One on One: Bob Fahey ‘12 - defense - Bishop Guertin (NH) - Boys Lacrosse
Posted: June 17 2011
Bob Fahey '12 is a junior defenseman on the two-time state champion Bishop Guertin lacrosse team. Fahey had a great season this year as the junior captain recently received an invitation to tryout for the U-19 U.S team that will play in the 2012 World Team Championships. Fahey is one of 122 players in the country headed to the tryout from July 7-10 in Baltimore, MD.
The 6'3 200 lb. Fahey is also a D2 New Hampshire all-state football player at defensive back and will take over the reigns at QB next year for the defending Super Bowl champion Cardinals.
After winning a second consecutive lacrosse state championship we touched base with Fahey before he embarks on another busy summer for a One on One Interview:
Can you talk about winning your second consecutive state championship? What made this championship season different from last year's?
BF: Winning two in a row was really special. There has never been a BG team to go back to back before this one. Beating Pinkerton, our rivals, made it even better too. This season we were a very young team. We graduated 22 seniors from last year and there were only two senior starters this year, both on offense. Our underclassmen really stepped it up especially down the stretch.
Pinkerton beat you guys earlier in the season. What made this game so different and what did you guys do as a defense to shut down their scoring opportunities?
BF: Our first game in May was played in the rain and mud. It definitely made a difference in the pace of the game and the way we could use our athleticism to get up and down the field. This game we played on turf and we used our speed as an advantage. We pushed the ball in transition and beat them to the hole. Defensively, we packed it in tight and went to a no-slide package in the second half because they were not beating our guys and when we did slide, they looked to force the crease from the slide guy. We allowed two goals the entire second half with this defense.
When did you being playing lacrosse?
BF: I began playing in the third grade in the Westford Youth league. It was a relatively new youth sport in Westford at the time and I figured I would try it out. I didn’t start to love the game until the 5th grade when my coach gave me a long pole. That summer was when I realized that lacrosse was the sport I wanted to focus on.
How has your game developed over the years to the point of being a highly regarded player on a National level? What are some of the things you do to work on your game in the off-season?
BF: My stick skills and clearing ability are a big part of my game and they’ve improved throughout the years. My parents bought me a lax wall when I was little and I am on that thing constantly. I kept growing and getting faster which always helps. Also, going against some good dodgers everyday like Matt Thistle has helped me with my one on one game. During the offseason in the winter I work out with a trainer. We work on lifting, speed, and footwork. Even though I play defense, I go and shoot with my friends all the time too.
You committed to UMass before your junior season. Can you take us through the recruiting process for you and what made you decide on UMass?
BF: UMass was the first school I visited last summer and right away I knew it was going to be one of my top choices. I did not want to rush through the process and make the wrong decision, so I visited a handful of other schools in the fall. It came down to UMass, Syracuse, Maryland, and UVM. My parents and I sat down before Thanksgiving and I told them that UMass felt right. I called Coach (Greg) Cannella that night and told him I wanted to play for him. It was relieving when the process finally came to an end.
With the summer becoming so important in the development of a lacrosse player can you talk a little about your experience with the Tomahawks and at All-Star Games this past summer?
BF: Coach Chris Cameron of the Tomahawks really helped me out with the whole process. With it being hard for college coaches to get to high school games, summer tournaments are the place to be. Knowing that coaches are at these games can put a lot of pressure on kids. It’s key to just play your game and have fun with it. If you make a bad play you have to shake it off and think about the next play.
What are you plans for the upcoming summer?
BF: I’m playing for the Tomahawks again this summer and also trying out for the US U-19 team.
Can you talk about the major influences in your life that have shaped you on and off the field?
My family is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today. They drove me all around the east coast to tournaments and camps, sacrificing much of their summer time. A shout out to my twin brother, TJ, who was always willing to play long toss with me in the street. Also my coach at BG and Tomahawks Chris Cameron has been awesome over my years playing for him. He believed in me since I got to BG and started me as a freshman. My skills would not be where they are today without the coaching of him.
Can you talk about your experience so far at BG and what originally brought you to BG from Westford (MA)?
BF: BG has been great to me. Going in and starting as a freshman, the other defenseman took me in as one of them. They really helped with my confidence that year especially in big games. Coach Cameron and coach Pat Caveny are always looking for ways to improve my game. They are as dedicated to team as the players are. What really brought me to BG was the coaching. Westford had been having some issues with their coaches and one of my friends who went to BG told me about coach Cameron. When I decided I wanted to try and take my game to the next level, having the right coach in high school was something I definitely needed.
Can you talk about some of the other sports you play and how being a multi-sport athlete helps your lacrosse game?
BF: I’ve played football since 2nd grade and love it. I’ve been on varsity since freshman year and have won three state titles. Next year I take over at QB to go for the 4-peat. Playing football and other sports other than lacrosse keeps you in great shape year round. It also changes up the pace a little bit to get you away from lacrosse for a little while. I know some kids that have got burned out from playing too much lacrosse and doing nothing else.
What do you enjoy doing off the field? Hobbies, interests etc.?
In the winter, I ski every weekend up in Vermont. My dad has always been a huge skier and he started me off when I was 2. He bought a ski house for the family when I was 9 and we’ve gone almost every weekend since then. When the weather is nice in the spring and summer my friends and I swim, shoot, and just hang out.
Lastly, what is something unique about you that not many people know?
I have a twin brother, Tom, who chose to play baseball over lacrosse.
