Lacrosse Playground, every once in awhile, features a different lacrosse athlete as part of our “Grip ‘N Rip” series, where we’ll find out what the best use to fine tune their game. Today we feature Lehigh attackman, Dante Fantoni. Dante was Lehigh's leading scorer in 2010 and '11. He plans on doing the same in '12 while also helping his team make a run for the Patriot League Championship and the NCAAs.
What head do you use?
Right now, I use a Superpower.
What handle do you use?
I use an STX Alliance 135.
Where does your pocket sit/what type of pocket do you prefer?
My pocket sits in the mid/lower part of my head so I can feel the ball and pass it as quickly as I can.
Who is your stick doctor? Do you string it yourself or have a go-to-teammate/friend?
It used to be Cameron Lao-Gosney, but now it’s one of our Canadian freshmen Dan Taylor. He likes his stick the same way I do.
What kind of mesh do you use (Hard, soft, monster, traditional/leathers, marc , etc.)? Why?
I use hard mesh because that's what I have used my whole life and it works for me.
What is your preferred glove?
I really like the gloves we used last year which were the Nike Vapor Elite.
How much whip does your stick have?
My stick has absolutely no whip. It is easier for me to direct the ball with no whip and when I shoot, it comes out nice and smooth.
Anything unique you do to your head or shaft (pocket up-keep, tape jobs, alterations, etc.)?
I tape my stick up the same way before every game. I have the tape coming up from the bottom of my stick and also a couple of strips, so I know where to put my hands when I shoot the ball.
How long do you keep a stick before you get a new one?
I usually keep it until we get our new heads the following year.
What’s most important to you in a stick/what makes a good stick?
The most important thing for me is to have a stick with no whip. When there’s no whip, I don't have to think as much because I know where the ball is going.
What tunes are playing in the lockerroom right now?
Right now, Avicii is big in our Locker room with songs like Levels and Fade into darkness as well as Start it up - Lloyd Banks.
Lloyd Banks "Start It Up" by Datzhott.com
What’s the best part about playing lacrosse at Lehigh?
The best part about playing lacrosse at Lehigh is having the opportunity to play lacrosse with some great guys as well as being able to compete for championships every year.
What are you doing when you aren't playing lacrosse?
I am either at my house or one of the other junior lacrosse houses hanging out with my teammates. It's very convenient having the three houses within 20 yards of each other.
Do you know what your future plans are after college?
I’m not quite sure yet, but I am looking for internships right now.
What should we expect from Lehigh this year?
You should expect big things from our program this year. Our team has a majority of the starters and key players back from last year and all of us still have a bad taste in our mouths from the way last year ended. We also brought in a great recruiting class and we have many of them competing for time right now. I think we have all the pieces of the puzzle to make a run for the Patriot League Championship and even in the NCAAs.
