QuickStick Q&A: Elon’s Teague Whalen

In our latest installment of QuickStick QA&’s we caught up with Elon’s Teague Whalen. Teague is a sophomore defenseman for the Phoenix who hails from Norwalk, CT. Otherwise known as Grit City, USA. With key defensive losses to graduation in 2017, Teague has stepped up to anchor a defensive unit looking to lead Elon to their first SELC Tournament appearance since 2015. Despite a slow start, Elon still control’s their own destiny and without a doubt, Shears and I are pulling for the boys down in NC.

This was a great interview as Teague is a true character and a personality that every team needs. With a great balance of competitive spirit, and the grit & pursuit to improve but also valuing the importance of having fun, Teague embodies everything that MCLA lacrosse is all about.

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It’s been a tough start for Elon this year, but you guys still control your own destiny in making the conference tournament. What is the key to having a strong second half of the season?  

Rough start to say the least yeah, but with 3 wins we can still make the tournament and play for something a little farther down the road. After graduating our entire close defense last year, letting in a few extra goals is bound to happen. But in the MCLA and the SELC every game is up in the air and any team can pull one out on any given day, we just need to play our game and focus on playing as a team.

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What is your favorite part about playing MCLA Lacrosse? 

The best part about playing MCLA lacrosse is the fact I can still play at in a competitive league as a student while not missing out on the other aspects of college. It’s the perfect mix of laid back lacrosse with a high skill level.

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What made you choose to attend Elon? 

70% girls, need I say more?

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Toughest matchup you’ve ever faced? (can be team matchup, or personal in college or HS)

Coming out of the FCIAC, I’ve gotten embarrassed by some of the best Connecticut lacrosse has to offer. Teammates wise I’d probably go with SUNY Cortland reject Luke Pacella, who is the President of Elon Lacrosse and has a great lefty to lefty to lefty to lefty dodge. Opposing team would probably be one of my good friends growing up Mitchell Bartolo who attended my rival high school and now plays at Penn. Didn’t help that he grew 6 inches as a freshman in high school.

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Favorite lacrosse memory?

My favorite lacrosse memory was my sophomore year of high school in practice when I threw and hit a debatably legal takeaway check on my older brother during a one vs. one. Always a good feeling one upping your older brother especially in front of his friends. It was a tense card ride home and dinner that night after the locker boxing in the locker room.

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Who’s the funniest guy in your locker room/team?

I’d like to think I’m up there but I’m a modest kid so I’ll give it to either young gun McGhee Porter or David Burke.

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What’s your go to pump-up song? 

Has to be 100 Black Coffins by Rick Ross.

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If you played another sport, what would it be? 

If I was any good I’d say soccer. Biggest Newcastle fan to never visit St. James’ Park. #HowayTheLads

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Where are you jumping to in Fortnite?

Titled Towers if everyone’s watching, the motel if nobody is

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Who was your favorite athlete when you were a kid?

I had Vernon Davis on my fantasy team for like 6 seasons in a row for some reason so I think I have formed a personal connection with him.