When did you start playing lacrosse?
I switched from Baseball to Lacrosse in sixth grade. It was the first year you were able to play and we decided to make the switch since my friends Dad had played in college. We didn’t do very well that first year, but we won states in 7th and 8th grade.
What other colleges were you looking at attending and what made you finally choose Cornell?
Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Colgate. I chose Cornell because of the tradition and facilities it offered. No where else did I feel like I was joining something more than a lacrosse team. When I stepped on campus, I felt like I was at home.
What is the best part of playing for Cornell?
I think the best part of playing for Cornell is getting to play on Schoellkopf Field. I remember hearing about it before I came here and knowing about the tradition that lies behind it. It really is an honor to get to both practice and play on it and it gives an extra motivation every day we step on it.
What is your favorite lacrosse memory?
I think my favorite lacrosse memory, other than the Albany game last season, was watching Coach Georgalas run across the field after we beat Notre Dame (in 2005). He picked up a ground ball and just started running up field and then straight across the mid line towards the band. It was my first game and victory in a Cornell jersey and something I’ll always remember.
What has been your best “off-field” memory?
I think some of my best “off-field” memories have been before classes start in the summer or after classes end in the spring. The weather is nice, we have only lacrosse to focus on and there’s a lot of time to relax with our teammates. I remember last spring there was an outdoor concert on campus. It was a really nice day outside and about 15 of us were hanging out at the Gorges and then went to the concert. Everyone was dancing around and having fun. I think my favorite part of Cornell is just getting to spend time with my teammates and take advantage of everything Ithaca has to offer.
What is the most challenging part of playing for Cornell?
I think the most challenging part of playing for Cornell is the weather. We hold such a high standards for ourselves because we know what it takes to be successful. Some days it gets incredibly cold and nasty out, but we never take a day off because of weather. It really teaches you how to focus on the task at hand and to perform at a high level when everyone else would go running inside.
What is your favorite non-lacrosse activity?
I played hockey ever since I was in the first grade, so that’s always remained a big passion of mine. It’s different not playing at a competitive level, but it’s still my favorite thing to do when I get the chance. I also really enjoy snowboarding in the wintertime, although that’s been one of my sacrifices since coming to Cornell. In the summer, I love to go fishing with my dad and wakeboarding.
If you could meet anyone famous, past of present, who would it be and why?
If I had the chance to meet someone, I think I would want to meet JFK. He was an incredible leader and handled some very difficult situations in his time, yet never lost faith of the American people. I also think he did one of the best jobs in terms of managing the social spotlight.
What one thing will you take away from Cornell that you think will help you when you move into the real world?
Cornell has taught me how to manage pressure extremely well. There’s a lot of pressure on regular students, but for student athletes, it’s a lot more difficult when you have to perform not only in the classroom, but physically on the playing field as well. It also teaches you how to realize what’s most important and to do what it takes to succeed. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices in order to be successful, and though a lot of people think they may be ridiculous, we understand why it is we do them.
What are your future aspirations or job plans?
I’m hoping to end up working in finance where I can continue to live in a fast paced world. This summer, myself and the other seniors are taking a trip to Europe for a few weeks. After that, I am going to Tanzania and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with some friends from high school. I’m really excited about it and it looks it’ll be an experience.
Are you involved in any of the community service projects that the men’s lacrosse team participates in?
I am the coordinator for Americans Supporting Americans, where we organize care packages and send letters to a troop of soldiers in Iraq. I am also the co-President of the 21 Run which we have put on for the past four years. I am also involved in Big Red Readers.