April 29, 2010
Photo Gallery
Today, Spotted on Campus caught up with senior men's lacrosse goalie Vinny DePasquale as his team prepares to play in the Patriot League Tournament for the first time in program history. He talked with us about classwork, traveling, Mozzarella cheese and, of course, the upcoming tournament.
What's your major and what do you like about your major? I like being a Government and Law major because I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about the way our country operates, as well as its legal system. I also like the fact that my Gov-Law classes tend to be writing classes rather than classes that give exams.
What's been your most interesting class so far this semester? So far this semester Principles of Studio Art has been my most interesting class, not because I'm a good artist (I draw on a third grade level and I can't color in the lines), but because I'm learning what steps artists take to make their works of art.
What's been the most unique or interesting out-of-classroom project (academic-based) that you've been a part of at Lafayette? I went to Guatemala with my teammates Matt Mersky, Steve Serling and Ray Shalley over interim January of 2009. It was my first time outside of the country and it blew my mind to see the way that these people lived. The course we took while in the country was an economics course (a subject I don't know anything about) that helped me to understand why countries like Guatemala find themselves in the financial troubles that they do.
What is your earliest lacrosse memory? My dad signed me up for lacrosse in fourth grade to make me run because even back in those days I ran like I had cement shoes on. The one practice my dad couldn't make it to, our team's goalie got hit with a shot and refused to get back in the net. I strapped on the goalie pads and was ecstatic that I didn't have to run up and down the field anymore. My dad wasn't too happy with me then, but I hope he's accepted it by now.
What can you take from your sport and incorporate into everyday life? Lacrosse is a game of runs, just like life. "You have to grind out the lows, and enjoy the highs"-Philosopher Terry Mangan.
What do you still wish to accomplish (on or off the field)? I would trade almost anything to win a Patriot League Championship this year.
Hardest thing about being a goalie is: Driving to practice every day and realizing that I'm going to get hit with shots pretty soon and it's going to hurt (usually a lot).
My pregame ritual is: Fettucini Alfredo from Siciliy II the night before. Have our trainer, Chris Meny, put on my eye black. Meet the team in the corner of the field and give everyone a high-five as they run out. Hit the pipes five times with my shaft and squat at the front of the crease right before faceoff. After typing all that, I think I need to cut down on the superstitions.
Most embarrassing thing that's happened to me on the field is: Had a pass bounce in off my helmet from behind the net.
Best prank you or a teammate has pulled off: A couple of years ago on the last practice of the season, a bunch of seniors wore jean shorts out to the field. Coach sent them right back in to get changed, but I thought it was hilarious.
Sport you would play other than your own: Basketball
Something about me that others would be surprised to hear is: I'm not Italian
Any plans for the summer? I'm going down to Destin, Florida with a few of my teammates for nine days after graduation.
Best part of summer? Fishing all morning and then going to the beach
Best vacation I ever took was: To St. Louis with my teammate Stewart Inman and my NARP friend Chris Donofrio for FIJI Academy in 2008.
Favorite midnight snack? Pizza
Food you can't live without? Mozzarella (pronounced moots-a-dell) and some fresh Italian bread.
Favorite TV show as a kid? Johnny Quest
Song that's currently playing on repeat on my iPod? Stagger Lee by the Grateful Dead
Word Association:
Patriot League Tournament: My type of party
Lafayette: College
Lacrosse: life
Teammates: Family
Coaches: Brains behind the operation
Lafayette-Lehigh: Don't get me started
