Kam Bouvier
We caught back up with University of New England player, Kam Bouvier after his first college fall experience to see how the transition went from high school to college
Bishop Guertin
University of New England
Adjusting to life on campus was fairly easy for me. I found that the transition took a week or two, but after that I was in my routine.
College lacrosse is fast paced, and very organized on and off the field compared to High School. Here at UNE the team is considered a brotherhood, and the team aspect is very important. The brotherhood here at UNE is very similar to my past Roughrider team.
The time commitment of being a college athlete is almost always full time. Out of season, there is fall ball and the occasional lifts, almost every other day. During the winter, there are multiple lifts a week, and here at UNE we started to play box lacrosse in the gym. Now that the season has started, there is practice 6 times a week, give or take one if there is a game.
My favorite college experience on the field would be beating Bentley when we hosted our fall ball tournament. For spring, My favorite memory was beating Lasell college at Johns Hopkins University and taking the trip with the team down to Maryland.
My favorite Roughrider memory is the trip the team took to Richmond, Virginia. Staying in the hotel with the team is one of best memories I have playing lacrosse.
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We met up with Washington College commit, Burke McFillin, Jr. to see what his first college fall ball experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
Downingtown East
Washington College
Adjusting to school for me wasn’t too bad. Washington is a small school and with fall ball I was keeping very busy. Having the team around you all the time also helps a lot with the transition. All the other freshman are going through the same thing so it’s helpful in that aspect.
The biggest difference is definitely game speed. Players are a lot faster and stronger at the college level so you need to always be playing your best. Every player has good stick skills so it’s always making you better
Your always doing something everyday involved with lacrosse whether its hitting the wall, lifting or running, it’s seven days a week. In High School it wasn’t a seven day a week obligation. You also have to throw in the academic side of it as well so you need to find a good balance between the two.
Favorite experience so far was doing The Program which is a strength and leadership program run by military members. It was a great team building experience and worked us physically and mentally.
Make sure that you are happy with the school you picked. Lacrosse is only a portion of your entire college experience. Liking the school plays a big part into the decision as well.
I have been coaching the younger Roughriders and I really enjoy being with those kids and watching them become better lacrosse players.
We talked with sophomore FO/Midfielder and Fairfield commit, Luke Wierman to see what his early college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
West Chester Henderson
Position
FO/Mid
Any High School Accolades to Date?
- 2016 UA Uncomitted Showcase
College Attending
Fairfield University
Intended Major
Undecided
What was the early recruiting experience like for you?
The recruiting process was somewhat quiet for me. I sent my game schedules to a lot of college lacrosse programs (D1-D3). I never had a college lacrosse coach come up to at any tournaments or talk to me at a prospect day until I went to Fairfield
What was your reasoning for choosing Fairfield University?
I chose Fairfield because I immediately liked the coaches and players when I went there. The lacrosse program is getting better every year and the school is in a great location. It’s a place where I can see myself fit in and succeed
What other schools were you interested in?
Penn St, Villanova, Hofstra, and Boston U
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
5 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
McDaniel College tournament- rooming with Sean Rushton and the team
What did you learn from your Roughrider coaches?
I have been lucky enough to play for my roughrider coaches since I was 11, so most of my lacrosse IQ I learned from them! They also taught me what college coaches like to see and to always be a team player
Best high school memory?
Scoring my first varsity goal as a freshman
Favorite Pregame Song?
All of the Lights- Kayne West
Any pregame superstitions?
I always re-tape my stick before the game
Question from previous Roughrider Luke DiGiacobbe: Who is your favorite pro athlete?
Isiah Thomas of the Boston Celtics
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What do you like most about lacrosse?
We caught up with University of New England commit, Kameron Bouvier to see what his college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
Bishop Guertin
Position
Goalie
Any High Scholl Accolades to Date?
- Honor Roll
College Attending
University of New England
Intended Major
Applied Exercise Science
What was the recruiting experience like for you?
It was difficult to find schools that I had interest in and that had my intended major, but it was easier after narrowing down my interests before the end of my junior year. Going into my last summer season I knew what schools were interested in me, so I focused on communicating with them during the process, and getting as much exposure as I could. The roughrider coaches really helped me through this process.
What was your reasoning for choosing University of New England?
UNE has a very appealing campus, great academics that fit my interest, and a good lacrosse program. I did an overnight there with members of the lacrosse team and I knew immediately that I wanted to attend UNE.
What other schools were you interested in?
Springfield, Lebanon Valley and Ithaca
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
3 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
Taking the train to Richmond, Virginia and having fun in the hotel with the team.
What did you learn from your Roughrider coaches?
The coaches helped me to step up my game, from positioning, clearing, and overall defensive I.Q. They helped me to develop both my team and individual game.
Best high school memory?
Winning the NH D1 championship last year
Favorite Pregame Song?
Under Pressure- Logic
Any pregame superstitions?
My team would pick a song for the season that we would listen to before every game in the locker room
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Favorite tournament snack?
We hit up our second goalie, Harvard University commit, Kyle Mullin to see what his college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
Rustin High School
Position
Goalie
Any High Scholl Accolades to Date?
- First Team All League
- 2x Under Armour Underclassman
College Attending
Harvard University
Intended Major
Government
What was the recruiting experience like for you?
My recruiting experience was smooth at some points and bumpy at others, but in the end it taught me a great lesson. Hard work conquers all.
What was your reasoning for choosing Harvard University?
I chose Harvard because it’s a school that will challenge me in and out of the classroom.
What other schools were you interested in?
West Point, Yale, High Point
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
2 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
Anytime under the tent after winning a game. We had a great group of guys who were always cracking jokes.
What did you learn from your Roughrider coaches?
Roughriders coaches (Coach Mcfillin, Coach Corrigan, Coach Scott, and Coach B) have taught me to play every game with passion and to always compete.
Best high school memory?
Probably my freshman year where we went .500. Our program had a losing season every year before that. That was a special team that started to set a new standard for Rustin lacrosse.
Favorite Pregame Song?
Break Stuff- Limp Bizkit
Any pregame superstitions?
Tap each post three time, rub the crossbar, draw my crease. I’ve been doing that ever since I started playing goalie.
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What is your Spirit Animal?
We talked with defense-man and Drexel University commit, Pat Udovich to see what his college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware
Position
Defense
Any High School Accolades to Date?
- 3x First Team All Conference
- First Team All State junior year
- Second Team All State sophomore year
College Attending
Drexel University
Intended Major
Politics
What was the recruiting experience like for you?
My recruiting experience was stressful but fun at the same time. My coaches and parents helped me through the process and which would be the best fit for me
What was your reasoning for choosing Drexel University?
I chose Drexel because they gave me the opportunity to play D1 and as well as get me into their co-op program.
What other schools were you interested in?
There were multiple colleges that I was considering but my top 3 choices were Drexel, Shenandoah, and Dickinson.
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
3 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
It would be all the fun time I had with the players and coaches on my team.
What did you learn from your Roughrider coaches?
I learned a lot from the coaches but I think the one thing that stands out is the ins and outs of the recruiting process from them.
Best high school memory?
Scoring in the quarterfinal game of the playoffs.
Favorite Pregame Song?
American Girl- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Any pregame superstitions?
Need to have a burrito the night before any big game
Question from previous Roughrider Kyle Mullin: What is your spirit animal?
A Liger
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Who do they consider a role model?
We talked with defense-man and Bellarmine University commit, Collin Murray to see what his college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
West Chester East
Position
Defense
Any High School Accolades to Date?
- Honorable Mention All League (junior, sophomore)
College Attending
Bellarmine University
Intended Major
Business and minor in Spanish
What was the recruiting experience like for you?
It was a process for sure. Figuring out what I wanted in a school whether it was the size, distance, area, and academics. But once I knew what I wanted, lacrosse an everything else started to fall into place
What was your reasoning for choosing Bellarmine University?
I chose Bellarmine because it’s a great size school, not too big, not too small and in a unique area. The team also had a great group of guys and coaches. I thought it was a place where I could better myself on and off the field.
What other schools were you interested in?
Drexel, Quinnipiac, and Clarkson
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
3 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
Hanging out in the hotels with all the boys
What did you learn from your Roughrider coaches?
Practice like it’s a game. It’ll help you and your teammates when it comes to game time
Best high school memory?
Being apart of a group of players over the years that helped turn the program around
Favorite Pregame Song?
Enjoy the Ride- Krewella
Any pregame superstitions?
I always like to soccer juggle with a lacrosse ball to get the legs warm
Question from previous Roughrider Pat Udovich: Who do you consider a role model?
When it comes to sports, Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers. I love his spark, attitude, and heart when he plays the game.
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What is your favorite movie?
We caught up with sophomore midfielder and UPENN commit, Luke DiGiacobbe to see what his early college recruiting experience was like and to see what he’s all about!
High School
Malvern Prep
Position
Midfield
Any High School Accolades to Date?
- Under Armour Underclass All American
College Attending
University of Pennsylvania
Intended Major
Undecided
What was the early recruiting experience like for you?
The process was a little overwhelming. Thankfully, I had great guidance and help from my coaches and parents when making the decision.
What was your reasoning for choosing UPENN?
The University of Pennsylvania is a great school academically. Growing up I was always a fan of the Penn lacrosse program. I really like Coach Murphy and his staff, as well as the attitude of the program. I’ve always known I didn’t want to attend a college too far from home, so this is a great fit for me in every aspect.
How many year were you with the Roughrider Program?
4 years
What is your best Roughrider moment?
Hanging out with my teammates and friends during the summer tournaments
What have you learned from your Roughrider coaches?
Coach Corrigan and Coach Benson have been coaching me since youth lacrosse. They have provided many years of great instruction and guidance to me. I am grateful for and appreciate all the time and effort they have given to me along with the team
Favorite Pregame Song?
I don’t have a favorite, it changes often
Any pregame superstitions?
I always say a prayer before game
Question from previous Roughrider Collin Murray: What is your favorite movie
The longest yard
Pose the next question for our next committed PA Roughrider!
Who is your favorite professional athlete
Tune in to see which PA Roughrider we will have next on ‘The Catch Up’.
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