Bobby Perez, a sophomore from Rocky River, Ohio, has been chosen for the focus on this installment of the "Endicott Student-Athelte Spotlight" for this efforts both on and off the field. Perez is an International Business major and is a member of the Endicott men's lacrosse team that is currently #9 in the most recent USILA poll. We were able to catch up with the sophomore and ask him a few questions for the Spotlight.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
As a Division III student-athlete, I can focus on my studies. School is very important to me and I take pride in my work. Lacrosse is an added bonus to my educational experience so playing at this level was a very easy decision for me.
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Endicott?
The moment I stepped on this campus, I had a brand new family. Whether I am at practice or just hanging out, I can be found with my teammates. We compete everyday and strive to be one of the best teams in the country. I could not imagine my Endicott experience any other way.
What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being a student-athlete?
While being a student-athlete here at Endicott, there are many fantastic lessons that I have learned while playing under Coach Quirk. First, I have learned how to be much more effective with time management in order to be an effective student as well as an effective athlete. Second, it is crucial to face adversity because in life not everything will go your way and how you respond is what matters. Finally, it is crucial to be honest with yourself and own up to your mistakes. In order to be a man you need to recognize what you have done wrong, correct the mistake and move on from it.
Who have been the most influence people in your athletic career?
Skip Guilford, one of my original lacrosse coaches, instilled the love for the game of lacrosse in my life. He did not have a son on our team early in my career, but he was there because he loved the game so much and wanted to share it with the community of Rocky River. I eventually want to have the same impact on someone else as he did on me.
How would your teammates describe you?
I think my teammates would describe me as pretty goofy. I generally try to stay up beat and encourage my teammates as much as I can. We work so hard and are under a fair amount of pressure (from ourselves), but I always try to keep the mood upbeat.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
On game day, I first have a very specific hat that I wear. Once I put my hat on, I head to the locker room and I usually try to be one of the first people there. I like to throw around and make sure my stick is throwing right. Once I have put my equipment on, I put on my eye black the same way for every game.
What is your greatest sports moment?
My greatest sports moment was in a hockey game. In the State District Final, I hit the game winner in order to send the team to the State Semi-Finals for the first time since the 70's.
Which public figure (athlete, politician, entertainer, etc) would you most like to meet and what one question would you ask them?
I would like to meet the front office members of the Cleveland Browns and my question would be simple. Why are we this bad so consistently? It is almost painful watching the games on Sundays and I'm almost lucky to be so far away from home so my Sundays aren't miserable.
What internships have you completed (or are a part of now)? What benefit have you gotten out of them?
In my two years at Endicott, I have completed internships with Capgemini and SolarX Eyewear. Through both internships, I have learned effective communication skills in the business world. These internships have helped lay a foundation for my future success later in life.
If you have been involved in community service projects, what project has been the most rewarding and why?
I am very involved in community service, and no event is more rewarding than another. I will talk about my two most recent events. Team Impact and the coaches of our program have partnered to bring Ken Wallace into our family. I am one of four team leaders that leads communication between the Wallace's and our team. Ken has had an unbelievable impact on our program and we have not lost a game he has attended. Last fall, I headed the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk for the Endicott Men's Lacrosse team. In about a week or so, our team raised $1,650. It has been an honor to have a great impact in the Endicott Community
Name three things on your "bucket list".
1. Sky Dive 2. Reach the Summit of a Mountain 3. Feed Sharks
Where do you see yourself in 10 years after graduation? What is your dream job?
I generally do not like to look that far into the future, but my dream job would be within GoPro because I am fascinated with their product and its capabilities.
What would you say to someone currently in high school who is considering attending Endicott?
Come to the Nest!
Is there something about you that we don't know? Tell is something special about yourself that we haven't asked!
I will be attending Bond University in Australia next fall for a semester abroad.