Sept. 22, 2007
Worcester, Mass. - Senior John Lancaster (Foxboro, Mass./Foxboro)and the Georgetown football team play at Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon. For Lancaster, a native of Massachusetts, it's a chance to play in front of family and friends. After the team arrived at its hotel near Holy Cross on Friday, Lancaster took some time to sit down with Hoya Headliner.
HH: Why did you ultimately decide to come here?
JL: After my visit to the campus I was sold. I loved the people and the location, and having the ability to play football while getting a great education fit the bill.
HH: What was the transition like from high school to college for you?
JL: It was easy up until the night before I was leaving to report for my first football camp, then the gravity of what I was doing hit me. I wasn't ready to leave the comforts of my home, but I soon found a new home on the hilltop.
HH: Are you excited about the direction of the program?
JL: Yes, we are doing some great things and we have come so far since my freshman year. If we can build upon last week I am confident we will see more wins in the near future.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
JL: My parents have always been a source of strength for me and they have helped me get to where I am and stay here. Whenever I need to get something off my chest or find some direction I give them a call.
HH: Do you have any superstitions before games?
JL: None that I can bring to mind.
HH: What is on your iPod?
JL: Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, Wolfmother, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, The Beatles, Journey, The Police.
HH: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
JL: Kid Nation, because I just saw the first episode and it looks awesome, and who doesn't want to be a kid again?
HH: Who is your favorite player of all-time in your particular sport?
JL: Tom Brady
HH: What would you do if you won a million dollars?
JL: Take a nice vacation with friends and family.
HH: What do you like to do in the off-season?
JL: I like to get the good, old college experience and meet kids outside my normal circle, and also get to know my teammates better off the field.
HH: What is your favorite quote from your Coach?
JL: "I thought about moving practice back today, for about 30 seconds, and then I said forget that! If you're up you're up!"
HH: What is the best/worst thing about living in D.C.?
JL: Best - M street, Rhino in particular, it's a great Boston sports bar, they play all the Red Sox games and have the best staff. Worst - It is very expensive to live in this area.
HH: What is your "breakfast of champions?
JL: Egg, Ham, and Swiss on a bagel. and some apple juice.
HH: If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?
JL: Guns N' Roses or Nirvana
HH: What is your favorite holiday?
JL: Christmas without a doubt, nothing beats seeing the whole family and eating great food.
HH: When did you first start playing football?
JL: In fourth grade I started out as a running back on the E team at Foxboro Midget Football and we went 8-0.
HH: When did you know that you wanted to play football competitively in college?
JL: Going into my freshman year of high school after my first day at Boston College Football Camp.
HH: Who is your biggest rival?
JL: Personally, I've never been a big Holy Cross fan because I grew up nearby, professionally I hate the Yankees.
HH: What was the best moment in your career so far?
JL: Coming back after breaking my ribs last year against Charleston Southern, I had an interception off a tipped screen pass by Buzz (Alex Buzbee). It was the greatest rush I had ever felt on the field because I just sat out five or six weeks healing and had doubts about my return, buy my passion and desire to play came back stronger than ever after that play.
HH: What is a typical practice like?
JL: I just have great times with Coach Sgarlata each and every day.
HH: Who on the team do you rely on the most?
JL: Personally, and I will go a step further even though I don't like speaking for team, I feel that Phon Hudkins is someone we can all rely on. At any given moment any one of us could be "feelin' sorry for ourselves" due to the stresses of life and school and because we have to wake so early and toil on the gridiron. But without fail, Phon is always there to give us support and be our No. 1 fan, and I think he gives us all a sense of dedication.
HH: If you could change one thing about football what would it be?
JL: I would have kickers be treated with more respect on all levels of play.
HH: What do you have in your personal equipment bag?
JL: Grape Big League Chew
HH: Do you have any regrets about playing football?
JL: None, every triumph and failure I have had while playing this sport has made me stronger in one way or another.
HH: If you could be great at any other sport or event besides football, what would it be?
JL: I am a huge fan of Ninja Warrior on the G4 television network, if this is considered a sport, I would love to participate and make it to the final stage.
HH: Anything you want to do before you graduate?
JL: I would like to take some time to visit other colleges, local and back home, to see what people and life are like there.
HH: Your most embarrassing moment?
JL: I don't think I have been embarrassed since middle school, and I can't remember that far back.
HH: Who in your life inspires you the most?
JL: My late Papa, Charlie Werner, who was a very strong man in many ways and could take on great responsibilities.
HH: What do you consider to be your biggest fear?
JL: My biggest fear is fellow teammate Jamie O'Brien with his locker-room antics. As for my greatest fear, it is probably heights.
HH: What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
JL: Watch some college ball with my house mates and friends, get in some quality time with my parents after the games, and check out the social scene.
HH: What one word people use to describe you?
JL: Hyper.
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
JL: Pizzeria Paradiso.
HH: What is your dream job?
JL: One that involves little work and big pay.
HH: Favorite TV show?
JL: South Park
HH: Favorite movie?
JL: True Romance. The title is mis-leading, you should check it out if you haven't seen it.
HH: Least favorite movie?
JL: Dumber and Dumber-er or the New World. Horrible movies.
HH: Freshman dorm?
JL: Darnall
HH: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
JL: Somewhere tropic on the beach with a cool drink because who wouldn't want to be there.
HH: Any advice for anyone who wants to play football?
JL: Get used to watching film and having meetings. Lots of meetings.
HH: What do you plan to do for spring break?
JL: Get a big crew and go down to Mexico, probably Acapulco.
HH: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
JL: I don't know where I'll be in 10 days. I like to let things work themselves out as they come.
HH: Booey's or Wisey's?
JL: Wisey's definitely.
