March 13, 2008

QUEENS, N.Y. - Senior defender Tim LaMare from Philadelphia took some time out of his busy week of preparing for the Red Storm lacrosse team's second ECAC game to give fans some insight into what makes him one of St. John's top defensemen.

One of the key anchors on defense as a two-year starter, LaMare is an integral part of the Red Storm's (0-4, 0-1 ECAC) nationally ranked penalty-killing unit. With a killing percentage of 87 percent, the man-down defense unit is No. 4 in Division I programs. So far this season, LaMare is also third on the team in ground balls with 11 and has a team-high of six caused turnovers.

"Tim is one of the best pure athletes we have," said head coach Jason Miller. "He is tough and matches up well against smaller, quicker players. He has the potential to be an all-league defender."

RedStormSports: How did you get the nickname `Lightening'?
Tim LaMare: I am pretty sure [Mike] Luyster was the creator of `Lightening;' but the other part, which he never tells anyone, is that he called himself `Thunder;' thus making us Thunder and Lightening. It was a silly joke that was then put into a song by `C.Mizz.' I don't know how it stayed as long as it did, but it was pretty funny at the time.

RSS: What kind of music do you fall asleep to the night before a game and what's on your iPod on game day?
LaMare: I have all different types of music that I listen to before. I usually start with some easy listening like Sublime or Bob Marley to try to keep the nerves down. About an hour before the game I listen to some good music to get the blood flowing like "Go to Sleep" by Eminem, "Many Men" by 50 cent and "The Meaning of Life" by The Offspring.

RSS: In the ECAC, who is the best player you've ever played against and why?
LaMare: I wouldn't call out one specific player. You can't take a game off no matter how you match up or who you are playing. The ECAC is filled with talented players and every game is going to be a challenge.

RSS: What's your favorite quote from Coach Miller?
LaMare: "Stop with that Philly punk attitude."
He said this during one of our games when it became pretty out of hand. There was a lot of off ball talking and hitting going on and we just needed to regain our composure and go out and play our game.

RSS: What is the best thing about being from Philadelphia?
LaMare: Everything! Coming from Philadelphia, where we are very passionate about our sports, and coming to one of our most hated rival towns (New York City) has been a lot of fun. We were able to have some fun times when our two teams meet up during the season. We also have the best food. I can never seem to find any good bread or rolls up here.

RSS: if you weren't playing lacrosse what sport would you be playing?
LaMare: If I had to choose, I would be playing football, though I loved hockey in high school. I could just always see myself playing football. If I wasn't playing lacrosse, I would definitely be somewhere trying to play football.

RSS: Do you have a hidden talent or anything else impressive not many people know about you?
LaMare: Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper.

RSS: Has your time with the Red Storm lacrosse team been what you expected and why?
LaMare: I would say that it hasn't been what I expected thus far this season. The program has been redeveloped and I believe that we are on the right track. I have made a lot of friends through the years, and it has been an honor to be the first freshman class to graduate from St Johns lacrosse since its reinstatement.

RSS: Who is your favorite St. John's athlete (past or present) and why?
LaMare: I don't have, I really didn't follow basketball and that is what St John's was known for back in the day.

RSS: What are you thoughts playing at home against Loyola this weekend? Is there anything specific you personally want to accomplish? Recap the Drexel game, what can you do better this weekend?
LaMare: Loyola is a strong team with some good players and they are coming off an embarrassing loss last weekend. They should be pretty fired up for Saturday. I know that the little things are going to matter in this game. For us, coming off a four game losing streak isn't easy. We know we haven't played our best yet and that our best game is going to come soon. We just have to be patient and do our individual jobs and execute when the chances are present us.

Check back with RedStormSports.com next week to meet senior captain Mike Luyster!

To receive updated information on St. John's men's lacrosse or submit questions for the Red Storm Seniors please send an email to Kristin Duffy at stjcommunications@stjohns.edu with the subject Men's Lacrosse E-mail.