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Show PERSONALITY 3 Injured lacrosse player returns Dominic Contis emotional TONJE SEKSE STAFF REPORTER It was the second lacrosse game of the season, and Dominic Conti heard a loud pop. He tried to jog slowly to the sideline, but his left leg noodled on his first step. He said he immediately realized that something was wrong. The next day, Conti went to the hospital to see a doctor for an MRI to check for any damage to his knee. While he waited for the result, the doctor came out with a brace in his hand. Here you go here is your next six weeks, the doctor said. Conti said the first thought that went through his head was, Now my season is over. The screws in each of Contis feet serve as a reminder of where hes been and what its taken to get where he is now. Number 19 on the mens lacrosse team, Dominic Conti, senior marketing major, student and a walk-o- n came as a first-yefor the lacrosse team, where he found his position in defense and midfield. Conti is also involved off the field, where he serves as the vice president of the NEST the student section at sports ar ride to ing, its difficult to put together, said Mason Goodhand, mens lacrosse head coach. The disappointment was the first piece because Conti is a player, Goodhand said. He makes other people play better because he is on the field and communicating and thinking ahead of the game. I wish I had five more like him. He has the physical and mental skill, along with a positive, strong attitude, which ties it all together. Conti said the support of his teammates helped him through the difficulty of his injury and inability to play with the team. He said has taken the opportunity to be there for his teammates by offering his help through homework or lacrosse-relate- his first steps back on Dominic Conti is one of the most selfless people I know, said Jake Berard, neuroscience major. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. His comeback-thi- s season has been much awaited by the team, especially the defensive unit. He will fill leadership roles both on the defensive side of the ball, on the field and the locker room as a seasoned vet. Nine months after his injury, Conti said to turf Dumke Field he is ready to take his first steps back on the field with number 19 on his chest and play again with his team at a higher level of competition. Seeing him come so far after he injured himself has been impressive, said Gosselin, Contis teammate. He is stronger than before and is going to have a great season in front of him. d questions. Having their support was a big deal, Conti said. Knowing a lot of them were expecting me to come back the same way I left and embracing me as if I was never hurt by encouraging me was a big influence for me to work hard to get back. Ethan Gosselin, sophomore nursing major and Contis teammate, injured his ACL before Conti. Gosselin said Conti was able to help them both get back on the field to- gether. Instead of bringing each other down, we turned our journey together into a little competition to see who would come back the events and works as an athletic training fastest, Gosselin said. We were both workstaff. ing with the same I came to Westpersonal trainer a (l lot of the same days, minster because I IT WAS CRAZY GOING which helped us always wanted to to encourage each play college sports, FROM EVERYDAY other to get back he said. It has alACTIVITY TO NOT on the field. Conti ways been my goal was the teammate since I was youngBEING ABLE TO WALK. who helped me get er, and Westminster I IT WAS LIKE HAD TO there. was the best fit for After six months me for academics REMEMBER HOW TO in recovery, Conand the prominent ti was cleared for lacrosse program. WALK AGAIN. IT WAS action two months Conti said repROUGH. ago and finally took purple resenting his brace off. His and gold in athletics initial strategy was and academics is his DOMINIC CONTI SENIOR to jump right back way of showing his into the game, but it didnt take long Griffin pride both on and off campus. Conti started playing lacrosse in seventh grade and played through high school before he decided to continue his career at Westminster. In the second game of the year, Conti was in the fourth quarter. injured in a face-o- ff The ball was flicked out toward the sideline, where he and an opponent chased it down. The opponent went to flick the ball back, and Conti went into a wide stance. Both players turned to look for the ball, Contis knee popped and he went down. This was the first time Conti had to sit out a game because of an ACL injury. It was crazy going from everyday activ- ity to not being able to .walk, Conti said. It was like I had to remember how to walk again. It was rough. The disappointment with injuries within a team is like a puzzle when a piece is miss before he understood he had to take a few steps back before he could give it 100 percent. Conti is a great teammate, Gosselin said. We went to the same high school where we played lacrosse together as well as played together on competitive teams later on. Conti is a very positive and encouraging teammate and wants the best in everyone. In the meantime, Conti has had time to focus on things other than lacrosse. I picked up more work hours to help out as much as possible and focus on little things, such as being more organized, having time management, and eating healthier, which was a big one when laying around for three months, Conti said. Contis coaches and teammates have taken notice of his quick comeback. (TOP) TONJE SEKSE (BOTTOM) PHOTO COURTESY OF DOMINIC CONTI Dominic Conti, senior marketing major who plays as number 19 on the men s lacrosse team, also serves as the vice president of the NEST and works with the athletic training staff on campus. During the second lacrosse game of the season last year, Conti suffered an ACL injury that put him out of action for six months. i i 5 i T |