 Kevin Buchanan Interview Alec Schimke | mnswarm.com | Mar. 30, 2009 Alec Schimke of mnswarm.com recently spoke with rookie sensation Kevin Buchanan about transition in his freshman season. Alec: How has the transition been from playing college ball at Ohio State to playing with the Swarm in the NLL? Kevin: I think it's been good. I thank the guys on my team, the coaching staff and Mr. Arlotta for that transition and accommodating me as best they can. The coaching staff and the players have helped me learn a lot about the game considering it’s new to me. Obviously the skill set is a lot different from outdoors... catching, throwing and shooting. Everyone has really helped me get settled in and get things going.  Alec: What is it like to be a rookie in the NLL? How have your teammates treated you and do you have any rookies chores or hazing? Kevin: It’s good, just like being a rookie in anything else, you’re at the bottom of the barrel, lowest man on the totem pole. No rookie hazing or anything like that, but I have to collect the balls and put the bags on the bus. Nothing too serious. Alec: You have been name Rookie of the Week twice this season, what has that meant to you? Kevin: I’m very blessed to win Rookie of the Week twice. I'm very proud, but obviously just one the 18 guys on the bench trying to get a goal and get a win. Alec: Coming into the season, did you picture yourself having such a big role on the team? Kevin: I’ve been taking it day by day, every chance I have on the floor or at practice, and obviously when I suite up for games. One thing that I control is my effort, just being in shape, pushing myself to the limit. That’s what I looked at and that’s what I controlled and I guess everything else fell in place. Alec: You have had some big games this season, particularly in Toronto when you scored 5 goals. To what do you attribute your success? Kevin: Like I said earlier, just hard work and giving everything I have when I’m on the floor. It kind of just clicked that night for me. As you get more comfortable, the game slows down for you. I was doing things that I had been taught to do from watching other good players. Alec: On the field, where do you most like to shoot? Kevin: Obviously I think your best chances are getting close to the net and the 1 on 1’s. I like to shoot a variety of shots. I like to shoot from the outside and from the inside. I think shooting has a lot to do with being unpredictable and catching the goalie off guard. Alec: What do you hope to accomplish individually and as a team here in Minnesota? Kevin: First step is to make the playoffs. We have been battling, we dug ourselves into a bit of a ditch there in the earlier part of the season. But we've battled back and our record in the last couple games has been solid. Once we get in the playoffs, our team goal is to win that championship. Personally I’d say just continue being an asset to my team, work hard and do all I can to help the franchise win. Alec: What do you do outside of lacrosse? Kevin: I actually just graduated in December, so I’m fresh out of college. I’m in kind of in that interview process right now and trying to find a job. I also coach the freshman lacrosse team at Calvert High (Cockeysville, MD), my former high school. I do that on the weekends or the weekdays when I’m not traveling with the Swarm. I really enjoy that and giving back to the community. Alec: What activities do you enjoy outside of lacrosse? Kevin: I love to play all kinds of sports, I’m kind of a sports fanatic. I enjoy fishing, surfing and snowboarding. I love board sports. I also enjoy hanging out with my buddies and having a good time. |
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