A quick chat with SU's John Galloway

Got a chance to talk with Syracuse University's John Galloway and asked him a few questions about last years tough 1st round loss to Army and about the upcoming 2011 season.

The senior goalie put up impressive numbers in 2010 en route to earning the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) as the nation's most outstanding Division I goalie. Galloway led the Orange defense by stopping just under 60 percent of the shots he saw (.595%) and anchoring a team defense that gave up only 7.4 goals per game.

CollegeCrosse: Talk about how fall ball went and how eager all the returning guys were to get back onto the field after the 2010 season ending loss to Army?

John Galloway: I think this year, especially more than any fall since my freshman year, everyone was itching to get back. There is no question that all the returning guys were the most eager. Nobody on this team has felt defeat like that before, so when we got back in the fall, everyone was ready to hit the ground running. With all the young guys and the huge numbers, fall went a little differently this year. We had to do some more explanation and the coaches had a challenge cut out for them, but fortunately the freshmen were eager to learn and willing to put in the time to get on track as we progressed.

CC: How excited are you to get back up to ‘Cuse after the holidays and officially get the 2011 season under way?

JG: Fall ball is fun, but you can't compare any feeling to getting back on campus for those two-a-days and having that feeling that spring is finally here. This is my last go around, and on behalf of the seniors, we won't except anything less than what we know this team is capable of.

CC: What will it mean to you and the entire senior class to graduate on top of the lacrosse world with another National Championship?

JG: To win a championship with this senior class would be a picture perfect ending to a college career that I wouldn't trade with anyone else. I have had the best leaders in the 3 classes in front of me, made life long friends, and have a senior class that I wouldn't trade one player for anyone else in the country. It isn't going to be easy, but we are aware of what it takes and are itching to have a chance to go get it.

CC: How do you try to act as a role model to the younger guys. Not only the goalies, but the guys in front of you, be it the defense or entire team as a whole?

JG: I was fortunate enough to be led by the best players/role models in the country since I have been here. Guys like Evan Brady, Mike Leveille, Kenny Nims, Pat Perritt, Spencer Van Schaak. I have taken a little bit from each of them to try to be the best role model to this team I can be. Those guys led on the field, off the field, by voice and by example. I just try to put it together to show the guys on this team just how important the Syracuse Lacrosse program is and the family that is the driving force behind it. It's like no other program in the country.

CC: Most improved players on defense in your mind from last year?

JG: The most improved player on defense would have to be Tom Guadagnolo. He has stepped up into a leadership role and played confident alongside two All-Americans in Lade [senior long pole defenseman John Lade] and Megill [sophomore long pole Brian MeGill]. I also think guys like Tim Harder and Joe Moore are continuing to improve, even if they were staple guys in our defense last year already.

CC: Lastly, talk about the battles you are excited to watch as the two-a-day practices get under way. Is it the top midfield line, second midfield line, face-off guys, long poles?

JG: The best part of getting back from spring into doubles is the battles that ensue. I am excited for every position to be pushed, but if I had to choose it would definitely be that second middy line. I think we have a lot of returning talent that hasn't been in game situations mixed with some talented freshman looking to get on the field. It will be an interesting battle that tells a lot about this team.