Senior tri-captain is very proud of the program's growth in his time in Rindge

(Editor's Note: Student writer Anthony Chighisola recently sat down and talked with men's lacrosse senior tri-captain Michael Andersen, who has seen the program grow "leaps and bounds" in his time in Rindge. He is very proud of that fact, including a huge 11-10 win over No. 9 nationally-ranked Saint Anselm on Saturday in Manchester.)

By Anthony Chighisola (FPU Athletics Student Writer)

AC: What is the lacrosse team looking to accomplish this year?

MA: We're not looking to do big things this year, but all of the little things right.  If all of the little things are done correctly then it makes the big picture that much easier to accomplish. We can only improve from these years forward.

AC: What do you bring to the lacrosse team?

MA: I personally bring a sense of leadership and experience to spread around to the younger guys.  It's really about the team this year and keeping it together. 

AC: Who is your favorite lacrosse player professionally?

MA: My favorite lacrosse player professionally is Jack Reid out of the University of Massachusetts.  He was a terrific player, lock down defender and has played against some of the game's best. He secured their defense and brought them to the national championship in 2006.

AC: What made you choose Franklin Pierce?

MA: I was recruited by the former coach to come play lacrosse at Franklin Pierce, but after meeting some of the players and students on campus I saw that they were normal people.  I saw myself getting along with everyone, athletes and non athletes alike.

AC: How has the lacrosse team changed over the years?

MA: Wow!  This is the question I have been waiting for. The lacrosse team has changed leaps and bounds through the four years I've played on the team.  From the bottom of the league when I was a freshman, we were not a competing team at all.  When I was a sophomore, the athletic department brought in Rick Senatore from Saint Anslem College and it has been only positive things from there on out.  A one-win season defined my first year but patience has paid off.  We are one of the up-and-coming programs in the league.  The teams we used to lose to by 10 or 15 goals were circling us on the schedule for a win.  Now they are preparing and scouting us just as much as everyone else.  

AC: What is your favorite thing about Franklin Pierce?

MA: My favorite thing about FPU are the people.  Just like I assumed when I visited, the people here are great.  I've made a lot of life-long friends while I've been here.

AC: Any advice to incoming freshman who will play lacrosse?

MA: Listen to the coaches.  They know how to coach and win.  It really helps and is only for the better.