Feb. 1, 2010

Each week, the staff at GoLeopards.com catches up with a student-athlete and today, we caught up with sophomore men's soccer player Luke Calvano. The Economics and Business and Policy Studies business major filled us in on econometrics, his mom's cooking and more.

What's your major and what do you like about your major? I am Policy Studies and Economics double major, which allows me to study a broad range of topics from healthcare and urban development to econometrics and accounting. I really enjoy my majors because they are challenging and will always be relevant no matter how much technology and society changes.

What class are you most looking forward to this spring? My VAST course on Human Security as a global public good. It discusses a sort of new ideological approach that runs parallel with national security. The topic is very progressive and I feel that its one of those big ideas that can change the world with the right people behind the legislation. My professor, Professor Hutchinson, is extremely passionate and intelligent and I am excited about learning more from him on the subject.

What is your earliest soccer memory? My earliest soccer memory is playing in the recreational league in my hometown. I was probably five, and I was on the light blue team. Every player chased the ball around the field without a care in the world. My parents were always on the sidelines back then, and still are today.

What's your pregame ritual? Any superstitions? A good warm up equals a good game. Being focused and prepared is extremely important at this level, and my coaches have always preached that even the best players can't just show up. Good music in the locker room always helps too.

What do you still wish to accomplish (on or off the field)? Our team is a great group of guys with a lot of skill and an amazing amount of heart. I think this upcoming fall should be a championship year if we continue to work hard in the off-season. Off the field I look forward to going to law school and starting a family of my own one day.

Sport you would play other than your own? I love to golf. I'm not very good, but it's relaxing and only gets as competitive as you want it to be. There is something about walking down the fairway on a nice summer day that is amazingly peaceful.

Something about me others would be surprised to hear is: I love school. I think sometimes people forget that we are more than just athletes. I take school very seriously and enjoy learning new things. Like being on the field, I really feel alive when I'm enjoying class. I would go to school forever if I could.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? As far as a particular place, I'm not so sure. But I must admit, I often fantasize about traveling through the wilderness with Bear Grylls on Man vs. Wild.

Favorite TV shows as a kid? I used to be obsessed with Animal Planet and watched "Breed All About It" all the time. To this day I can name almost every dog breed I see. Haha

You can only eat one food for the rest of your life. What would it be? I have a passion for food I can't describe and to pick one is way too difficult. I will say that I could eat my mother's home cooking everyday for the rest of my life. She always knows what I like and will still cut the crust off my pb & j's for me no matter how old I get.

Favorite midnight snack? Definitely chips and dip at my girlfriend's house. I have to make a shout out to Mr. Behrend, who makes a queso dip that could rival any other dip out there in the world.

Word Association:

Lafayette: Leopards

Soccer: Passion

Lafayette-Lehigh rivalry: LAF DOMINATION!

Your teammates: "Get nice, stay nice"

Preseason: 3 miles in 18:30

Strength and conditioning coaches: Getting to 3 miles in 18:00