Lax is Life

Lacrosse has been a huge part of my life ever since I picked up a stick for the first time in the sixth grade.  I was hesitant to play, because I was a football player and scared to stray to something new, which hasn’t changed much.  I was finally convinced by my brothers, who were already playing, and a couple of close family friends.  From that point forward I was hooked.  The game has encompassed most of my free time ever since.  From a youth player, to a high school captain, then from a youth coach, to a varsity coach, the game has given me so much opportunity and friendship that I know it will forever be a piece of me.

Brotherly Love

I have two younger brothers and we actually get along really well.  Most of the time.  My youngest brother is Riley, he is 17 years old and just got his license.  It is crazy to think he’s now old enough to drive.  We spend the most time together and are super close.  I don’t know what I’d do without him.  My other brother is Shane is almost 21 years old and he goes to SUNY Oneonta.  He’s always been the black sheep of the family, but him going away to school has strengthened all of our relationships, because we value the time that we do get to spend together.  I see myself as a role model to the both of them and how they view me definitely drives a lot of my actions.

 

Something ‘bout a truck

Ever since I was old enough to drive I wanted a truck.  I finally saved up enough to get a silver, 6-speed, ’07 Toyota Tacoma when I was 19 years old.  I love that truck and do everything I can to keep it nice.  I am by no means a master mechanic, but I’m all for any little detail I can do it to make it look cooler.

 

Jack of all trades, master of none.

I’ve always been pretty handy, as far as yard work and fixing little things around the house goes.  When I was 16 I started working at “Happy Wok,” a local Chinese restaurant.  I did that for a few years and then got a full-time summer job with a building company, doing pretty much whatever they told me.  I still do it part-time sometimes, no matter how hard I’ve tried to quit.  I’ve also been a lifeguard, pool maintenance worker, lacrosse coach, and student research assistant all at the same time.  I even tried dishwashing, but only made it one night because it was so gross.

 

What’s up, dog?

My very first dog was a golden retriever that I got for my first birthday.  Her name was Shandy and unfortunately, as we got older my brother developed bad asthma and the doctors thought it might help to give her away.  Turns out dogs didn’t contribute to the asthma attacks so years later we finally convinced my parents to get another, then another, then another.  Now here we are with a black lab, and two wiener dogs.  As annoying as they can be, it is hard to imagine the house without them.

 

Gone fishin’

For as long as I can remember, I have also been fascinated by fish.  I think they are the coolest creatures.  I’ve had dozens of bowls and even a tank or two.  I love to catch them, and always release.  Although I love most food, I try to avoid eating fish.  As Bruce from Finding Nemo says: “Fish are friends, not food.”