September 12, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Hangin' out with the Cannons' Chris Eck

by Staff Report/

When Chris Eck isn't winning faceoffs in lacrosse games you might find him playing Ultimate Frisbee.

When Chris Eck isn't winning faceoffs in lacrosse games you might find him playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Q&A

What’s your strongest type of shot?

Straight overhand or three-quarters shot.

Do you do stick tricks?

I’m no Kevin Cassese, but I can spin my stick around with the best of them.

What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?

Focus on fitness and strength. At each step people are usually bigger, faster and stronger.

What is the highlight of your lacrosse career?

I’ve been lucky to have different types of highlights. But one of the most memorable was winning the Patriot League championship. It was a first for Colgate, and there is nothing like doing something great as a team.

How did you get started playing lacrosse?

First time I ever picked up a stick is when I was in school in England. But I became serious about it when I decided I didn’t want to play baseball any more. I wanted to keep playing a spring sport, so my dad suggested lacrosse.

Who was your most influential coach?

[Colgate’s] Jim Nagle, he has pushed me harder than any coach I’ve ever had. While it could be tough at times, Jim is a big reason why I am where I am now.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

Do what you love. Just always think that way about life. If you do what you love, you’ll be successful.

What are your future goals?

As far as lacrosse, make the Team USA active roster, win the World Championships and win an MLL championship with the Boston Cannons.

Favorites

GAME/PRACTICE

Pregame meal: Chicken Parm

Visiting arena or stadium: [Invesco Field at] Mile High in Denver. It’s very cool to step on a field that so many great athletes in different sports have played on.

Practice drill: Doing live faceoffs, of course

POP CULTURE/ETC.

Dinner: Skyline chili, also called Cincinnati chili

Dessert/pig-out food: Ice cream

Vacation spot: Probably going home to Fairfield, Conn. It’s where my parents live now. Always relaxing and fun to see the parents.

Musical group/singer: DMB [Dave Matthews Band] and most hip-hop

Actress: Jennifer Aniston

Movie: The first “Transformers” or “Boondock Saints”

TV show: “The Office” — love Michael Scott and Dwight

Book: “The Blind Side” by Michael Lewis

Video game: Probably Gears of War 1 or 2

Sports idols growing up: Emmitt Smith was my first idol.

Sport other than lacrosse: Weirdly, Ultimate Frisbee — it’s a good way to stay in shape and easy and fun to play with friends.

Team to follow as a fan: Cincinnati Bengals — Esteban Ocho Cinco makes them hard not to like. Also, my whole family is from Cincinnati.

Article of clothing: I have two lucky shirts and a pair of shorts I have to wear before I go to bed before a game.

Equipment

Stick: Old School Blade with a Titan Pro

Helmet: Cascade

Gloves: Brine Kings

Pads: All Brine stuff

Cleats: New Balance/ Warrior

NOTEWORTHY

Eck was named the MLL’s Most Improved Player this season. He appeared in all 12 regular-season games, winning 196 of 359 faceoff attempts and collecting 70 ground balls. Last year as a rookie, he appeared in just one game. … A 6-foot, 200-pounder, Eck was selected by the Cannons in the fourth round (38th overall) of the 2008 draft out of Colgate. … A four-time Patriot League All-Star, he ranks third all-time in NCAA Division  1 and first in Colgate history in faceoff wins with 658 (.609 career win percentage).

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