Quimby opts to stick to lacrosse

Connor Quimby is a senior attack for the Guilderland boys' lacrosse team.

Quimby, who also plays for the Albany Power during the offseason, will next compete for Division II national power Le Moyne College. The top-ranked Dolphins have captured five national titles since 2004.

Quimby tops the Dutchmen (3-5) with 20 goals and six assists. He tallied four goals and one assist Saturday in a 12-11 victory over Christian Brothers Academy.

Q: Did the win Saturday start the weekend off on a high note?

A: Yeah, it was crazy. We shouldn't have let them back into the game (after leading 4-0 through one quarter), but they made a few runs and the next thing you know, it was a tied game. It was good to win.

Q: Where do you see yourselves among the top contenders in the Suburban Council?

A: Obviously, I see Niskayuna as the top team. It is close then between Shen and Shaker. After that, it is anybody's for the taking. Right now, we seem like we're gelling well. We have a lot of sophomores stepping up into their roles.

Q: It wasn't that long ago when you were the younger player looking for guidance. How much are you now trying to help the younger players transition to the varsity level?

A: I am just trying to let them know to just do their job and get it done. It is just a game at the end of the day. I tell them, 'You'll be fine.'

Q: You are known for your ability to score goals, yet your passing skills are also strong. How much pride do you take in your ability to create offense?

A: Coach (Sean McConaghy) really emphasizes moving it for one more (pass). When you think you have a shot, making the next pass usually sets up a better shot. We have been trying to focus on that lately: looking for the open cutters down the midfield. We have to get everyone involved. It can't just be a few guys.

Q: Did Saturday's weather feel like 90 degrees out there compared to the rotten conditions all the spring teams have endured thus far?

A: The weather isn't a major factor, but it definitely helps with the mood and being upbeat. Good weather helps put everyone in a better mood. No one wants to play in the sleet, rain or it being 30 degrees.

Q: I understand there is some family lineage involved with you selecting Le Moyne. You garnered Division I interest, so what helped you choose LeMoyne?

A: Honestly, the family history wasn't as big of a factor as what you thought it might be. It was more that I visited Le Moyne and liked (the program) winning national championships. I knew some of the guys there. My dad liked it there and two of my uncles went there. They had a great time. They positively influenced me. The level of play is good. I wanted the intensity of Division I. When I visited, they were all about business: winning a national championship. I want to be part of that.

Q: Some athletes get so enamored with playing at the Division I level, they somethimes put themselves into bad situations. You want to enjoy success and have fun doing it, right?

A: Definitely. I feel like Le Moyne is just right for me.

Q: Have you settled on a major yet?

A: I'm up in the air right now. I am thinking either business or pre-med. Going pre-med would be a big commitment.

Q: Your sister Cara plays lacrosse at Syracuse. Is that a benefit being in the same area?

A: She likes it. The weather isn't great in Syracuse, but she told me I won't have a bad time there. It is cool that we're close to each other. Never bad to have family near you.

Q: You focused in on lacrosse and gave up football and basketball. Some people play multiple sports and others specialize with one. Why did you decide to only play lacrosse?

A: I was a three-sport athlete in ninth grade. I had just gotten done with football. I tweaked my knee. It wasn't a fear thing, but the injury made me ask myself, 'What do I want to do more?' At the time, I was going to be a freshman on varsity. I saw myself going far with lacrosse and basketball was sort of a fun thing I did, but I have never too serious with it. It was between football and lacrosse for me. I love football. I went to all of the (varsity) team's games. My best friend is the quarterback (Mason Leto). It was tough to give up football, but I thought it was the best decision for me.

Q: Everyone wants to win a sectional title, especially seniors. What are you hoping to get out of these next few weeks?

A: I definitely want to be competitive in the playoffs, but I also have a realistic view. ... I wouldn't say it is wanting to leave a legacy, but I want to help out the younger guys. We have a JV team that hasn't lost a game and a strong group of sophomores on varsity. I want to help show them the right path.

jallen@timesunion.com • 518-454-5062 • @TUSidelines