Chris Eck recently graduated from Colgate as top faceoff specialist in program history.

In 2008, he started all 17 games for the Raiders and won 199 out of 327 face offs for an outstanding .609 winning percentage. Eck was a first-team All-Patriot League selection, leading the Raiders to a Patriot League Championship, their first NCAA tournament appearance, and a top 10 National ranking.

Click Heading For Complete Article

Eck also had a league leading 83 ground balls and added 4 goals. He was recently drafted by the Boston Canons of the MLL.

John Dunn of LAXnews had the chance to ask Eck a few questions.

John Dunn: Any special superstitions or pre-game rituals?

Chris Eck: No, not really. Although on game day, I do wear the same two good luck shirts and pair of lucky shorts.

JD: You are a type I diabetic (juvenile). Does that present any challenges playing lacrosse?

CE: Well it is certainly something that I am constantly aware of, but it generally does not affect me negatively on the field. In fact, I think that I probably take care of myself better. I eat a lot better and just am better at taking care of my body.

During games or practices I always test my blood sugar. I prick my finger and use a blood sugar meter that I keep on the sideline. When I am playing lacrosse, I try to keep my blood sugar high, around 150, because you burn sugar very quickly while exercising.

Also during games I drink plenty of Vitamin Water.

JD: Why Vitamin Water and not Gatorade?

CE: I don’t really know. I used to drink Gatorade, but I started drinking Vitamin Water over the summer when I was working in NYC. I guess I think I get more out of Vitamin Water because of vitamins that Gatorade doesn’t have.

Besides, I think the CEO of Vitamin Water is a Colgate grad or something?  

JD: How did Colgate go from a below-average Division I team to a top 10 national title contender?

CE: Coach Nagle dramatically changed the culture of the team. He recruited guys who were both good lacrosse players and good people. All of his recruits are the kind of people who are willing to always work hard.

The leadership developed year after year. The team worked hard year-round on and off field and in and out of season.

JD: After nearly getting into the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007, what put the 2008 team over the edge and into the tourney?

CE: It's hard to say. I guess this year we didn’t leave it up to chance. We won the league this year which gave us an automatic bid. Last year we lost to Navy in the finals. Even after beating Syracuse we didn’t make the tournament in '07.

This year we played very hard and were able to get big wins later in the year. We peaked at the right time and I guess things just went our way

JD: You guys played Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA tournament. What was that trip like?

CE: The trip was awesome. We flew on a private chartered jet. It was a direct flight from Syracuse to South Bend. We usually have to connect in other cities. It was pretty sweet -- our bus from Colgate went straight to the runway in Syracuse.

JD: What was the Colgate campus like during the run you guys had this year? This was Colgate's first trip to the NCAA tournament.

CE: There was defiantly a buzz around campus. The students were always congratulating us, but we did a good of staying focused. We always were well prepared for the games.

JD: What is your best memory from Colgate lacrosse?

CE: Winning the Patriot League Tournament. Without question. It was the first Championship I have ever won in any sport at any level. Just seeing the look on everyone’s faces was so amazing.

JD: What team did you most enjoy beating?

CE: Bucknell.

They are a really tough opponent. We also always play them at the end of the year – so that adds a lot more emphasis to the rivalry. The game always seems to be very important for the league tournament seeding. We were able to take home field advantage away from them in the league tournament by beating them in the regular season.  

JD: Who was the best opposing face off guy you ever went against?

CE: Jeff Snyder from Denver was the best.

He has quick hands and really good moves. He is also really smart about where he puts the ball. He knows when it’s a good time to pull it back to get possession or push it himself for a fast break.

JD: What do you do when you have to faceoff against a guy of Snyder’s caliber?

CE: You just have to play your game. Stick to fundamentals, stay on clamp longer, and try different moves to keep him guessing.

JD: Do you change your moves depending on who you are going against?

CE: Defiantly. My moves depend on who I am going against. I always scout the other faceoff man. I have the same general go-to moves, but will tweak moves depending on the guy and his strengths.

JD: Any advice for youth and high school face off men?

CE: Nothing in particular, just take as many faceoffs as you can. Don’t worry as much about the draw. It is more important to fight hard to win ground ball after the face. Getting the ball is all that matters.

JD: What’s your best move?

CE: The move that is most effective for everyone is a version of the clamp because you can get full control of the ball. Ball possession is key.

 JD: Describe your draft day experience.

CE: It was a long day. First we had interviews with the teams. Then we had an educational seminar. After that we did combine testing. We ran 40 yard dashes, agility testing, vertical leap, a leg strength test, and a grip test. I was somewhat surprised that we didn’t do more lifting tests.

After these tests we did some 6 on 6 situational stuff. At the end we had a game which was followed by the draft.

JD: How’d you do in that game?

CE: I did pretty well, held my own. Nothing too spectacular.

JD: Did you have a feeling during the day that you may end up on one particular team?

CE: I was unsure where I would go. I mean I knew some teams weren’t looking for faceoff guys. I knew Rochester was set with Alex Smith.

JD: Did you have any idea that Boston was going to take you?

CE: Well I interviewed well with them. I really liked the coaching staff and VP. I knew I would fit in well in Boston, but it was hard to tell if they were going to take me.

JD: Now that you are a Cannon, when can us Bostonians expect to see you play?

CE: Ha Ha. I am not sure, John. We have a great faceoff guy right now. Just because you’re drafted doesn’t mean that you will play or even make the team. Although I’m pretty pumped about the possibility of suiting up soon.

JD: Is it a difficult adjustment from the college to pro level?

CE: The Pro League is saturated with talent at every position, which makes it though to play in. The game is also much faster.

JD: What kind of free stuff did you get?

CE: Well just the standard team stuff -- Helmet gloves pads, team shirts, stick, shoes –- that kind of stuff.

JD: What kind of head do you use? Why?

CE: Blade. I have been using it since I was a freshmen in high school. It is flexible yet sturdy and good for faceoffs.

JD: Will that change for you with the Cannons?

CE: No.

JD: Do the Cannons do have cheerleaders?

CE: I think they do, but I have never met them.

JD: Would you consider dating a Cannons cheerleader if introduced?

CE: I feel uncomfortable answering that.

JD: The Boston Cannon, located in the endzone, is shot off after each Canon goal. What are your thoughts?

CE: The noise scares me. I watched the Cannons play after the North/South game this year. I never expect it --scared me to death. I hope I can get used to it.

JD: Is it true that you clogged my sink with the remnants of your breakfast when you stayed at my apartment when you played in the North/South game?

CE: Clogging sinks with eggs is another one of my pre-game rituals that I forgot to mention at the start of this interview.

JD: What size are your feet? They look so small.

CE: 9.5, because I have high arches.

JD: You are a pretty pale guy. What are your thoughts on sun-block and what SPF do you recommend to us lacrosse fans?

CE: I would not be able to live without it. Anything above 100.

JD: What is your favorite kind of Ben and Jerry’s?

CE: Vanilla Heath Crunch.

JD: Nicknames? and what do you hope the Cannons fans call you?

CE: I don’t have any. Teammates usually just make fun of my name. “Eckeckeck” is pretty common.

JD: Did you find the rainbow sandals that you “left at my apartment” when you stayed over for the North/South game?

CE: Yes

JD: Where were they?

CE: In my bag.

JD: So you called me repeatedly for no reason?

CE: Yes.

_____________________________

On August 9, 2008, Chris Eck played in his first MLL game. He showed he was more than ready for pro lacrosse when he went 23-for-37 (62.2 percent) on draws to help the Cannons defeat the Denver Outlaws, 20-14. It appears he is headed for a long and successful pro career. --Editor James Land