Stealth Defenseman Chris O'Dogherty: The Passion Behind his Love of the Game

A Couple of weeks ago, we had a two of the Stealth's newest guys come out for a weekend to hang at Breakaway, do a clinic for TYLA, and one for Walax in the North Sound.  As cool as it is for Washingtonian Lacrosse folks to experience this sudden boon in Lacrosse expertise, I now know, it is equally as cool for them.  Enter Chris O'Dougherty.  Finishing his last year as a Scarlet Knight of Rutgers in the Spring, he is the returning team MVP.  Chris was drafted by the Stealth to play in Everett.  In addition to being a great Defensemen in the field game, he is passionate about box, and helping others enjoy the gift of Lacrosse.

After standing at Breakaway, signing autographs for hours, I joked with "OD" that the first questions for our chat would be the most popular questions people had asked him throughout the day.  Here were his top questions from other folks:

1) Where did u play college lacrosse? Rutgers
2) Where did I grow up? New Jersey
3) How did you like denver for outdoor? Loved it. Best team in the MLL
4) what position to play? Defense

And now that we have those out of the way, Chris opened up a little over dinner, and I asked him a few questions that were a little deeper.

Walax: What is in your iPod right now?

OD: Well, some standards from the Greatful Dead, and some Jay-Z.  I like a good mix.

Walax: Which hotbed do you consider yourself a part of?  Long Island or Baltimore?

OD: I am for sure, not a Long Island guy.

Walax: What is your favorite thing about Lacrosse at Rutgers?

OD: Without a doubt, it is my teammates.  Friends sweat together, hang together.

Walax: What is your best Lacrosse memory?

OD: Lacrosse keeps me sane.  I had a serious car accident when I was younger, with two of my best friends in the car.  One didn't make it, and I felt personally responsible for that.  Lacrosse gave me focus, and the community helped me through that moment.  Now, it is a part of me, and the people around me like my teammates.  I am still very much living in the moment...

Walax: What are some of your other favorites aside from Lacrosse and the Dead?

OD: Favorite food is Ribs.  Favorite place to be- anywhere outdoors.

Walax: Well, I think you will probably fit in around here <smile>

Walax: Who is your biggest Lacrosse influence?

OD: My High School Lacrosse coach, Danny DeCicco.  He helped me get into Rutgers, and I talk to him to this day.  He was instrumental for me as a coach.

Walax: DO you have any pets?

OD: I have two labs at home, though we just had one put down last week.  I love dogs though.

Walax: What is something that people don't know about you, but would respect you for if they did?

OD:Probably that I respect my family and part of my success I attribute to them and my good name.

Walax: Jay-Z and the Dead, huh?  Sounds like you are a man of opposites.  What are two directions you are challenged with in life?

OD: Well, Lacrosse is my passion.  All aspects of the game.  I love passing on my love of Lacrosse to others.  I guess I am torn by the "regular life" path, having a steady job, and working towards the material signs of success.  That is the great thing about Lacrosse for me.  I get to travel and be a part of this franchise.  I guess they seem to be merging together, so I guess I am really not torn.  I feel fortunate to get to do both...

Walax: What was it like to come out here away from the hotbeds, into an emerging Lacrosse market?

OD: It was amazing.  I was treated like a real person by everyone here.  People seem genuine and interest.  Because of the Stealth, I feel like a big deal.