Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Quartuccio Joe Streany

"Football is my love; lacrosse is my fun." - Joe Streany

Over the years the "The Player Profile" has featured a bunch of talented athletes who participated in and excelled in multiple sports at Pace University. However, none of the athletes matched the drive and intensity that Joseph P. Streany Jr. exudes each and every time he steps onto the playing field.

In his senior year at Pace, Streany stars on the lacrosse field as a midfielder and on the gridiron at linebacker. The thrill of the sport, the fun of the game, the intensity of the challenge to succeed is what Streany says he lives for.

In the words of Streany, "Sport was created to simulate battle." To live out that saying only strengthens Streany's character on the field.

Sometimes in battle, people get hurt. That is exactly what happened recently with the Buffalo Bills' tight end Kevin Everett. When asked about whether or not he plays differently after seeing something like that happen, Streany's answer was an emphatic no.

"When someone gets hurt the way Everett did, you lose that feeling of invincibility. It humanizes you a little bit. But if you are not going 100 percent every time, you are bound to get hurt. That one day when you decide to go 80, 85, even 90 percent, that is when it happens. I would never wish that upon anyone," says Streany.

Streany is the fourth child in his family to attend Pace University. He came here for a variety of reasons, but family played a huge role in his decision. Not only did his three older sisters attend Pace, but his mother works in the nursing department and his father is the President of the Parent's Club. Needless to say, if Streany did not attend Pace, it would not look good for the family.

"I would not have chosen any other school," says Streany. "No other place would have been as rewarding as Pace is."

Though he received offers from schools such at Iona and St. Peters, Streany chose Pace so his family could share in his collegiate experience.

Streany grew up playing a variety of sports, but focused on football, basketball, and lacrosse in high school. He was recruited to play running back for the Setters football team after going all-state at the position, but was switched over to linebacker when the Setters needed more of that position when he arrived.

"I have to say I actually prefer playing linebacker. I like to play defense because you are always on the attack. There is an attitude that goes along with the defense," says Streany.

The switch has significantly paid off for the Setters. Though he did not play as much his freshman year, Streany finished first on the team and second in the North East-10 Conference in tackles his sophomore and junior years.

Through three games this season, Streany leads the Conference in tackles with 55, almost doubling the mark of the next contender who sits on 32. He had 27 tackles in the Setters season opener, which was one shy of the school record, and Streany looks to break the single season tackles record of 142 set in 1994 this season.

"After going All-Conference as a sophomore, I became a very driven person," says Streany. "Finishing second in tackles in consecutive years has motivated me even more. I am going to do whatever it takes. My outlook has been redefined."

Through all his success, Streany continues to be goal-oriented. Streany wants his football team to make the playoffs despite and 0-3 start. He wants his lacrosse team to reach the Conference Championship. He would like to raise his already high GPA. (Streany has a 3.68 GPA going into this semester). He is working hard to continue to make Dean's list. He would like to be a successful leader as President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). And he is going to do what it takes to graduate Pace with a Professional Studies degree.

In the end, Streany is enjoying his time at Pace. He loves football and lacrosse and will continue to succeed as long as he stays driven.

"Sports are easy as long as you go out and have fun," says Streany. "That is the key; if you are playing like a kid ready to have fun, the game and life is much better."

Joe Streany's Favorite Things

Person you'd want to be in a fox hole with - Chuck Norris
Sport to watch (other than football/lacrosse) - College Basketball
Sport to play (other than football/lacrosse) - Basketball
Girl from Rock of Love - Lacey
Brendan Fraser movie - Encino Man
Angle - Acute; I'm short too.
Animal to eat - Cow
Animal to wear - Squirrel
Animal to hang up on your wall - Bison
College Mascot - Game Cocks
Person at Pace - Danny Reilly; I feel sorry for him so I have to pick him.
Pace Alum - Lou Bottichelli
Middle Eastern Country - Turkmanstan
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Raphael
Beverage - Captain Morgan
Method to stop hiccupping - Hold breath for a long time while trying not to pass out.
Member from Full House - Uncle Jesse
Old School Wrestler - Hulk Hogan; I have his autograph.
Lacrosse or Football - Tennis
Item to have on a dessert island - My Rambo knife
Player Profile - George Schreiner
Movie that made you cry - The Notebook
Quote - "It's not how hard you push along the way, it's having something left in you to finish." - Michael Jordan

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