really "hit him" on the Fourth of July. Looking up at almost 30,000 people made Runberg realize, "I'm playing for the team I have always wanted to."
The last couple of months have been a "awesome ride" for Runberg. He is hoping that ride continues at Championship Weekend in Denver. Runberg said "having the Championship in Denver is huge for the growth of the sport in this region. It will allow the thousands of current lacrosse fans and all other sports fans in Denver to witness the best lacrosse has to offer."
Championship Weekend will be held in Denver from October 4th-6th. Runberg's Denver Outlaws currently sit in third place in the MLL standings.
The Outlaws take the field on Saturday against the Boston Cannons. You can watch the game on ESPN+.
Follow Zach Runberg on Instagram at @run_bergundy.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 29, 2019
- Zach Runberg: Colorado Lacrosse's Golden Boy - Denver Outlaws
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
