Q&A // Chris Ashcraft, South Carroll, lacrosse

By Rich Scherr | Special to The Sun

May 4, 2008

South Carroll's Chris Ashcraft has been a defender from his earliest days in lacrosse. In fact, he can hardly remember a time in his career when he wasn't carrying a long pole.

So how is it that he has emerged as one of the top attackmen in Carroll County?

The senior switched to offense at the behest of his coach upon entering high school, even though he continues as a defender for the Central Maryland Lacrosse Club, based in Westminster, and played goalie for the Cavaliers' soccer team.

He will continue his lacrosse career as a defender next season at Division III Guilford College in North Carolina.

When was the first time you learned you'd be playing attack?

When I showed up at practice freshman year and I had my long pole. My coach took it and gave me his, and was like, "You're going to be using this." I was kind of shocked, but then again I looked at it like, "Why not? Let's have fun with it."

How tough a transition was that for you?

I honestly think it's a lot easier. On defense, you're reading what the other person does, but on offense you're doing what you want. It's what you want to do instead of trying to stop what the other person is doing.

Do you think that the perspective you gain playing offense makes you a better defender, as well

Oh yeah. It helps a lot because I'm just watching for little things now that I know are troublesome -- when to throw a check, when they're more vulnerable. ... It also helps you see stuff a lot better. Your vision increases because you're seeing it everywhere now and you kind of get the chance to sit back and look at everything.

Do you think you've developed your offensive skills a great deal in the past couple years?

Yeah. I think I've had a lot of luck and help. There are a lot of people that have helped me out. My stick-handling [ability] has really increased, because you have to get better at it with the long pole beating on you. When I switched back to long pole for the summer, my stick skill was just so much better, just because of that one season with a short pole in my hand playing offense.

Just a couple weeks ago you decided to attend Guilford College. What led you to that decision?

It kind of just came down to the best offer. And I also kind of wanted to play a lot, and I knew I could do that down there.

You were recruited as a defender. Now that you have playing experience on both sides of the ball, however, do you wish you had an opportunity to continue as an attackman?

Not really. It's enjoyable, but I'd rather play with the long pole. It seems a lot more fun to me. It challenges me more, I think.

Have you thought about what you'd like to study in college?

I'm hoping to get into physical education.

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Q&A // Chris Ashcraft, South Carroll, lacrosse

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