Each week Lacrosse Playground 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. This week we are featuring Boys’ Latin’s Face-Off specialist RG Keenan.
Boys’ Latin players have become a dominant fixture since the beginning of this millennium. Delaware’s Alex Smith, Carolina’s Shane Walterhoefer, and future Carolina FOGO Keenan. Smith has transformed face-offs. That’s a given. Check out the video of Walterhoefer and the Keenan Grip ‘N Rip below.
What head do you use?
I use the old Warrior Blade because of how good it is for face offs.
What handle do you use?
I use the old C405.
Where does your pocket sit/what type of pocket do you prefer?
Near the top I would say but I like smaller pockets over a big bag.
Who is your stick doctor? Do you string it yourself or have a go-to-teammate/friend?
A kid named Ryan Rubenstein has been stringing my sticks for about 4 years. He’s probably strung 35 heads for me total.
What kind of mesh do you use (Hard, soft, traditional/leathers, marc , etc.)? Why?
I love soft mesh because the ball can sit anywhere in the stick and throw well.
What is your preferred glove?
I like the New Mac Daddy’s, we got them for school this year and I love them.
How much whip does your stick have?
I have no whip at all in my stick. You don’t need it to shoot hard.
Anything unique you do to your head or shaft (pocket up-keep, tape jobs, alterations, etc.)?
I always tape the bottom about 12 inches up and the top 5 or 6 inches down.
How long do you keep a stick before you get a new one?
It depends on if I break them or not. If they don’t break i’ll keep them as long as I can.
What’s most important to you in a stick/what makes a good stick?
A good stick is one that doesnt have much whip and I’m able to throw a good pass with it, that’s about it. I’m not that particular.
