Johngyup Son

Lacrosse has been a life-long endeavor for fourth year Andrew Ruocco. “In the town I’m from, Corning, NY, you pretty much grow up with a stick in your hand,” said Ruocco, who started playing at the age of six. Ruocco described Corning as “lacrosse land,” its devotion stemming from a strong high school program.

“When I came in as a freshman, I had the opportunity to step into a pretty important role,” told Ruocco of his arrival on the RIT team. Ruocco began as a starter, along with many other freshmen that year. As a “close knit-group,” the now senior-class has grown, gained experience, and become the core of this year’s team. “It all generates from the seniors,” said Ruocco.

As a sophomore, Ruocco truly showed his potential in what he described as one of his biggest moments in lacrosse. Playing at Nazareth College, “It was a tie game, someone took a shot, there was a rebound at the (goal) crease, I picked it up and threw it behind my back for the winning goal.” “I love playing them (Nazareth),” said Ruocco, “everyone always brings their best game.”

This season, “We started off really slow…We dropped some games we shouldn’t have lost.” Now on a five-game winning streak, Ruocco attributes this change in momentum to two things: Firstly, “everyone realized we have this potential, we are a good team we were just not playing like we should.” Secondly, “our seniors realized if we don’t start picking it up, it’s done. There is no coming back.”

RIT entered the Empire 8 semifinals this past weekend. If two wins are secured, RIT will be able to play in the NCAAs regardless of their regular season record. “We have to take care of this weekend, and then it’s a whole new season after that,” stressed Ruocco. On Friday, RIT took Stevens with a score of 9-6. Ruocco scored five of the goals.

After graduating, Ruocco does not plan on playing professionally. He plans on playing summer leagues and at tending tournaments such as “War on the Shore.” “I will always be back for the RIT charity tournament every summer,” promised Ruocco.