You grew up in Texas, not your typical hotbed of men’s lacrosse. How and when did you get started playing?
My friends’ older brothers began playing, so we all started too when I was in the fourth grade. We brought lacrosse sticks to school to play in recess, but the teachers didn’t know what this sport was, so they made us stop playing. I didn’t start playing again till the sixth grade because that was when my brother began to play it in high school.
I would also like to say that some lacrosse memories that I cherish the most have to do with playing on Team Texas and beating other state teams that are considered typical hotbeds. Not only did I love the people on that team, but we played with a purpose, for our state.
What is the best part of playing for Cornell?
At some point in any Cornell Lacrosse players’ career, he will come across some adversity that seems to be too much for any one person to handle. But when that person understands that the obstacle isn’t in any place other then inside of him, he then discovers how to overcome it. Usually, the solution involves letting go of one’s ego. This is a fact of life that Cornell players learn that takes most others a lifetime to figure out.
What is your favorite lacrosse memory?
Obviously last year’s Final Four run and (up until then) undefeated season was an experience that still doesn’t seem real. But personally, I have always loved Wednesday and Thursday practices when I get to sometimes play the opposing team’s top offensive player.
What has been your best “off-field” memory?
Besides any time spent with Henry Bartlett ‘07, my best memories off the field almost all have to do with the classes that I have taken with professor Don Fredericksen who is a licensed psychologist, film analyst, and practicing Tibetan Buddhist. The avant-garde films that we have watched are ones that almost no theatre will play because they are too “out there.” But, through the readings he has given us and the manner in which he speaks about them as they relate to our personal lives, I have become aware of a world that I did not know existed, one where aesthetic beauty overpowers you. I could spend the rest of my life contemplating the ideas expressed in these classes.
What is your favorite non-lacrosse activity?
It is a combination of reading—especially about psychology—and writing stories (although I don’t know if you could call any of them that) for my creative writing classes. I basically love to lock myself up in the library after practice and enter into different uncharted depths of my mind whether it is through reading or writing. Another thing I love to do is go to the Fall Creek Theater and watch the independent movies that come out—because I can’t stand any of the mainstream ones that are played at the Pyramid Mall.
What one thing will you take away from Cornell that you think will help you when you move into the real world?
All of the personal obstacles that I have overcome in these four years are ones that I will be able to quickly conquer when I graduate. I have absolutely no fear about going into “the real world.”
What are your future aspirations or job plans?
I have applied to film schools in California, and hopefully I will be accepted so that I can pursue my love with film. I have also applied for Teach for America. I will hear back from both places in April. If that none of those work out, then I don’t know what I will do, but it will most likely involve vagabonding
Are you involved in any of the community service projects that the men’s lacrosse team participates in?
I am in charge of the T-shirts for the 21 Run. I am taking this position over from Casey Lewis ‘07 whose leadership in community service projects was nothing short of exceptional.
What are five fascinating things about yourself?
1) I am an Eagle Scout.
2) I was the valedictorian of my high school.
3) I am a member of MENSA.
4) The film that I made my junior year placed second in the comedy category at the Ivy Film Festival. I don’t know how the one that I made this year will do since I made the mistake of having other members of the team act in it, and I can’t vouch for their onscreen ability—except of course for Kyle Doctor, who was mesmerizing.
5) For two years, I wrote a satirical column for The Cornell Daily Sun which my editor tells me was the most popular.