Florida high school lacrosse players are still at a stage where they need to prove themselves just a little bit more than their brethren in the traditional hot bed states when it comes to getting noticed at the major college level. Two college freshmen from the Boca Raton area have shown over the past few months that even if you aren’t a big name or a recruited player that does not mean you aren’t good enough to take that next step. Two local Boca Raton players, one from Boca Raton High School and one from Saint Andrews, district rivals who played each other many times, have walked on and made the teams at Duke and Johns Hopkins. That is not a misprint or a typo . . . Calder Alfano of Boca Raton High is now a member of the REIGNING National Champion’s, the Duke Blue Devils. Alexander Bartzokis of Saint Andrews (pictured above) is now a member of the traditional lacrosse powerhouse, the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays. These two stories are significant on many levels, but mostly for what it says about the two of them on a personal level as well as how the game has progressed down here at the youth and high school levels. First and foremost, after talking to both of them (the interviews will follow) I came away with a similar impression; that both decided they wanted to pursue a goal, a goal they were not recruited for. But through hard work and perseverance they both beat long odds and achieved something terrific. I think all Florida kids playing lacrosse need to take away from this to keep believing in themselves and not be afraid to take on something pretty special. Because it just might happen.   An Interview with Alex Bartzolis   “Alex is a true indication that the game is growing. As the outstanding athletes, like Alex, in these non-traditional areas continue to develop, the game will reach new heights.” – Coach Dave Pietramala   Did Johns Hopkins ever recruit you and did you turn down any other Division 1 offers to go to JHU? No, I wasn’t recruited by JHU and didn’t receive any offers from Division One schools.   What made you want to try to make the team as a walk-on? I’ve been playing the sport since 4th grade and just saw an opportunity to try out and didn’t want to turn the possibility down.   At what point in the tryouts did it occur to you that you had a chance to make the team? Originally I went up to Coach Pietramala and asked about trying out and he encouraged me to do so. After about three weeks of fall practice I had not been cut yet so it occurred to me that I had a chance of actually making the team.   What surprised you the most about the experience? The level of lacrosse played was a lot more intense and I didn’t know how far ahead of high school it really was. It took awhile to adjust but gradually I adapted to it.   Were you a Johns Hopkins fan before going there? Growing up I always loved the program and followed them. Also, playing Boy’s Latin in high school every year I got to play against and appreciate the Stanwicks and was able to follow their progress at JHU too. Now I’m a teammate of Wells. (I asked him if he had asked Wells about playing SA and his impressions and Alex joked he would bring it up soon).   What are you looking forward to studying in college? I’m looking to major in Economics with minor in Finance or Entrepreneurship.   Some Personal Stuff:   Favorite Meal: Anything my Mom or Grandma makes (that comment works out pretty well in Finance too Alex . . .) Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones Favorite Sport Beside’s Lacrosse: Basketball Favorite music: I’m a Rock & Alternative Fan particularly a Grateful Dead fan What Celebrity Would You Like to Meet? Lebron James What Hobby or Interest Do You Have That Would Surprise Those Who Know You? Playing Guitar and Saxophone   Thanks to Alex for taking the time to talk with me, Coach Pietramala of the Blue Jays for giving us his thoughts on Alex and Ernie Larossa, Associate AD/Director of Athletic Communications of Johns Hopkins for this article!