Sten Jernudd Commits to Cornell, Class of 2010!

Sten Jernudd, a Lakeside two–sport athlete playing Basketball and Lacrosse towers over other players at a staggering 6-foot 5-inches tall.  We grabbed him to talk through his recruiting experience, Lacrosse exposure, and what he has done to get to this point.  Recruited by a number of schools, Sten has verbally committed to Cornell, to become the second player from Seattle in as many years to play for the Big Red.  Sten will join Shane O’Neill (Seattle Prep) when the 2010 class enters Cornell.

Walax: When and where did you first start playing Lacrosse?

3rd grade in Annapolis MD, playing in the Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association.  We lived on Green street right next to the Naval Academy.

Walax: Were you interested in attending the Academy living so close?

We sponsored midshipmen, and I was interested, but not driven to it.

Walax: When did you move to the Seattle Lacrosse scene?

Moved to Seattle in 2002, and played for Kris Snider.  On my team then was Drew, Shane and AP at Queen Anne, Jason Montoya as well.

Walax: Quite the dream team – who was best between those guys then?

Well, it was a toss up between AP and Drew depending on the day (no offense Shane;)

Walax: How do you feel Basketball has helped with your Lacrosse game?

Getting to the goal is a lot like getting to the rim.  Dodges are a lot like basketball moves.  Very similar body movements, so the game and transition translates well.

Walax: Which sport do you prefer and why?

Lacrosse, of course.  It combines elements of basketball, soccer and hockey, and you get to hit people <smiles>

Walax: At what point did you decide you wanted to play college Lacrosse?

Probably freshman year, I realized it was my favorite sport and I wanted to play it as much as I could.

Walax: What did you do, to play at a higher level?

Playing Starz helped playing against the top talent, Coach Pattison helped pushing me as a freshman, getting me minutes on the field , kind of trial by fire... just working hard with these opportunities.  Starz was huge for me.  I started lifting, shooting, hitting the wall, staying after practice and putting in work on the “little things.”

Walax: What about your grades?  Did you work hard in the classroom like the Lacrosse field?

I did put work into the classroom and I was fortunate to perform well on the major standardized tests.

Walax: What is your most memorable Lacrosse experience ?

I think I have to go with, 3rd grade.  We played at halftime of the Hopkins/Maryland game as Annapolis Youth Lacrosse Association,  and  won 1-0.

Walax: Tell me about the process of recruiting from your eyes as a student athlete?

For me, it went pretty well, I got some interest last summer, some e-mails and communication, but the fall was really what did it for me.  I got letters and e-mails from West Coast Starz, and then the Seattle Starz trip to Hofstra, and was a lot to think about.

Walax: Biggest Lacrosse influences?

Kris Snider, Fred Wilmot, Tony Olmert, Jeff Pattison and all the predecessors who played before me now playing division I - they set the bar for me at Queen Anne.  I am super excited to play with Shane O’Neill again.

Walax: Lacrosse recruiting experience is much more accelerated in Lacrosse from other sports? How so?

Well, schools like UNC and Hopkins,  are already full.  There is a lot of pressure for coaches to get you in as soon as possible..  Coach Tambroni didn’t pressure me, he let me make my decision, and I sincerely respect that.  Cornell was very good in the recruiting process to me.  Basketball, the summer before your senior year for Division I Basketball players, is the most important time for recruiting.  For Lacrosse, it is the fall and the summer before your Junior year for the top D I schools.

Walax: What kind of advice would you give other kids looking to get recruited?

You have to put your head down and work hard.  Play all summer and fall.  I recommend Starz, and working individually on the little things, the extra work for ground balls, shooting, wall ball, and athletic development to improve speed, athleticism, and just be determined if it is really want to do.

Walax: What other “Brand Name Schools” were interested in you?

Cornell, Duke and Army were really my top three…

Walax: Your not just saying that because I am a Navy guy right?

<laughs> Of course not.

Walax: What do you have in your iPod that gets you ready to play the “Big Game”

‘Make it hot’ Wiz Khalifa is the tune I like the most.

Walax: What are your expectations for the coming season for the team and you personally?

I would love for us (Lakeside) make the playoffs and get a playoff win.  I plan on getting Hector Rhodes the ball often because we all know he is a sniper.  I personally, will do anything to help the team win.  Get a pole, play goalie- whatever it takes.

Walax: What defensemen will be your biggest challenge this year?

McLean at Issaquah, McDermott at BI, or Austin Franks at Vashon- all three are pretty nasty.

Walax: If you could sum up your feelings right now in one sentence-

I am super pumped to have committed to a program such as Cornell, but at the same time, I am focused on this season, and trying to help Lakeside go out and get some ‘W’s.

Christian Kennedy from Cold Spring Harbor in Long Island, NY, regarded as the best middy recruit on Long Island and some say, in the country this year, also committed to Cornell which puts Sten in pretty good company.  If you know Sten, take the time to congratulate him.  If you don’t know him, you won’t be able to miss him.  Good luck this season, “Nordic Viking”.