This week, we were fortunate to catch up with former Syracuse standout and New York Lizards midfielder JoJo Marasco (right; photo credit AP Images).
Marasco led Syracuse with 66 points (24 G, 42 A) in 2013, taking the Orange all the way to the National Championship game in Philadelphia. He was a Tewaarton finalist, the 2013 Big East Midfielder of the Year and unanimous selection to the All- Big East First Team. His 42 assists set a single-season Syracuse record for an Orange midfielder, surpassing Paul Gaits 34.
Below is our Q&A with JoJo, who discusses his experience at Syracuse, the transition from the high school game to the college game and his advice to high school players looking to play at the next level.
On playing in his first Championship Weekend:
It was an unbelievable feeling. It is tough to describe because to just get there, finally making it to the Final Four, was huge. Being a part of that whole weekend with everyone watching on ESPN and so many people there it was great to just be a part of it. The past couple of years I have been going down there because we did not make it. So I have always been watching it, but to finally be on that field and looking up in the stands, it was just incredible.
On the atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field compared to other venues he has played at:
I have played in the Big City Classic the past four years and in some other big [stadiums], and those were all great experiences too. But, there is something about the Final Four that sticks out. So many people are paying attention. You work so hard to be there, and to finally get there was really great.
On what it meant to wear No. 22 at Syracuse given the incredible legacy of players who have worn it in the past:
I was able to wear it for three years, and [it was great to] just be a part of guys like Gary Gait, Charlie Lockwood, and the Powells. To put that jersey on every game, knowing that you have to live up to all those expectations, is something that I always wanted. I am really happy that in my last year I was able to have the season I had, and be a part of all those great names.
On how critical the leadership the senior class was this season and his role in leading the team as captain:
I took more of a back seat to the other seniors that were captains and I tried to do more [talking] on the field. I tried to help the guys out on the sideline and speak to them in that context [instead of] doing a big speech in front of everyone. I cannot say enough about guys like Joe Fazio, Brian Megill, and Steve Ianzito for stepping up as seniors and making big speeches, [as well as] coming to practice every day and getting the guys going. I truly believe the leadership this year was incredible, and it was definitely a big part of us making it all the way to Championship Weekend.
On being named a Tewaarton Finalist and attending the banquet last week:
I cannot say enough about the Tewaarton banquet and the people who held it they were incredible. Just to be down there was something special. To be named with some of those guys like Rob Pannell, Marcus Holman, Thomas Schreiber, and Lyle Thompson was a great honor and a great feeling. The guys that were down there were so great. To be a part of that, with my coaches [with me] for the banquet, was something special. I cannot really explain it, it is something you dream of. To be there was great.
On transitioning from Attack to Midfield:
I have always been able to play [both]. Freshman year I played a little bit of both and then I strictly played attack sophomore year. Junior year I made the transition to midfield. It was definitely different because I am more of an inside shooter, so I had to learn to shoot a little farther out and work on my mechanics. It was tough my junior year. I figured it out more at the end of the year and then worked really hard [that] off-season to step up my game. I played box lacrosse in Canada, which really improved my game. Being a senior and trying to be a leader, I felt more relaxed this year and I was having fun. I think that was the biggest part of making the transition going out there playing my game, and not caring what everyone else thinks.
On what insight he would provide to our younger readers looking to get recruited to a big time Division I program such as Syracuse:
Lacrosse is one of the easiest sports to practice. You can go outside and do anything to practice. You can pick up a bunch of balls and shoot or you can find any wall and play. There are many easy ways to get better at lacrosse. You [have to] honestly just practice, keeping your dreams and your goals set and following them. There is a good chance, if you work hard enough, that you will have an opportunity to play at the Division I level.
On how he has seen the recruiting process change during his tenure at Syracuse and how he chose Syracuse:
It has gotten pretty crazy. I was getting recruited and could not even talk to coaches until my junior year [of high school]. Now you are seeing freshman commit. It is definitely a different aspect of college lacrosse. I think it might be hurting [the sport] a little bit, and the change is definitely huge.
I was originally committed to Ohio State, and then the head coach left. It was a tough decision, because the assistant coach Nick Myers ended up getting the job, and he is a [great] coach and such a great guy. But in the end, I wanted to have the opportunity to play in a National Championship game, and I finally got that opportunity as a senior. I cannot say enough about Syracuse. It was the best four years of my life. The coaches were unbelievable and the group of kids I met throughout my four years was the best.
On transitioning from high school to collegiate lacrosse:
It was a great opportunity. My goal was to go there and try to play as a freshman, try to [at least] get some time, and I was luckily able to do that. I really had to work hard, because I was going against some of the best lacrosse players in the country every day at practice. These guys were juniors and seniors, so I constantly tried to speak to them to see what I could do, because I was willing to do anything possible to get on the field. They were so great, the older guys, and they helped me out so much.
I think the biggest changes from high school to college are the speed, and now everyones stick skills are good. You have to play smart, know your game, and relax out there. I think it helped a lot to be a freshman and be able to look up to the juniors and seniors. They really helped me [become] the player I am today.
A big thanks to JoJo for his time!
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