Player interview with TOM GARVEY

 

MEMBER OF JOHNS HOPKINS 2005 DIVISION I NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.  2005 DIVISION I ALL-AMERICAN. 2004 DIVISION I ALL-AMERICAN. PRESENTLY PLAYS PROFESSIONALLY FOR THE BOSTON CANNONS. GARDEN CITY HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICAN AND MEMBER OF THE 2000 NEW YORK  STATE  HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP LACROSSE TEAM.

 

INTERVIEWER: Tim Worstell

 

          Tom thank you for allowing Cagerats the opportunity to interview you. We would like to congratulate you on having one of the finest lacrosse careers in all of Division I College Lacrosse over the past four years. You were consistently called upon to cover the nations top collegiate attackmen. You answered the call every time!  As  big fans of the game your leadership and lacrosse abilities  were a pleasure to spectate.  We also appreciate the time that you  have given back to the Garden City youth lacrosse program.

          

          

 

 

1)How important is it for a lacrosse player to spend time working on his or her stickwork?  Do you still spend much  time working on your stick work abilities? Is the WALL still the best way to practice?

 

TG: Stickwork is a critical fundamental in the game of lacrosse.  From the youth level up to the professional platform, players with good stickwork have an undeniable advantage.  I continue to work on improving my stickskills, the wall is a great way to practice but personally I prefer passing with another player.

 

 

2)Why did  you choose Johns  Hopkins University to attend college and play lacrosse?

 

TG: I chose Johns Hopkins University because of the academic reputation and family atmosphere that embodies Johns Hopkins lacrosse.  My experience in college was extremely rewarding academically, athletically, and socially.

 

 

3)Did you closely consider any other colleges?

 

TG: Yes, I strongly considered the United States Naval Academy and Yale.

 

 

4)What was the feeling inside the Johns Hopkins lockeroom during the storm delay in your NCAA semi-final game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia vs. the University of Virginia with your team down 7-6?

 

TG: Great question!  The atmosphere was surprisingly calm yet we remained extremely focused. Having played in numerous one goal games our team was able to use the storm delay to regroup and prepare for the remainder of the game.

 

 

5)What  thoughts were you having  prior to the face-off with 20 seconds to go with your team down 8-7 in that game? Did  the thought of the probability that you were not going to win a National Championship enter your mind?

 

TG:I would be cheating myself if I didn’t admit that the possibility of losing was out there.  However, the intense training and off season workouts gave our team the confidence needed to play hard until the final whistle.

 

 

6)How elated were you when Jake Byrne with 1.4 seconds left to tie the score at 8-8? What did you say to yourself after that goal was scored?

 

TG: I was on cloud nine after Jake scored, I knew from that moment that we would win the game.  I told myself to stay focused for overtime because our defense would be tested.

 

 

7)What thoughts did  you have when John Christmas of the University of Virginia moved up above the restraining line  to go 1 x 1 against  you  late in the 4th period and in overtime in what was one of the greatest lacrosse games ever played? Did you figure he would challenge you at these points in the game?

 

TG: When John pulled the ball out to attack me from up top I was excited that the Virginia coaching staff chose to attack me.  I wasn’t surprised by his decision to go against me since John is such a talented player and passionate competitor.

 

 

8)You have been challenged throughout your career often by some of the most prolific attackman the game has seen.(Powell, Danowski, Christmas, Boyle, Prossner, Dingman) Would you care to list 5 attackman you have had to cover from opposing teams in order of  their difficulty  and challenge to you? Was there one match-up vs. a player that you most enjoyed?

 

TG: Top five in alphabetical order:

Boyle, Christmas, Danowski, Powell, Prossner.

 

I most enjoyed covering Mike Powell because of the attention he demands.

 

 

9)Is there one college Coach along with Dave Pietramala of  Johns Hopkins University that you would  have enjoyed  the opportunity to play for?

 

TG: Bill Tierney

 

 

10)What was the greatest game you ever played in?

 

TG: 2005 semifinal against Virginia

 

 

11)What has been your favorite stadium to play in?

 

TG: Homewood field at Johns Hopkins

 

 

12)Do you wish the Johns Hopkins Band still had the cannon?

 

TG: Of course, my current team the Boston Cannons fire a cannon after every goal we score, it’s a great addition.

 

 

13)Your father Bill has won numerous Golf Championships in your hometown of Garden City. In anyway did  his athletic example of knowing how to win make you a better competitor?

 

TG: Without question, my father has been an unbelievable role model in all walks of life.  I caddied for him on numerous occasions and he taught me what it means to compete.

 

 

14)You have played in a few games for the Boston Cannons in the professional Major Lacrosse League. How does the pro game differ from the college game?

 

TG: The professional game is saturated with highly talented players.  The main differences are the skill level and number of goals being scored.

 

 

15)Do you  have interest in becoming  a  NCAA Division I Lacrosse Head Coach?

 

TG: No, the job of a Division I lacrosse coach is extremely stressful and time consuming.  I do play to continue coaching lacrosse at the youth level.

 

 

16) You won a State Championship in High School playing for Coach Doc Dougherty at Garden City High School in 2000. Was it in that  game against Carthage High School that you first covered Mike Powell?

 

TG: Yes, I first learned of Mike Powell in the week prior to our 2000 state championship game against Carthage.  Coach Dougherty did a remarkable job of preparing our team for that game and instilling confidence in us, which allowed us to win the state championship.

 

 

17)You have had the opportunity to cover Mike often. Do you two exchange any greetings when you step on a field?

 

TG: Aside from a simple, “Good luck” there is little exchange.  When two competitors step on the playing field the mutual respect goes unspoken for.

 

 

18)When are you coming out with your clothing, equipment  line  like Mikes?

 

TG:Haha, when you find me a sponsor.

 

 

19)How do you invision college lacrosse 10 years from now? Do you invision the possibility of  Stanford  playing  Michigan  in  front of 75,000  people at the Rose Bowl?

 

TG: I anticipate the continued growth of college lacrosse.  As the game expands geographically the talent pool grows and the caliber of athletes will continue to grow.  A game in front of 75,000 at the Rose Bowl is possible, but I’d rather watch Hopkins vs. Maryland than Stanford vs. Michigan.

 

 

20)What would your message be today to a parent of a youth lacrosse player?

 

TG: Encourage your son or daughter to play more than one sport.  Understand that different children mature athletically at different ages, Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team his freshman year of high school.

 

 

21)What would your message be today to a youth lacrosse player?

 

TG: Have fun!  The reason we play sports is for enjoyment.

 

 

22)What would your message be today to a youth lacrosse coach?

 

TG: Give every player the opportunity to play in a critical situation and stay positive.

 

 

23)If you had the eligibility  would you like to play one more year of NCAA ball at Johns Hopkins or are you looking forward to the time-off?

 

TG: Without question I would go back for another year.  The college game is a truly unique and fulfilling experience.

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24)Was there one team that you  got more geared up to play during the regular season than any other?

 

TG: Syracuse, Johns Hopkins has a long running rivalry with them.  Going into that game we always expected a battle.

 

 

25) It seems like some lacrosse  manufacturers are associating tattoos in their adds with the game of lacrosse. Do you have a tattoo?

 

TG: No

 

 

26)My son Jack has one question to ask Tom. How great does it feel to have won  the NCAA Division I Championship?

 

TG: Winning the NCAA Division I Championship was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.  The title proved that all of the hard work we put in was worth it.

   

27)  Your Mother is obviously very proud of all your accomplishments. What has her example and support meant to you throughout your athletic and  scholastic career?

TG: My mom's support has been instrumental throughout my athletic career.   She offered encouragement and support after a tough practice or frustrating game.  My mom was able to boost my confidence and taught me to enjoy our teams success along the way.

 

           

Tom thank you again for accommodating us with this interview. We most certainly will make sure you receive a CageRats momento. It has been great to follow your college career. We  wish you had been a Terp! You would have looked great in Red and White.

 

  

      Cagerats  hopes to have numerous interviews throughout the year with other lacrosse personalities of interest. Our goal is to ask questions that you the fan would really enjoy hearing the answers too. Stay tuned to CAGERATS!