Grip ‘N Rip: Villanova LSM Brian Karalunas

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 Villanova All-American LSM, Brian Karalunas.

Senior LSM Brian Karalunas (Dewitt, N.Y./Jamesville Dewitt) has also been selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2011 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft. Karalunas will report to the Long Island Lizards upon the conclusion of his senior season with Villanova.

What head do you use?
I use an STX X10. It’s a wide head that’s great on GB’s.

What handle do you use?
The STX ScTi Pro.

Where does your pocket sit/what type of pocket do you prefer?
I use a high pocket. I cradle with my stick by my feet so I need a pocket that holds the ball well when my stick is down.

Who is your stick doctor? Do you string it yourself or have a go-to-teammate/friend?
My stick doctor is John “Meat Sauce” LoCascio. He is a freshman LSM and the future of VU lax.

What kind of mesh do you use (Hard, soft, monster, traditional/leathers, marc , etc.)? Why?
I used Canadian mesh for a long time but now I use hard. It takes a little longer to break-in but once it’s there it takes no upkeep to maintain and it holds the ball really well.

What is your preferred glove?
I wear the STX Assaults right now.


How much whip does your stick have?
I just heard the term for the first time this season but I’ve been told it has a lot.

Anything unique you do to your head or shaft (pocket up-keep, tape jobs, alterations, etc.)?
Not really. I’m not a big tape guy, so I use a bare shaft. I go to LoCascio for any stick adjustments.

How long do you keep a stick before you get a new one?
I hate getting used to new sticks so I use the same one until it breaks.

What’s most important to you in a stick/what makes a good stick?
The handle should be light, the head should be wide, and the pocket should have good hold.

What’s the best part about playing lacrosse at Villanova?
The post-game locker room techno music after we win.

What are you doing when you aren’t playing lacrosse?
I spend a lot of time outdoors. I love fishing, hiking, and backyard sports. At night, you can’t beat a good dinner and a movie.

Lacrosse Playground

In 2009, Adam O’Neill, Harry Alford and Thomas Alford launched Lacrosse Playground as the preeminent site for lacrosse gearheads. For years Lacrosse Playground provided lacrosse fans with tutorials and tips on how to string a lacrosse head, up-close looks at the gear the top players used and sneak peeks at equipment and uniforms before they were released. More than 10 years and millions of visits later, Lacrosse Playground has relaunched with a focus on storytelling. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage of the latest lacrosse news, share insights into the sports betting and fantasy lacrosse world and showcase the lifestyles and personalities of the sport of lacrosse through articles, videos and podcasts.

2 Comments

  1. Rob on June 9, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    he also wore brine flight gloves the entire season, not stx assaults…just sayin’

  2. Grant Band on April 25, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    For being such a great player, it’s a shame he doesn’t wear his helmet with a little more tilt.

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