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Though only a junior, Yorktown’s Kevin Interlicchio not only has his college choice all sewn up (he’ll attend Hopkins), but he’s now a three-year varsity veteran.

Kevin Interlicchio has been an impact player for the Yorktown ’Huskers since the first game of his varsity career as a freshman when he had four goals and three assists in a 10-7 win over Shenendehowa on March 31, 2007. 

A poised and polished lefty, the attackman, ranked 12th among juniors nationally by Inside Lacrosse, became a target recruit of many of the nation’s top programs before settling on Hopkins, where he will join best friend, teammate and next-door neighbor John Ranagan, a senior midfielder for the ‘Huskers.

Yorktown opens the season on Tuesday with a home game against North Rockland. It’s the start of a busy week for the ‘Huskers that includes games against Rye (April 2) and St. Anthony’s (April 4).

You’re about to start your junior season and already you’re a three-year veteran. Has it gone by fast and can you remember your thoughts this time two years ago as you were embarking on your varsity career?

Yeah, it’s going by so fast.  I remember two years ago this time, my first game up at Albany against Shenendehowa. One that I will never forget.  I started out by just trying to fill the giant shoes that my brother (former Yorktown all-American and Hofstra junior midfielder Tom Interlicchio) left for me, but now I would like to think that I have created a name for myself, and I can relax a little more.

What have you learned and how have you improved in your time on varsity?

Throughout my time on varsity, I’ve learned many important lessons.  The aspect of my game that has improved the most since freshman year is definitely patience. Pulling the ball out and controlling, instead of run ‘n’ gun style all the time.  I’m not even close to done learning though, with every practice I learn something new.

Lacrosse is unique from other sports in that you play as many, if not more, big games against teams out of the section as you do against teams in Section 1. What makes these rivalry games — both inside and outside the section — so special?

The rivalries that we have against teams like Lakeland/Panas, John Jay, Darien, Ward Melville and all the other Long Island teams is what makes lacrosse so much fun.  Getting ready to go to battle knowing that there is a mutual respect between both sides is what makes lacrosse different from any other sport.

It’s also a matter of tradition here at Yorktown.  You know that after a win over one of those teams, you’re going to have a couple of text messages waiting for you from some alumni.  

How closely have you been following Hopkins’ games this season? Have you been to any?

 I haven’t been able to follow Hopkins too closely because I’m obviously pretty busy with the upcoming season.  I was able to get down to Homewood to see my brother and Hofstra take on the Jays (a 12-7 Hopkins win on March 7).

The Blue Jays are 3-3. Are you worried they may not make the NCAA tournament?

I’m not too worried about it. If you look at their schedule, the teams they have lost too are all in the Top 10, so maybe they can get a few down the road.

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Reach Joe Lombardi at joe@laxlessons.com.