Athlete of the Week: Alex Runde

Seventeen-year-old Alex Runde was selected to play with the Philadelphia Phantoms, an adult club lacrosse team, during the Allan Cup Indoor Lacrosse Festival Aug. 20, in Hatfield, Pa. The Saint Stephen’s senior also plays goalie for the Falcons and the American Indoor Lacrosse Association. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What did you enjoy the most about the Allan Cup?
It was great. I got to work with hall of fame coaches, like Bob Allan, and professional coaches. They really knew what they were talking about. We also got to play with the Iroquois Indians, who came right off of the reservation.

How did you get into lacrosse?
At first, I played it as a physical education sport. My friend played lacrosse, and I found myself without a sport in the spring. He said I would make a great goalie, so I gave it a try.

What do you enjoy the most about lacrosse?
It’s a fast-paced and physical sport. I get to show off my good reaction time, and I get to take goals away from people. That’s pretty fun.

What’s the toughest part about being a goalie?
In field lacrosse, it’s definitely the pain of it — having to take shots when you don’t have any padding. And in indoor lacrosse there’s more room and there are less players, so you have to stay big through that.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A meteorologist.

Do you have any siblings?
I have two brothers: Nick, who is in eighth grade, and Max, who is in fifth grade.

If you could play another sport for a day, what would it be?
Hockey. I’ve always kind of wished I could play, but I’m stuck down in Florida. It’s even faster than lacrosse.

Do you have a favorite food?
My life is sustained off of Triscuits. I also really like fried pork tenderloin sandwiches. It’s awful for you but delicious.

Who is your biggest role model?
My grandpa. He’s awesome. I can talk to him for hours. He’s about to turn 80, and a few years ago during a hurricane, he came out with us in the Gulf of Mexico, and we went boogie boarding.