Name: Patrik Prochazka

Team: Czech Republic

Position: Midfield

Age: 30

Birthplace: Prague

The skinny: The 5-foot-10, 180-pound player has been on the Czech national team since 1994. He first played lacrosse eight years ago after his brother-in-law took him to a game. "I was interested immediately after the first time I saw lacrosse," he said through an interpreter. He currently lives in Prague and is an electrician there. He has a wife named Monica. Prochazka said he was very nervous before the game against Germany and is relieved that it's over. "But it's bad that we lost," he said.

Superstitions: Prochazka doesn't like to talk to anyone before games. He prefers to stare at the ground and think to himself.

Pub Date: 7/19/98