Editor’s note: Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick.

This week Rhino interviews Adam Fullerton, former Army All American and 2010 US Men’s National Team gold medalist!

_______________________________________________________________________

Name: Adam Fullerton
Nickname: Afulls, Fully
Position: Goalie
Birthday: February 6th, 1985
Hometown: Liverpool, NY
College: United States Military Academy (West Point)
High School: Liverpool HS
Awards: 3rd Team All-American 2008, 2010 World Champion
Current Gig: Artillery Officer in the US Army, member of the Denver Outlaws

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

My first car was a Lincoln Aviator. Currently I do not have a car, but I plan on buying a Toyota 4Runner.

Your last meal, what is it?

CHICKEN PARM!

Who do you look up to most today and why (your idol or mentor)?

No question, my parents. They are both extremely hard working, and have always done things the right way.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is getting old and not being able to play lacrosse, or any other sport.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

I would probably go to Syracuse because I grew up so close, and love playing in the Carrier Dome.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

My morning cup of coffee.

What’s in your DVD collection?

I have a hard drive full of movies, but my favorite movie would have to be Cinderella Man.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog person all the way.

What are some of your household chores?

I have not had household chores for the last year since I have been deployed, but typical chores are laundry, and cleaning the kitchen.

What is your favorite TV show?

I like a lot of shows, but top on the list now is probably Mad Men.

What is your favorite song?

Amazing Grace on the Bag Pipes.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

I would ask them why they needed it, then probably say yes if it was a good reason.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

STX Eclipse Goalie Head

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Mario, because he is the best, no question.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Whatever kind I get for Christmas each year, but currently it is Jean Paul Gaultier.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Orange

What is your favorite quote?

“You can observe a lot just by watchin’.” – Yogi Berra

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Baseball

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being a good guy.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Pineapple

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

Yea, Rooster, I am still not really sure why.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Definitely the guitar.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Scotland or Ireland

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

I have always wanted a monkey.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

Mickey Mantle, and I would probably ask him if he wanted to toss the ball around.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Five or Six days during some Army Training.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

Lacrosse stick, Lacrosse ball, and Lacrosse goal.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

I have a twin brother named Pat, but I am older by 9 minutes.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

It is not really a restaurant, but Wegmans Sub Shop. If you are from upstate NY you know Wegmans.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Carrie Underwood

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I don’t really have a pre-game ritual.

On your day off, you wake up and… ?

Get out of bed.

Are you a good tipper?

When I have money, yes.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Ketchup, Mustard, and Dill relish.

Why do you wear the number that you wear?

#4, in memory of my high school coach, Dan Spillett. GBDS

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

What is the most memorable goal in your lacrosse career? What was the best game you were a part of?

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick.

This week Rhino interviews DJ Driscoll, former Notre Dame All American and FIL 2010 US Men’s National Team gold medalist! _______________________________________________________________________________

Name: DJ Driscoll

Nickname: Dan Jr

Position: Defense

Birthday: 3/26/84

Hometown: Downingtown, PA

College: Univ. of Notre Dame

High School: Malvern Prep

Awards: 4x all GWLL, 2x All American, Academic All American, 3x MLL All Star, member of 2010 US National team – Gold Medalist

Current Gig: Spine Specialist, Nuvasive (medical sales rep for all things spine)

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

My first vehicle was a 1997 Acura SLX (suv), now I drive a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder.

Last meal, what is it?

Thanksgiving Feast with the family.

Who do you look up to most today and why (your idol or mentor)?

My parents, for always being there for me and by teaching me through their actions.

What is your biggest fear?

Letting those I care about down.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

Ohio State – I love Coach Breschi and would love to have played for him.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

A positive attitude, I hate negativity.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Classic 90’s comedies mainly – the Chris Farley and Adam Sandler collection, Kingpin, etc…. Then the classics – Gladiator, Braveheart, The Last of the Mohicans, and I’m a big Planet Earth fan.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I am a huge dog person. I have a cat named Monster right now, but am slowly persuading my fiancee for our first dog.

What are some of your household chores?

Too many to list – all yard work, taking out the garbage, cleaning previously mentioned Monster litter, and chip in with the cooking here and there.

What is your favorite TV show?

Modern Family, The Killing, Law & Order: SVU, Pardon the Interruption, Amazing Race.

What is your favorite song?

Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel, Beast of Burden – Rolling Stones, and I’m liking Hootie now that he’s gone country – Darius Rucker.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

I’d stop and ask them what they were spending it on. I’d be interested and give them the time of day since they went big and didn’t just ask for $1 or change.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

I know nothing about sticks, but my favorite had to be the Warrior Evolution on a Titan Classic strung up by Anthony Kelly.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

James Bond from N64’s Goldeneye – who wouldn’t want to be 007?

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Burberry Brit.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Black.

What is your favorite quote?

The poem, “The Man in the Glass”. It’s a good one, look it up.

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Football, my dad played in the NFL and I had a few D1 looks.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Making a positive impact on as many lives as I can.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

BBQ chicken.

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

DJ and it stuck.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

I always wished I could play the piano, but I have zero musical talent.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Machu Picchu – that is at the top of my list of places and things to do.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A lion with a huge mane.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

Dr. Seuss would be great to chat with and hear his take on anything and everything.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Oh geez, I’ve been on a 5-day camping trip, so maybe 5-6 days. I also remember during the summers of college I’d use our pool as my shower a lot too, ha.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

I’m guessing I can’t take a boat, so the three would be: a good book, a hammock, and a fishing pole.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

I can wiggle my ears.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

The Bull Ring in NW Portland. Every Valentine’s I’d go with my girlfriend at the time in our sweats and you’d get massive portions for $5. It closed a few years back and I haven’t been able to find a new go-to Mexican place – RP I hope you can help me out with this.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Jessica Biel is at the top of my “list”.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Not really, I had dynamic stretches I’d go through by myself. I like to be very calm before the game and then be able to just turn it on.

On your day off, you wake up and…?

Hit snooze a few more times, make some scrambled eggs, and go for a hike.

Are you a good tipper?

I’d like to think so, but only when it’s warranted. I think servers’ jobs are very tough and when they earn it, I like to give them a little something extra.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Ketchup, grilled onions, maybe some form of cheese.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I bounced around with my number a little. I ended up with 31 and 36 in honor of my cousin who passed away our senior year of college. He was 31 in college and 36 in high school, so it was a way for him to be there with me and give me that extra motivation.

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

If you were a trucker with a CB radio, what would your call sign be? Feel free to insert fighter pilot for any Top Gun fans as well.

This question was asked by our last Lettin’ It Rip guest Matt Bocklet. If you had to be the leader of a foreign nation, which would you choose and why?

China, so I would have the US in my pocket, financially speaking.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Paul Rabil of the Boston Cannons!
_______________________________________________________________________________

Name: Paul Joseph Rabil

Nickname: Rabs/Rabes

Position: Midfield

Birthday: 12/14/85

Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD

College: Johns Hopkins University

High School: DeMatha Catholic High School

Awards: D1, MLL, NLL and World Championships with phenomenal teams

Current Gig: Midfielder for the Boston Cannons and USMNT

Time to let it rip! 

What was your first vehicle? What kind do you drive now?

My first vehicle was a green Dodge Caravan… current vehicle is an Audi A4.

Last meal, what is it?

Sammy’s Trattoria in Baltimore, MD!

Who do you look up to most today and why?

I was raised under the great guidance of both my parents. They continually push me to stay grounded and work hard. I will always look up to them and seek advice from them on the opportunities I have in my life.

What is your biggest fear?

Fear itself.

If you had to redo college and go to another school to play lacrosse, where would you go?

I would rather have played another sport. My blood is black & blue.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

Water.

What’s in your DVD collection?

The Sopranos, The Godfather series, Curb Your Enthusiasm, LOST, Lord of the Rings, Cocktail, Hoop Dreams, Remember the Titans, More than a Game, Tales from the Crypt… among hundreds of others.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

100% dog.

What are some of your household chores?

Keeping the kitchen clean. I’m on a huge cooking binge as I want to eat as much as I can and be/live as healthy as I can!

What’s your favorite TV show?

Currently, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire.

What is your favorite song?

I have a huge music library… and right now it’s gotta be Guetta/Avicii’s Sunshine vs. Florence and the Machine’s Spectrum.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

I live in Baltimore… most of the time I just start speed walking.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

Whatever is hot at the moment… and right now it’s my Warrior Rabil collection.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Neymar. The youngest, fastest and most talented Brazilian in Fifa ’12.

https://youtu.be/vUwVvyXkElY

(Editor’s note: Not bad in real life either!)

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Nooka’s Fragrance.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what color would you be?

Blue…or Black!

What is your favorite quote?

“It is more difficult to maintain success, than it is to achieve it.”

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Basketball.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Winning 10 championships.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

I’ve been staying away from pizza recently…cutting back on most cheeses, in fact. The results have been great, but the lack of satisfaction in foods has been difficult to manage!

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

I did not… and I have never been able to tell if that’s a good thing or bad thing.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

I could play the clarinet well… not sure if that’s a good or bad thing either!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I can’t wait to visit Spain and the Camp Nou for a Barcelona match.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

Black Lab…they’re amazing.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say?

Michael Jordan – “How did you do it?”

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

One week… Boy Scouts Troop 318 on a fishing trip to the Lakes of Ontario.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

A spear, a lighter, and lighter fluid.

Tell us one random thing about yourself.

I like the old school NBA-style of high shorts while ballin’ out.

https://youtu.be/5z9mYBQpAK0

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Sammy’s Trattoria in Baltimore, MD… it would be my last meal, as seen in my answer above.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Always has been Jennifer Aniston. Timeless.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I like to say a prayer before and after the National Anthem. I never ask the Lord to give me strength to play well, but ask him to keep everyone on both sides of the ball safe, without injury or harm.

On your day off, you wake up and…?

No days off, Ripper! Come on…

Are you a good tipper?

At least 20% on all bills.

What do you put on your hot dog?

I’m a burger man… but if you twisted my arm I’d tell you to throw some relish on there!

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

When I was drafted to the Cannons, Tom Zummo donned the #9 for Boston. I would have felt uncomfortable asking a vet for a # as a rookie, so I just stepped up and took two #9’s. Haven’t gone back since! (Editor’s note: Classy move!)

Do you have a question that I should ask the next pro lacrosse player I interview?

“What is the next biggest trend in lacrosse?”

*This question was asked by our last Lettin’ It Rip guest, Matt Bocklet: If you had to be the leader of a foreign nation, which would you choose and why?

Prime Minister of the Netherlands. They have a sweet Coat of Arms.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Matt Bocklet of the Denver Outlaws!
_______________________________________________________________________________

Name: Matt Bocklet

Nickname: Marty and Dustbuster

Position: LSM

Birthday: 3/26/86

Hometown: South Salem, NY

College: Johns Hopkins

High School: John Jay

Awards: NCAA All-American, 3x MLL All-Star & 2x All-MLL Team

Current Gig: Founder of DoCo Lacrosse Club, Co-founder of X10 Mountain Lacrosse Academy

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

My first car was a bright red Nissan Pathfinder, which had a lot of flash with a chrome brush guard, chrome tail light guards and powerful fog lights.  My friends called it the fire truck.  Now I drive around a Ford Escape which is not as flashy, but at least I have a sun roof.

Your last meal; what is it?

My last meal will be comprised of soda, french fries, sausage, potato chips and tater tots.  I have not tasted these unhealthy treats in more than a few years… Each year I give up a type of food that I enjoy, but is not healthy for you.  I like to call it my own lifetime “Man Challenge”. Hopefully before my last meal I will have added many other treats to the list.

https://youtu.be/9YfvBbxE1vU

Who do you look up to most today and why (your idol or mentor)?

I would have to say that my father has been a pretty big mentor of mine, without him even knowing it.  He coached every youth sport team I played on, and always remains calm, cool and collected.  I would like to think that I now use the same coaching style for my HS lacrosse team.  I used to idolize Tim Tebow as well, until he became a Jet.

What is your biggest fear?

Having to go back to my old lifestyle of wearing a suit and sitting in a cube for the rest of my life.

If you had to redo college, and had to go to another school, and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

I would go to the University of Virginia.  I visited my younger brother, Chris, down there very often and always had a great time.  I will always love the time I spent at Hopkins, but it would have been nice to get a big school experience.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

To break a sweat.  If I don’t work out at least once every day I feel like a bum.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman and any other romantic comedy aka RoCo’s.  Not to mention The Mighty Ducks series…those are just classics!

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dogs for life.

What are some of your household chores?

Well my current roommates are lazy bums who think they are still in college… so pretty much everything: vacuuming, cleaning, putting away the dishes, taking out the trash and tending to our garden.

What is your favorite TV show?

Right now either Game of Thrones or True Blood.

What is your favorite song?

This is a toss up between “Linger” by the Cranberries and “In a Big Country” by MOE. I just checked by iTunes and each song has over 100 plays.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

“Lo siento, no speaka inglish”

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

My senior year of college I had an X2 that Jake Byrne strung up for me. I swear that stick could do no wrong. I felt invincible playing with it.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

I would be Donatello. He is an intelligent ninja turtle that knows how to use a bow. He would be a ridiculous defenseman in lacrosse.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

None, I’m all me.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Purple. It has always been my favorite color and just so happens to be the same color as Donatello and my high school.

What is your favorite quote?

“Every battle is won before it is ever fought.” – Sun Tzu

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen.

Ping Pong. When my lacrosse playing career is over, I am going to try to go pro.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I’m still working on the answer to this question.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Artichoke. If you have ever been to an Artichoke Pizza in NYC you will know what I’m talking about.  I used to live 3 blocks from one and would wait, in line, for a half hour just to get a slice.

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

My first two years of college, when I was at Fairfield University, my friends called me Chester.  I still don’t know why.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

I would want to be a real good drummer.  My uncle is a phenomenal drummer and I have always wished I could play like him.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

I have always wanted to visit Chile.  It is an interesting country that has almost every type of terrain and climate.  Plus I have always wanted to go on a South American snowboarding trip during our Summer time.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

I am a big fan of birds of prey.  I think it would be pretty cool to have a Falcon that I could use to go hunting with.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

I think it would be a lot of fun to meet Chris Farley.  I’ve heard that he always made everyone around him laugh.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

This winter I lived up in the mountain town of Breckenridge…I showered about 2 or 3 times a week.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

Sunscreen, shades and a towel.  Might as well get my tan on, if I’m going to be stuck there.  I burn very easily.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

My friends shot me in the face with a BB gun, when I was 13.  I am still missing a tooth from it.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Cafe Mogador, in the East Village, of NYC.  I used to live on the same block and ate there at least once a week.  I am actually headed back to NYC, in a couple days, and will be going there for the first time in over a year.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Tina Fey. She makes me laugh.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I give my stick a fresh tape job for every game.

On your day off, you wake up and…?

Do some yoga.

Are you a good tipper?

I would like to think so.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Ketchup and mustard, just like every real American.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

To annoy my old teammate from Fairfield, Matt Scanlon.

Do you have a question that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

If you had to be the leader of a foreign nation, which would you choose and why?

One last question for you to answer from our last Lettin’ it Rip player “Mike Powell”…

What books are you reading, and what art do you have on your walls?

American Sniper by Chris Kyle.  I currently have empty purple walls in my room.  My plan is to put a skyline shot of every city that I have lived in (Baltimore, Dallas, NY and Denver) on the walls, but I have not gotten to it yet.

Bocklet working on his own sniping skills.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Mike Powell, former Syracuse attackman, 2x National Champion, Tewaaraton winner, and World Champion.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Mike Powell

Nickname: MP

Position: Attack

Birthday: 10 – 29 – 1982

Hometown: West Carthage, NY

College: Syracuse University

High School: Carthage Central

Awards: 2x National Championships at SU, World Championship

Current Gig: Making films, writing books, and taking pictures

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

1989 Ford Probe that I bought from Adam “Happy ” Wiener for $100.  I have continued to remain in the Ford family and currently drive an F-150 pick up.

What is the last meal that you ate?

I just made two hot dogs.  But when I went to grab the buns I realized that there were none left.  So I cut the two hot dogs up into six pieces and put three pieces onto two hamburger buns and smothered them both with ketchup. Mathematically challenging but it filled the gap. I also had three pepperoncinis straight out of the jar.

Who do you look up to most today and why (your idol or mentor)?

I look up to anyone who is authentic and focused on being the best person they can be.

What is your biggest fear?

Being afraid.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

University of Colorado in Boulder.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

O2.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Documentary heavy for sure.  Everything from “Man On Wire” to “Dogtown and Z-Boys”, “Stop Making Sense” to “The Last Waltz”.  Also the full Sam Bassett Film series.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog.

What are some of your household chores?

I’m the lead designer and head of maintenance.

What your favorite TV show?

Independent Lens is my current favorite.

What is your favorite song?

Too hard of a question. How about the first ten that come to mind…”These Arms Of Mine” Otis Redding, “Freedom Of The Road” Martin Sexton, “Violin” Amos Lee, “Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby” Counting Crows, “Poems Prayers and Promises” John Denver, “I’m On Fire” Bruce Springsteen, “Life During Wartime” Talking Heads, “Graceland” Paul Simon, “Mother’s Song” XVSZ, “Troubles” Colin Aberdeen.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

I only have hundreds but I will buy you lunch.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

Viper or Voyce.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

One of the guys from Contra…just because it looks fun doing flips off of ledges with huge guns.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Penguin.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

White.  It is the crayon that statistically lasts the longest.

What is your favorite quote?

As above, so below.

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Snowboarding, BMX, Skateboarding.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being a good person.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Sausage.

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

Mikey Kid Kid, Smalls, Mikey Duh, Casey and Ryan’s Little Brother

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Most comfortable on guitar.  Love to play piano, accordion, banjo, mandolin, and the harmonica.  Really wish I could play drums.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

A ranch anywhere in Montana.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

Gandhi, I wouldn’t say anything, just a hug.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Weeks.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

I wouldn’t take anything…I would enjoy the simplicity of the situation.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

I have never been in the ocean above my head.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Arad Evans / Fayetteville, NY

Who is your celebrity crush?

Typical…Megan Fox, Adrianna Lima.

Do you have a pre-game ritual?

Nope, don’t have one.

On your day off, you wake up and…..?

Pour a cup of coffee and take my dog Judo Jones for a walk through the wild bird sanctuary across the street from my house.

Are you a good tipper?

22%, 100% of the time.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Ketchup.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I never knew of a lacrosse player that wore #0. So when I asked the Boston Cannons for #0 they laughed at me.  I had to send a follow up email to reinforce my seriousness.  It is also extremely symbolic and perhaps, symbolically and historically speaking, the most important number ever. It never stops.

This question comes from pro player Michael Watson – If you had to move to another country which would it be and why?

I would refuse to leave. We live in the greatest and most beautiful country in the world!

Do you have a question that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

Pick one of my 3 or answer all three: 1. What books are you currently reading? 2. What art do you have on your walls?  3. What is your favorite joke?

Thanks for your time MP!!

Mike Powell will be joining Rhino Lacrosse this summer for the following programs:

June 11th- 14th
Louisville, KY

July 9th- 12th
Boise, ID

July 16th- 17th
Bend, OR

July 18th- 22nd
McMinnville, OR
Rhino University

July 23rd- 26th
Syracuse, NY

[Photos via PhotoBucket, Boulder.Research.Yale.edu, Laxer.eu, LXMPro.com]

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Michael Watson, former UVA stud, Attackman of the Year, and US World Team Champion.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Michael Watson

Nickname: Wah

Position: Attack

Birthday: Oct 24

Hometown: Baltimore

College: UVA

High School: St.Paul’s School

Awards: 4X All American (3rd,2nd,1st,1st) , NCAA Attackman of Year, ACC Rookie of Year & Player of Year, 4X All ACC, MVP NCAA Tournament, US World Team Champion, 4X MLL All Star

Current Gig: Owner Lax West (laxwestlacrosse.com) & Managing Partner Motive Pure (motivepure.com)

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

Ford Explorer Sport.  Toyota Land Cruiser.

Last meal, what is it?  

Maryland Blue Crab soft shell sandwich

Who do you look up to most today and why (your idol or mentor)?

Dom Starsia.  His display of integrity and class has transcended generations of players and the prominent program he has built.  He has never lost sight of what is important in his work and that is the development of young men and the regard for the game that is much bigger than any person.

What is your biggest fear?

A dirty bomb in this country.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

Syracuse.  I have always had great respect for the program and how they play the game.  I look back on the rivalry with UVA as 2 explosive teams who refused to back down and play anything other than their own game.  I sight those examples as the way the game should be payed.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

Yerba Mate.

What’s in your DVD collection? 

Old School, Wedding Crashers, Best in Show, Snatch, Shawshank Redemption, Band of Brothers, Reservoir Dogs , Anchorman, The Man from Snowy River, Hoosiers, September Sessions, The Search.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I like all animals but do not own any.

What are some of your household chores?  

Sweeping sand off the front porch and weeding the yard.

What is your favorite TV show?

Californication, Shameless, Boardwalk Empire, Deadliest Catch.

What is your favorite song?

Impossible to narrow down but I will go with Redemption Song.  Simple, beautiful, meaningful, and straight from a legend’s heart.

https://youtu.be/OFGgbT_VasI

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

What do you need it for?

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

The one I use now.  The Nike Legacy.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

I am not a gamer but I it would be cool to be Superman.  He pretty much has it all.

What is your favorite quote? 

“Success is not something that just happens – success is learned, success is practiced and then it is shared.” – Sparky Anderson

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Golf.  I was a 4 handicap at age 14.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being someone who was looked up to by his peers, and who impacted the life of numerous young people and influenced them to grow as people and athletes.  Someone who contributed greatly to the development of the game that gave me so much.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

I don’t!

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Orange.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Jalapenos.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Galapagos Islands.

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

Wah.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Drums.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

Kangaroo.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

Tiger Woods – “Why in the world couldn’t you make it out of your own driveway without hitting a tree?”

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Raw Bar – Ocean Reef, Key Largo, Florida.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower? 

3 weeks, I was camping in a remote area of Central America.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

My dream as a kid was to go to ASU and play both Ice Hockey and Golf.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

A Leatherman utility tool, fishing line, Adriana Lima.

Who is your celebrity crush?

See the last question.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?  

I am superstitious about not being superstitious, but I might listen to some Tool.

Are you a good tipper?  

Always 20% or more.

What do you put on your hot dog?  

Great question:  spicy mustard and sauerkraut.

On your day off, you wake up and…?  

Go to the beach and surf, or maybe play golf at Torrey Pines.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?  

I wanted a single digit number when I went to UVA and 4 was available.

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

Who is the player featured in the MLL logo?  hahaha.  Also if you had to move to another country which would it be and why?

What’s your favorite lacrosse memory and why?

There are so many, but scoring the game winning goal in overtime as a freshman to upset ‘Cuse in the Final Four in front of a packed Bird Stadium was a rush that I have not felt since.  For an 18 year old kid that is a big deal.

Who were your favorite players to watch when you were young?

It was all about the Gait Brothers, also Tim Whiteley & Dennis Goldstein.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Ryan McClay, former Cornell star, Team USA stud, and currently a pro player for the Boston Cannons!
__________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ryan McClay

Position: Defense

Birthday: August 6^th, 1981

Hometown: Mahopac, NY

College: Cornell

High School: Mahopac High School

Awards: 4 Time All American (2 Time First Team) 2003 Ivy League Player of the Year, All World Team 2002, 2010.  Most Valuable Defensive Player at 2002 World Championships, 3 Time MLL All Star

Current Gig: Director of Operations for a Private Real Estate Investment Company

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

Then, a Chevy TrailBlazer. Now, an Audi A-4

Last meal, what is it?

Egg Salad on Wheat

What is your biggest fear? Letting down the people in my life I care about.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

Hopkins

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

Coffee

What’s in your DVD collection?

Harry Potter Series

Are you a cat person or a dog person? 

Dog

What are some of your household chores? 

Taking out the garbage

What your favorite TV show? 

House

What is your favorite song? 

Hello World

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks? 

I don’t carry cash (which is true)

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

Original Warrior Revolution

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why? 

Zelda

What kind of cologne do you wear? 

Ryan McClay’s natural scent

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be? 

Red

What is your favorite quote? 

“If you’re early you’re on time, if you’re on time your late, if you’re late you’re forgotten.”

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen? 

Football

What do you want to be remembered for? 

Being an overachiever & a team first player

What is your favorite pizza topping? 

Meatball

Did you have a nick name as a kid? 

No

If you were to play an instrument what would it be? 

Guitar ( I think the reason is self explanatory)

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be? 

Ireland

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? 

Wolf

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

4 days

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you? 

Water, knife, lighter

Tell us one random thing about yourself? 

I played Trumpet in the band & jazz band throughout high school

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city? 

Boatyard, Ithaca NY

Who is your celebrity crush? 

Carrie Underwood

On your day off, you wake up and…..?

Get a cup of coffee and walk to the beach

Are you a good tipper?

Yes

What do you put on your hot dog? 

Relish, ketchup, mustard

Why do you wear the # that you wear? 

34, I really admire Walter Peyton.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Liam Banks, former Syracuse star, pro player and founder of LB3 Lacrosse!
__________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Liam Banks

Nickname: LB3

Position: Attack

Birthday: 12-24-1979

Hometown: East Setauket NY

College: THE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

High School: Ward Melville
Awards: HS All American, Single Season LI Point Leader (172), U19 World Team, U19 All World, 2 Time All American Syracuse University, 2000 National Championship MVP

Current Gig: Southeast Head of Sports Marketing Warrior and Brine Lacrosse, Founder of LB3 Lacrosse

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had?  What kind of vehicle do you currently drive? 

A 1985 Mercury Station Wagon, with the Brine Panel Side. Now I’m in a Dodge Ram.

photo credit: Jerry Field’s MySpace

Last meal, what is it?

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Salt Pepper Ketchup from Seaport Deli, Pizza, Filet Mignon and Crème Brulee

Who do you look up to most today, and why?

My Father, because he provided and gave me great opportunities in life. He was at all my games and supported me in good times and bad.  He is my biggest fan.

John Danowski because he is just cool, calm and relates so well to young lacrosse players. He is a transformative coach and I aspire to be like him and influence lacrosse players the way he does.

What is your biggest fear?

Drowning.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

There is no place I would have rather go then the CUSE. With that said if I had to go to another school it would be Duke because of the Great education, and great weather in Durham.

Photo Credit: Modernomad67 on TravelPod.com

What’s in your DVD collection?

Brewster’s Millions, Godfather, Snatch, The Natural, Hang Over, Miracle, Bull Durham, Catch Me If You Can, Wild Cats.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog. We have a SHEEPOO named Rocky.

What are some of your household chores?

Everything I can do to help my wife out besides Laundry. Dishes, Vacuum, cooking… cleaning up after the 3 kids!

What your favorite TV show?

How I Met Your Mother and Criminal Minds

What is your favorite song?

The Weight by The Band

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

“What are you going to do with it?”

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

I have a Chrome EVO 3 Orange with a Custom Syracuse Kryptolyte Shaft, it’s so light and looks baller.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Mario of Course, he is the original gangster!

Cartoon Credit: DuelingAnalogs.com  Unreal stuff!

What kind of cologne do you wear?

CK One

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Orange

What is your favorite quote?

“Once in a while you get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if you look at it right” – Jerry Garcia

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Would love to be a Golfer. I love playing golf, being outside, and the sport is so challenging. I admire men and women who can control a golf ball. You also get to see some of the most beautiful places in the world.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being a Great Father, a Great Husband and a Coach who transformed players lives.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Onions and Bacon.

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

The L- Train. My brother John gave me the nick name.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Piano, I think Billy Joel is amazing.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Greece.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A tiger, they are just so beautiful.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

God, I’m hoping to one day meet him, so I will save my question for him.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

6 days. I used to think being a Hippie and not showering was cool.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

My Family, my lax stick and a 60 Inch Screen.

Tell us one random thing about yourself.  Go!

I am one of eight kids.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Arid Evans Inn, Syracuse, New York. (EN: LB3 is probably the first Cuse guy to not say Dinosaur BBQ)

Who is your celebrity crush?

Brooke Burke.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I play Wall Ball for 20 min before every game. Lacrosse is all about the fundamentals!

On your day off, you wake up and…?

Spend the day with my wife and kids. Shoot hoops with Ryann, play Wii with Liam, and go to the playground with Sadie. Any time I get off and I am able to spend with my kids, is precious.

Are you a good tipper?

20% or more always.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Sauerkraut and mustard.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

My brother John wore number 3 at Hopkins. I wore 17 in HS because that is the number all my brothers wore. When I got a choice between 3 and 10 at Cuse I knew Mike Springer wanted 10, and I figured if I wanted him to finish the ball for the next 4 years I better let him have it. The number 3 has treated me well in my career.

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

Who were your favorite players to watch when you were young?

Mine were Gary and Paul Gait, Tim and Dennis Goldstein, Chip Mayer, John Zulberti and John Hess.

Who was the best player you played with?

RP of course!!!!!

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level.

We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews John Galloway of the Rochester Rattlers and G3 Lacrosse!
_______________________________________________________________________________

Name: John Galloway

Nickname: Fresh Prince of Syracuse

Position: Goalie/7th Defender

Birthday: March 26, 1989

Hometown: Camillus, NY

College: Syracuse University (HHH!)

High School: West Genesee High School

Awards: 2x National Champ/2x First Team All American/2x NCAA Goalie of the Year/2x Academic All-American/Winningest Goalie in NCAA History.

Current Gig: Assistant Coach at Duke University and Founder of G3 Lacrosse

Time To Let It Rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

First vehicle was a cherry red dodge stratus, absolute chick magnet!

I now drive a navy blue jeep wrangler. Top down in rain and snow!

It’s your last meal, what do you eat?

My last meal was London broil and asparagus courtesy of my roommate. Might have to go with that!  Starting to eat right for the upcoming MLL season. Go Ratz!

Who do you look up to most today and why?

I look up to my brother and the Donahue brothers at West Genesee. Both were integral to me growing up as a lacrosse player and as a man.

What is your biggest fear?

Biggest fears are failing, and never trying new things.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school to play lacrosse, where would you go?

Syracuse was the only place for me. I couldn’t have chosen a better place. If I had to choose another place, I would come play for my new boss at Duke. Coach Danowski has such a respect for how the game is played and where the state of the game is going.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

The one thing I need every day is my stick and my friends. I love taking time every day connecting with my brothers from the ‘Cuse!

What’s in your DVD collection?

DVD collection is small but growing. I have all seasons of Friday Night Lights and Varsity Blues, and movies like John Q, Backdraft, and the Pursuit of Happyness.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog person. Labradoodles in fact! Shout out to the big bear!

What are some of your household chores?

Household chores now include dishes, garbage and laundry. I am getting good at it in my old age.

What’s your favorite TV show?

Favorite TV show is Friday Night Lights.

What’s your favorite song?

Favorite song is ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by the late great Whitney Houston!

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

If they asked me for 20 bucks: Who was the best Powell? If they answer right, they got it!

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

Best lacrosse stick was the my first one. Begged my mom for my first goalie stick, she finally gave in a year later.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

No question, Pac-Man. Guy eats all day and doesn’t gain a pound.

What kid of cologne do you wear?

Dolce and Gobanna “The One” (99% of the time, it works all the time)

If you could be any color of crayon, what would you be?

‘Cuse Orange crayon. I bleed it, might as well color with it too!

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Basketball. I would do anything for another CYO Basketball season. Lin and I were like twins.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for being a great leader, and showing the lacrosse world how much power we have to make positive change in our world, even with the smallest acts of kindness.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Favorite pizza topping is chicken wing.

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

Nickname was meathead because I always tried to run out of the goal to try and score.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Guitar. It is #1 on my bucket list right now to learn how to play.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

I would visit Australia. Down under is supposed to have some great spots.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

No question, I would have a Lion. Mufasa and Simba have me hooked! He would have to have some hot lion girlfriend to named Nala.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you ask him?

I would meet Muhammed Ali and I would ask him what is the number one thing it took him to be the greatest ever.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Longest I have gone without a shower is probably three or four days. Dave Matthews concerts were not filled with hygiene.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?

The three items I would take with me on a stranded island would be my stick, my national championship rings and a picture of my friends and teammates.

Tell us one random thing about yourself!

I fancy myself as a phenomenal dancer. Improving every day too.

Favorite restaurant of all time?

SO many good places, but has to be Dino BBQ in the ‘Cuse!

Who is your celebrity crush?

Celebrity crush is two-fold; Rachel McAdams and Carrie Underwood… oh and Minka Kelly!

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Too many pregame rituals to count. Most important that I can disclose is wearing mud on my face.

On my day off, I wake up and read lacrosse websites until I do have work!

Are you a good tipper?

I’m not a good tipper… I am a great one.

What do you put on your hot dog?

On my hotdog, I am a big mustard guy with onions.

Why do you wear the number that you wear?

I wear #15 for no particular reason. Damn proud of it though!

Do you have a question that we could ask the next pro lacrosse player?

Next question: If you could relive one year in your life, what would it be and why?

Also, please answer this question that was asked by Kyle Harrison: What’s your favorite lacrosse memory and why?

Favorite lacrosse memory was winning a national championship my freshman year because of the seniors on that team. Mike Leveille, Kyle Guads, Evan Brady, Danny Brennan, etc. wanted it so bad. I was honored to be a small part of that team.

Check out all the posts from the Lettin’ It Rip series here.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Sean Lindsay, former Cuse star, lacrosse snacker, and international man of lax!
_______________________________________________________________________________

And we’re back for another edition of Lettin’ It Rip! This time around I’m talking with another Cuse alum, Sean Lindsay.  Sean has played pro lacrosse in the MLL and LXM and is a development officer for the Thai National Team.  Check out our conversation below and get to know one of the most creative and fun to watch players from recent memory!

Player Profile

Name: Sean Lindsay

Nickname: SL21

Position: Midfield

Birthday: October 31, 1981

Hometown: Cortlandt Mannor, NY

College: Syracuse University

High School: Lakeland-Panas High School

Awards: 2x High School All American; 2x Division 1 NCAA All American; 2x National Champion, 2004 MLL First round draft pick, 2007 MLL ALL STAR, 2007 All MLL, 2007 USA National Team Member

Current Gig: LA Mavericks Founder/President, Lax Snax Director of Operations, Development Director/US Coordinator- Thailand Lacrosse Association, LXM PRO Player, Head Coach at Agoura High School

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

The first car I ever owned was a 1980 something Plymouth Voyager with wood paneling on the sides. I currently drive a blue Grand Cherokee.

Your last meal, what is it?

If this is the last meal I’m going to have I’m doing it up big, so bear with me… Dinosaur BBQ ribs; a Cheeseburger from The Counter; French Fries; Chocolate Milk; Sprite; French Toast; A Bacon, Egg, and Cheese sandwich with salt, pepper and ketchup; Three bags of Lax Snax, one Rip it Ranch, one Braveheart Bandito, and one Man Up Roasted and Salted; Double stuffed Oreos, with a glass of milk for dipping; My Grandmother’s meatballs; My Mom’s Baked Ziti; Emily Pfeifer’s Ham Chunk; a butter Croisant, a glazed donut and a homemade S’more.

Now I realize the only healthy things on this list are the bags of Lax Snax, but considering the fact that this is my last meal I might as well go out with a bang.

Who do you look up to most today and why?

My idols growing up as a kid were Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali. I loved how Michael Jordan was by far the best player on the court every time I watched him play. What I loved most about Muhammad Ali was his ability to talk the talk and walk the walk; a lot of people thought him to be very arrogant, but I never saw him that way. The one word that sticks out in my mind when I think of Muhammad Ali is confidence.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is a world without an ocean, and waves.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school and you were going to play lacrosse at the new school, where would you go?

Wow, this is a very tough question… My entire life growing up, starting from when I started playing lacrosse at 10 years old, all I ever wanted to do was play in the Carrier Dome, and win National Championship for Syracuse.  If I had to choose a school to play at right now, in the year 2012, that wasn’t Cuse, I would go to Michigan.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

SUP; Stand-Up-Paddle boarding.  It’s amazing.

What’s in your DVD collection?

I’m into Blue Rays nowadays, but now that I have Netflix on my TV I don’t really buy too many blue rays anymore either. My recent favorites are Captain America, and Inception.

What are some of your household chores?

Sweeping the floors, taking out the trash, cleaning the counters. I don’t mind doing laundry, but I hate folding clothes. Lucky for me, my girlfriend loves folding clothes, so it works out perfect.

What your favorite TV show?

My favorite show of all time is Curb Your Enthusiasm, but I also really love The Office, The Wire, and Dexter.

What is your favorite song?

That would be a tie between two songs by the Red Hot Chili Peppers: All Around the World and Venice Queen.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

That depends on the situation. If it was really needed I would give it up for sure.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

My current stick actually… the Easton Stealth Head and Shaft.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I am 100% a dog person. I am a proud owner of a Bullmation (half Bulldog, half Dalmatian), named Moo.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

I would want to be either Enzo from Assassins Creed, or Master Chief from Halo. Anyone familiar with these two characters will not need an explanation as to why I choose them. They are two very baddddddd men!!!!!

What kind of cologne do you wear?

I don’t wear cologne, just deodorant.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

You should know the answer to this one RP, Orange!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is your favorite quote?

“People don’t want to try new things if they think they are going to be bad at them. The tendency is to say, ‘I haven’t done that, i don’t need to do that, I’m not good at that. You guys go on ahead.’ But the truth is, you have to be willing to subject yourself to failure, to be bad at something, to fall on your butt and do it again, and try stuff you’ve never done. That’s the ideal mindset in sports, and in life… You need to keep challenging yourself.. It forces your mind to engage.” Laird Hamilton- Waterman.

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

If you would have asked this question to me a year ago I would have said football, but now I would say Paddle boarding. I started doing this over the summer for training for my LXM games, but I have since falling in love with the sport, and I try to go every day.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as a good son, a good brother, a good uncle, and as an ambassador to the sport of lacrosse.  I want to be remembered for helping the game grow, not only in Southern California, but throughout the world.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Prosciutto

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

My dad used to call me Moocher as a little kid. I am not sure why, as I don’t remember mooching for anything.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Drums

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Tavarua Island, Fiji

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

Falcor from the Never Ending Story. For all you young laxers out there who are not familiar with this book or movie, I highly recomend seeing it or reading it. If Falcor was my pet I would not need a car, would not need to worry about flights or traffic, and the best part of all is that he can speak.  Also he has great hair.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive, who would it be and what would say?

Bruce Lee, I would ask him if he would train me and show me the way of the 1 inch punch.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

I love being clean, I hate being dirty, so probably a day or two at the most.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

If I can bring whatever I want I would bring my paddle board with paddle, a satellite phone, and a lighter or matches.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

I am ambidextrous, but every time I try to tell people that I butcher the word completely and sound like a fool. I was also born on Halloween.

Favorite restaurant of all time? Name and what city?

Dinosaur Barbecue, up in Syracuse, NY. This has been the easiest question by far. (Editor’s Note: and a VERY popular response.  Dinosaur BBQ just might be THE favorite spot to grub for all lasers. Cue someone from Baltimore disagreeing.)

Who is your celebrity crush?

Taking the 5th on this questions for sure, especially considering the fact that my girlfriend is typing my answers for me…

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Yes, I take a knee and say a few words to two people. First is to my former Syracuse teammate and childhood friend Brian Crockett and the other is to a former youth player that I I coached name Cody. Cody passed away in November 3 years ago and Brian passed a few months later. I always ask these guys to look over me when I play and let them know they are not forgotten.

On your day off, you wake up and… ?

A perfect day goes like this for me. Brush my teeth, make an Herbalife shake, take my vitamins, walk my dog, strap up my paddle board to the golf cart and head down to Little Dume and hopefully the surf is good so I can paddle out.

Are you a good tipper?

Yes, always!!!

What do you put on your hot dog?

This might sound crazy and many people might not believe this, but I have never in my life taken a bite out of a hot dog. For some reason it’s one of those foods that I refuse to try.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I wear #21. The reason that I wear that number is because when I played on my first organized lacrosse team in 4th grade I was given the number 21. Lucky for me going into my freshman year at Syracuse it was available.

Do you have a question that we should ask the next pro lacrosse player I interview?

What has been your scariest nightmare or dream??

Also, please answer this question that was asked by Kyle Harrison: What’s your favorite lacrosse memory and why?

My favorite lacrosse memory would be two things. First would be winning my first National Championship in 2002. That was a life long dream of mine, and a goal I set for myself at a very young age. That was a very special day for me and my family because they all knew how much it meant to me to get that ring and they all saw how hard I worked my whole life to get it.

The second thing would be winning our second National Championship. People always ask me which one felt better, or which one do you like better.  But it is impossible to compare.  The first one will always be the first, and nothing will ever change that. When we won our second championship I was a Senior, team captain and first team All-American. If you were to go down my checklist of lacrosse goals going into college the top 3 would be: 1) Win a National Championship, 2) Become a team captain, and 3) Become a first team All-American.  So the second one is equally as special. The best way to sum it up would be that I ended my career as a National Champion. Not many Division 1 college athletes can say that, but I can.  It’s a truly great set of memories.

(RHCP photo courtesy myticketin.com, Tavarua photo courtesy SurfingNewsDaily, LXM PRO photo courtesy of Pro Athletics Facebook page.)

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Brett Hughes of the Ohio Machine!
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And we’re back for another edition of Lettin’ It Rip! This time I’m interviewing a stud close defenseman – Brett Hughes! Brett played his ball at University of Virginia where he was an All-American and won a National Championship. After recently playing with LXM PRO, the former MLL All-Star is returning to Major League Lacrosse this season to play for the Ohio Machine. Check out our conversation below!

Player Profile:

Name: Brett Hughes

Nickname: Hughey or J Hubbard calls me Baba Ganoush

Twitter: @Brett_Hughes or @LAXTHEPOND or @LAXTHENATIONS (Community handles for LTP/LTN)

Position: Defense

Birthday: 6/27

Hometown: Millersburg, OH

College: University of Virginia

High School: Upper Arlington; Columbus, OH

Awards: Ohio POY, All American, NCAA Champion, All ACC, Team MVP New Jersey pride, MLL All Star.

Current Gig: Co-Founder Lacrosse the Nations (www.lacrossethenations.org); Part Owner Lacrosse the Pond (www.lacrossethepond.com); Ohio Machine Defensemen.

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

My first was a motorcylce on my farm in Millersburg OH. My grandpa fixed it up (along with a snowmobile and tractor… that’s where I learned to drive just about anything). Currently, I am not much of a car guy… I don’t put much stock in that, but I have a Jeep, I love any type of Jeep CJ, Wrangler, Cherokee… but if it runs I’ll drive it.

It’s your last meal, what do you eat?

A meal with friends in an unbelievable local. Maybe pasta in Italy, or coffee in Nicaragua. Not so much about what I eat, rather where and with who (although pasta in Italy sounds pretty unreal right now).

Who do you look up to most today and why?

Well RP, these days I would say I look up to various people in different parts of my life. I have people who spiritually are amazing to me, athletically gifted and drive me, and humanitarian efforts are very big to me. Some I would say have to be Erwin McManus, Jim “Larry Bird” Gorman, Drew Brees, Lance Armstrong, and I’m not sure I look up to her but my fiancée is such a source of inspiration and motivation to me.

But I don’t expect them to be anything more than people… at the end of the day God is the only one I can put my troubles on. Nobody else is really equipped to handle that!

What is your biggest fear?

The fear not trying all the things that would be on this list if I listed them. Most of the things that fear me are based on living a “safe” or material driven life… with my surroundings and those I love being in the same mindset, I don’t see it happening. I committed to a life of learning, adventure, and service and I plan on sticking to it!

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school to play lacrosse, where would you go?

I would have not played lacrosse. I would have played football. I never regret not playing, but I missed it every day and I still miss putting on the armor and just letting it rip! But if I HAD to play lacrosse at another school, I would have talked Tillman Johnson to coming with me to some school in Australia or possibly Cuse… I always respected your Alma Mater…even if we had a few scraps, I loved guarding your brother in the Dome.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

PURPOSE/PASSION – I think they are symbiotic. You can’t have passion for something that isn’t purposeful. You can have energy, but that’s not passion. Raw passion comes from a sense of belonging and feeling purposeful so that not just your mind, wallet, or body is fed, rather your SOUL first and foremost is filled.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Everything, but some of my favorites: Casablanca, Caddyshack, Eat Pray love, Wedding Crashers, Treme Season 1, Home Alone, Swingers… I also am a nut for documentaries so that list could go on and on.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog… always have been. I don’t hate cats, but certainly don’t care to have one!

What are some of your household chores?

Living in LA you don’t have much of a yard like when I grew up. However we also don’t have a dishwasher so I’d say dishes are always a must.

What’s your favorite TV show?

No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain is hands down my favorite. I want to meet him someday.

What is your favorite song?

I am biased to my fiancee’s music. She is so talented and I love her voice and the fact that she writes her own music. But outside of that, right now I love Zach Brown Band’s “FREE”.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

Man isn’t that the hardest thing? I would love to give it to them and depending on the day they would have it, but, where I live that happens often and I usually ask if I can buy them a coffee if I am not in a rush. Man that’s always a tough one! Got me twisted up right now RP.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

I’d Say the Brine MD because that was the first stick that was not a hand me down form Brendan Shook or Ben Focht… it was my first stick so I loved it… Can’t understand why people dont still use them! HA

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Would be awesome to be Wayne Rooney for a game, but afterward I would want to be me again. Especially being a MAN CITY guy. C’MON CITY.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Not much of a cologne guy, is Woods by Abercrombie still cool?

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would you be?

Wild Blue Yonder (my lady helped me with that, she knows more colors than I do because she paints as well). Just sounds right to me.

What is your favorite quote?

“Would you be willing to give your life to save the world if no one ever knew your name? If anonymity was the price you would have to pay for significance, would it be too great a price? To live a life of courage is not a guarantee of prestige or adulation. It only matters if you live and die fulfilling the mission you were born for.” ― Erwin Raphael McManus

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Football without a question. However, if I did not play football I would have loved to surf for a living. In Ohio we didn’t have the waves to really get good at a young age. I always wanted to do THIS in a Buckeye Uniform:

What do you want to be remembered for?

I hope people look back and know how much I cared about the sport and those who played it, and that I can give back enough to help the sport in some way… that will be good enough. Outside of sport, I’d love to be remembered for the work I did, the service I provided and ultimately the FUN/adventure I helped create for those around me.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Tomato… keep it simple.

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

Cheech is what my mom called me based on some cartoon. I used to scream the theme song around my house dancing like a fool when I was very young. (when I was like 18 or 19…kidding but if I still knew the words I would still do it!)

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Guitar or Piano. Watching Kate or her Piano player Brett Lindeman play is so freaking cool… I wish I could sing more than anything though. I must have missed the booth where you signed up for musical talent.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

ALL OF THEM. My greatest love is travel. I want to see the Amazon, Cuba, and Spain – those are next on my list. So many people to meet and places to see, it’s overwhelming…BUT I LOVE THE CHALLENGE.

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A shark that would troll around (not to close) and make sure no other sharks nibble on me while surfing. That would be ideal.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

I just met Lance Armstrong and Doug Ulman (@livestrongceo) who are the two men at the head of LIVESTRONG and that was a dream come true… Lance took sport to a level it has never been before. He and Doug both are doing that with the service they provide to cancer patients. Drew Brees is right next to him. Non-athletes are big to me though: Anthony Bourdain, Bono, Eddie Vedder, and Jimmy Buffett are some others that are musts.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

3 days probably… I always find a lake, ocean something to clean off… I love getting dirty and don’t mind being dirty, but I LOVE getting in the water for any reason so I don’t stay dirty to long.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

Funny answer is a BOAT so I can leave when I wanted. But to play the game… Kate, Fishing Rod (kids gotta eat), and a kindle/ipad full of books.

Tell us one random thing about yourself?

I am a nut for loyalty programs. Star Alliance and SPG are my favorites.

Favorite restaurant of all time?

A restaurant in a tiny town about 30 mins outside of Rome. Best simple food served on butcher paper with Kate and Italy’s lacrosse leader, Fabio. We had an amazing lunch 2 years ago on Thanksgiving Day in Rome. Otherwise I love my brothers resturant called Martini in Columbus, OH. My brothers runs the front of the house and used to be a chef there.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Daniel Craig…

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

A bunch, but I always say a little prayer, write a few numbers on my wrist and initials on my tape of some people I look up to and friends/mentors I lost as well as my La Chureca family in Nicaragua.

On your day off, you wake up and…..?

Hopefully I am somewhere new and different… but the first thing is ESPRESSO, it’s one of the great loves in my life. Surf, read, hang with Kate, take a jog and just get outside and meet new people with new stories.

Are you a good tipper?

YES, my big bro is in the industry so I am at least a 20% tipper… people making my food are kings and queens to me and those serving are extensions of them.

What do you put on your hot dog?

I’ll try anything, but it’s hard to top onions, relish, ketchup. What does a RHINO put on his is the question?

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

6 has been my number forever. I wanted 5 because Ben Focht wore that at my high school but when an older guy took it my freshman year I took 6. It worked out well because Ryan Curtis graduated UVA when I was coming in and I got to keep it… since then Ben Rubeor and Steele Stanwick have worn it… we have a nice run of talented players. I had a kid ask me if Ryan Curtis and I could guard Ben and Steele… Don’t know the answer, but I know we would sure as hell be up for it.

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

If you could have witnessed one event in the history of the world what would it be?

Also, Kyle Harrison had a question for you too – What’s your favorite lacrosse memory and why?

Winning the 2003 NCAA Championship or being down in Nicaragua starting a lacrosse program in La Chureca. Both are at the top.

Thanks for having me in to LET IT RIP. Hope all the readers are ready to get out, put in the work and create Another Best Day for themselves and all the family and teams that depend on them. Be Good Live Loud.

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Kyle Harrison, Johns Hopkins Legend and LXM Pro Player.
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What’s up guys – It’s time for another edition of Lettin’ It Rip! This week I talked to my friend and fellow Nike Athlete, Kyle Harrison. Kyle is one of the most well known players in our sport, and rightfully so! His list of awards goes on for days! A great guy and GREAT player, let’s check in with Kyle and get to know him off the field!

Player Profile:

Name: Kyle Mathew Harrison

Nickname: Harrison

Position: Midfield

Birthday: 3/12/83

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

College: Johns Hopkins University

High School: Friends School of Baltimore

Awards: High School All American, 3x All American, 2x Midfielder of the Year, 3x Tewaaraton Finalist, Player of the Year, Tewaaraton Award Winner, #1 MLL draft pick, 4x MLL All-Star, 2006 US National Team member, 2010 US National Training Team member

Current Gig: LXM PRO Player (and Co-founder), STX Athlete, Nike Athlete, Beats family and Playmaker Lacrosse camp owner/director

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

First Vehicle: White Toyota Hatchback baby

Current Vehicle: Blue Range Rover

It’s your last meal, what are you going to eat?

Crab cakes in Baltimore before my flight back out to California.

Who do you look up to most today and why?

My parents… they taught me everything I know.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing the people I care about.

If you had to redo college at another school and you were going to play lacrosse at that new school, where would you go?

Toooooooooooooough one RP! I don’t think I would have done it any differently, but, for argument’s sake, it would have been nice to run around in the Dome on a daily basis at Cuse.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

Some sort of athletic activity… hooping, shooting, working out… something.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Honestly, my DVD collection used to be pretty clean, but it’s certainly has fallen apart the past few years with all of the crazy travel. These days I usually have movies on my computer. The three I’ve been watching the past week or so are Just Go With it, Seriously Funny, and Adjustment Bureau.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog. Cats weird me out.

What are some of your household chores?

I’m fortunate that I sneak out of most, but, taking out the trash and cleaning the bathrooms are my jobs in the house.

What your favorite TV show?

Ever or currently? Ever, would be Fresh Prince. Currently, I enjoyed X-Factor, 24/7 leading up to the winter classic, The Game, and I’d like to give this new show Alcatraz a shot since it’s done by the same dude who wrote LOST.

What is your favorite song ever?

Tough one….would need to know the specific genre we’re talking about, but, again, for arguments sake, I’ll go with Renegade, Eminem and Jay-Z.

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

Sounds like a bit of a loaded question, RP. It depends on the situation for sure.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

My current one… a Black Stallion Head with an Alliance 135.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Whoa! Like this question….Mike Vick in Madden 2005, straight GETTING dudes ankles.

What kind of cologne do you wear?

Not into cologne, just Old Spice deodorant baby!

If you could be any color of a crayon, what color would you be?

Blue.

What is your favorite quote?

Finish Strong.

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Hoops!

What do you want to be remembered for?

For being a great son, brother, husband, friend, and doing my part to spread the sport of lacrosse all over the world.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

I don’t eat pizza all that much, but, pineapples are solid.

Did you have a nick name as a kid?

Nah, nothing too exciting to report here. Kyle is a pretty easy one. Then Harri took over when Coach Petro and Coach T started using it freshman year at Hop.

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

“If I were to play an instrument”… come on Rhino!!! I played the trumpet and the piano, and I’m convinced if given two weeks’ notice, I could put on a nice recital. Yup, I said it.

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

South Africa.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be, and what would you say?

I’d have to go with my Grandfather, apparently we’ve got a lot of similarities. I would have loved to have the opportunity to grow up with him around. He passed before I was born in the war.

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Love showers, take at least 3 a day… so, honestly, I’d say 2 days at the VERY most, and that’s with a trip out of the country (24 hours on the plane).

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

Sounds awful. I’m assuming cell phones and boats aren’t options? How big is the island? Or we talking a lil guy here? Need a bit more info to give my final answer, but, for arguments sake, I’d go with the three things below…

1) Converter for Salt water to fresh water
2) Sleeping bag (love my sleep)
3) Cell w/ international service, so hopefully, I’ll grab a signal and get outa there.

Tell us one random thing about yourself…

I love waffles.

What’s your favorite restaurant of all time?

BOA in Santa Monica, CA.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Uhhhhhh, no one! Ain’t getting me in trouble at home.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Say a quick prayer right before putting on my jersey.

On your day off, you wake up and…..?

Hit the gym, then hoop, then see what the crew is up to!

Are you a good tipper?

Start at 20%, then make a decision from there depending on how the service is!

What do you put on your hot dog?

Ketchup, with a pretzel bread bun.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I wear the #18 because it’s the number my father wore, and he’s the guy I grew up wanting to play like.

Kevin Leveille had a question for you too – When you started playing lacrosse, what was your first dream/goal? Did you make it happen?

Clearly, as you play the sport your goals get bigger, like wanting to make A Team in middle school, Varsity in hs, play division 1, win a national championship, play for team USA, etc. But, way before any of that, when I first picked up a lacrosse stick, my number 1 goal was to make my father proud. One of the best memories of my lacrosse career will always be hugging my father on the field back in 2005 right after we won the National Championship (we’re still not sure how the big guy made it down there).

Do you have a questions that we could ask the next pro lacrosse players?

What’s your favorite lacrosse memory and why?

[Photos courtesy collegegridirons.com, discoverlosangeles.com]

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Kevin Leveille, UMass standout and 5x MLL All-Star!
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It’s time for another edition of Lettin’ It Rip! This week I spoke with my good buddy Kevin Leveille, a 3x All-American at UMass and 5x Major League Lacrosse All-Star. This guy is a STUD attackman!

Player Profile:

Name: Kevin Leveille

Nickname: Dr. Evil, Levi

Position: Attack

Birthday: 8/18/1981

Hometown: Delmar, NY

College: UMass

High School: Albany Academy

Awards: 3x All American; 5x MLL All-Star; 3x USA alternate

Current Gig: Brine & Warrior Sales Rep – NY & PA

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

I started out with Forrest Green Jeep Wrangler. I now drive a Black Toyota 4Runner

It’s time for your last meal. What are you going to eat?

Pork chops, corn (w/ Dino BBQ sauce) and broccoli

Who do you look up to most today and why?

I look up to my parents and my younger brother. They’re all just great people and set great examples to follow.

What is your biggest fear?

Chick-Fil-A never opening up in Upstate NY.

If you had to redo college and had to go to another school to play lacrosse, where would you go?

If I had to go to another school, it’d probably be Syracuse. I connect with the up and down style of play. It’s the way the game is supposed to be played, and it’s how we played at UMass.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Entire Wes Anderson collection. A few additions are Our Idiot Brother, 30 Seconds or Less, and Cheers, Season 4.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I’m a dog person, but I do like the cat species found at the zoo. They’re pretty cool!

What are some of your household chores?

Taking out the garbage, shoveling, mowing the lawn, dishes, sweeping. I try to stay away from getting involved with the bathrooms and the washer/dryer.

What your favorite TV show?

The Office with Michael Scarn!

What is your favorite song?

“Harry Hood” by Phish

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

I’d ask them for $20 bucks!

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

A Brine Clutch strung by my Dad

What kind of cologne do you wear?

I don’t usually wear cologne, but when I do, I wear Coolwater.

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Marian Gaborik (NHL 2012). He scores at will!

What is your favorite quote?

“We will win tonight!” – Mark Messier, NYR, 1994 Playoffs, Game 6 of the Conference Finals vs. the Devils. The Devils led the series 3-2 with a chance to close out the Rangers. Messier had a hat-trick and 1 assist. The Rangers won 4-3 and went on to win the Stanley Cup.

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Hockey

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being a good person

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

I actually do! I play the Guitar.

What were you for Halloween this year?

Well…

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

Japan. I’m fascinated by the culture.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

A big umbrella, a Britta, and my fiance.

Can you tell us one random thing about yourself?

I like tuna sashimi but not tuna fish.

Favorite restaurant of all time?

Lombardo’s in Albany, NY

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

Bob Dylan. ‘Thank you’

What is the longest you’ve gone without a shower?

Probably a couple of days. Camping trip. There’s nothing like that first shower.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I listen to “Run Like An Antelope” by Phish. Also, I write a bunch of stuff on the tape on my stick.

On your day off, you wake up and…..?

Go to the couch and fall asleep

Are you a good tipper?

It depends on what you mean by good. I usually end up over-tipping. Good for the server, bad for me.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Zooey Deschanel.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Grey Poupon.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

22 was always a famed # at Cuse because of GG. But what about Paul Gait? I got you Paul.

Do you have a question that we should ask the next pro lacrosse player we speak to?

When you started playing lacrosse, what was your first dream/goal? Did you make it happen?

Awesome. Thanks for the great conversation Kevin!

[Photos courtesy of michaelscarn.tumblr.com, fanpop.com, hockeyworldblog.com, petitchef.com]

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Editor’s note: Each week Ryan Powell interviews one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. We hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick. This week Rhino interviews Chris Schiller, NLL and MLL pro and US team member.
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What’s up guys – It’s time for another edition of Lettin’ It Rip! This week I chatted with one of my greatest friends in the game- Chris Schiller. He is one of the hardest working guys in lacrosse and in my opionion, the best short stick d-mid that I have had the pleasure to play the game with.

Player Profile:

Name: Chris Schiller
Nickname: 2… 5 (RP), but most people call me Schillz.

(Note: *I always called Chris “2” – we’ve played together many years.  But the last time we played together was Team USA and Brendan Mundorf wore #2. So now I call Chris “2 (then a pause) 5”, as he wore #25 for Team USA.)

Position: Defensive Midfield

Birthday: 01/18/77

Hometown: Penfield, NY

College: THE Penn State Univeristy

High School: McQuaid Jesuit HS

Awards: Team USA indoor/outdoor, Unsung hero Knighthawks and Rattlers, H. Mention All-American, Penn State ’99, NLL Champion, 2010 World Champion

Current Gig: Selling medical devices for Ethicon Endo-Surgery

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle that you had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

Brown Volvo Station Wagon named Rusty.   I now drive a Chrystler 200.

It’s your last meal, what are you going to eat?

NY Strip, mushrooms & mashed potatoes

Who do you look up to most today and why?

My dad, because he is everything I want to be as a dad, grandfather and friend.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing my hair….wait.  Getting eaten by sharks.

If you had to redo college at another school and you were going to play lacrosse at that new school, where would you go?

I would start at a program at an SEC school.

Why?

Go there and you will see why.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

My damn cell phone. I hate it.

What’s in your DVD collection?

Spaceballs, Dumb and Dumber, Braveheart, Along Came Polly, Anchorman, and Slapshot.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Dog – 7 year old yellow lab

What are some of your household chores?

Picking up after the 7 year old yellow lab, mowing the lawn (landscaping in general), taking garbage out.

What’s your favorite TV show?

48 Hours Mystery

What is your favorite song?

“All My Life” by Foo Fighters. Go see them… best concert of all time.  Plus I believe Dave played lacrosse.

[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=xQ04WbgI9rg” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xQ04WbgI9rg/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Foo Fighters – All My Life”]

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

Good question. Depends on the situation.  If I saw they were truly in a bind and lost their wallet or really made a mistake and realized they didn’t have enough money I would give it to them.  If I had any suspicion they would use it to feed a habit, no way.

What was the best lacrosse stick that you ever owned?

STX Turbo

If you could be a video game character, who would you be and why?

Pac Man, because I have similar features.

If you could be any color of a crayon, what would color you be?

Orange

What is your favorite quote?

“Suck it Trebeck” – SNL

If you did not choose lacrosse as your sport, what sport would you have chosen?

Definitely hockey!

What do you want to be remembered for?

I hope people see me as someone who has given back to the people and sport that have given me so much.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Yellow Peppers

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

Frankie

If you were to play an instrument what would it be?

Drums

If you could visit anywhere in the world that you have not visited before, where would it be?

South Africa

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

Tiger

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say?

My grandfather… I would tell him I miss and love him.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

Machine to turn salt water into fresh drinking water, iPad with 3G so I can watch ESPN on it, and a Crocodile Dundee knife.

Tell us one random thing about yourself.

I have no hair. No seriously. I know you probably think I shave it and have a full mop of hair, but I don’t. I am bald.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Jessica Beil. Damn you, Justin.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

Absolutely not. I laugh at some of my teammates who are freaks with all of the things they have to do.

On your day off, you wake up and…?

I make breakfast for my wife Jen and our 4 year old Bryn.  Bryn helps me, which is awesome.  We will then watch an episode of the Fresh Beat Band.  They are pretty sweet.  Then it is outside to get some exercise.

Are you a good tipper?

Start at 20% with everyone. You can work your way down from there! It takes a lot to get me off of 20% though.

What do you put on your hot dog?

Mustard, ketchup and hot sauce. Not like red hot, but straight up a spicey meat sauce.

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I wear #2 because of my brother Beaver.  He wore it growing up when he played for Bishop Kearney in Rochester and for Nazareth.

Do you have a question that we should ask the next pro lacrosse player I talk to?

Which Powell brother was the best?  BANG!

Lacrosse All Stars - Grow The Game® Powered by Fivestar

Hey what’s up LAS Readers? Happy 2012! I have a great feeling about this year, and I’m especially excited to kick off my new “Lettin’ It Rip” interview series on LAS!

Each week I’ll be interviewing one current or former professional lacrosse player, asking them some quick hitter questions to better understand them as a person and lacrosse player. It is often these players that have driven, and continue to drive, the game of lacrosse to the next level. I hope you enjoy learning some fun facts that you might not have known about some of the greatest players to pick up a stick.

First up is my friend Brian “Doc” Dougherty…

[fvplayer src=”https://youtube.com/watch?v=3CFPlty-Buw” splash=”https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3CFPlty-Buw/hqdefault.jpg” caption=”Philadelphia Barrage Goaltender Brian Dougherty Highlights”]

Player Profile:

Name: Brian Dougherty

Nickname: Doc

Position: GOALIE

Birthday: December 10th, 1973

Hometown: PHILLY

College: University of Maryland

High School: The Episcopal Academy

Awards:

2x high school All-American
2x college 1^st team All-American
1995 NCAA Tournament MVP
1995 & ’96 Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award Winner
3x Major League Lacrosse Goalie of the Year
2x Team USA Gold medal winner

Current Gig: Head Coach, Chestnut Hill Men’s Lacrosse

Time to let it rip!

What was the first vehicle you ever had? What kind of vehicle do you currently drive?

1988 gray Chevy Citation with a red interior. Now I’m in a 2006 Trailblazer.

It’s your last meal, what are you going to eat?

A gigantic plate of mashed potatoes with turkey gravy.

Who do you look up to most today and why?

My dad, because he handles his business and is a man.

What is your biggest fear?

Failure… and snakes.

What is the one thing that you need on a daily basis?

Laughter!

What’s in your DVD collection?

Don’t really have one. On Demand, bro!

What would you say if someone on the street asked you for 20 bucks?

Can’t help you, bro.

What is your favorite quote?

“How bad do you want to be good?” – Dan Dougherty

What do you want to be remembered for?

Helping lacrosse grow to be a mainstream sport, and not being a hypocrite.

Did you have a nickname as a kid?

Stay puff marshmallow head, or just MALO…

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A baby jaguar.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you say to them?

Babe Ruth… “Hey Babe, want to belly up to the bar and grab a beer?”

What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without a shower?

3 days.

If you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what 3 items would you take with you?

A guitar, SPF 100 sun block, and a big sombrero!

Favorite restaurant of all-time? What’s the name of the joint, and where is it located?

Dinosaur BBQ in the ‘Cuse.

Do you have a pre-game ritual? If so, what is it?

I like to shower right before I get dressed. I like the feeling of being clean before I go out on the field and get muddied up.

On your day off, you wake up and…?

Go back to sleep!

Why do you wear the # that you wear?

I used to wear #3, but when I got traded to Philly, the only guy older than me in the league was uncle Roy Colsey (who also wore #3) and he was already in Philly. So, I decided to switch it up and represent Dr. J and Ryan Howard and wear #6. Plus I was getting a lil’ fatter and I liked the way #6 wrapped around my belly!

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