Fired Up!

Photography by Deborah McCarthy

Hand-eye coordination is key when playing lacrosse.  So is speed, agility, strength and team work.   Kevin Buchanan  is a perfect combination of these qualities in the form of #27 on the Boston Cannons.  He picked up the stick when he was just five years old, and has been playing lacrosse professionally for the past five years.  The MLL (Major League Lacrosse)  is composed of eight teams from the  United States and Canada and began in 2001.  The Boston Cannons is one of those teams.  The 5’11, 180 pound lacrosse midfielder is also a Southie resident.  Kevin has lived in South Boston for the past three years and loves living in the best neighborhood in Boston.  “Southie is the best.  It’s in close proximity to downtown with awesome beaches and parks.  The people are awesome too.  My landlords, Pete and Kelly Lydon, are original Southie folks and will no doubt be life-long friends of mine,” says Kevin.

Not just about sticks and balls:
Through the Boston Cannons, Kevin is actively involved in the organization Boston vs. Bullies, a campaign to raise awareness about bullying sponsored by the Sports Museum.  Kevin was selected to help provide guidance through mentoring kids into taking a strong stance against bullying.  “It used to be bullying was an accepted part of growing up.  We need to understand that bullying is a real issue.  Not only do we raise awareness about bullying, we offer tips on how to handle being bullied and what to do if you see someone being bullied,” says Kevin. 

Scoop on Kevin:?

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Cockeysville, MD. ?
Did you play lacrosse in  college?  Yes, I played in college for The Ohio State University. Buckeye Nation, I bleed scarlet & grey.

Where can people see you play? The Boston Cannons compete at Harvard Stadium. Our games are also on TV, variety of stations, ESPN, CBS Sports, Comcast Sportsnet.??

Tell us about your endorsements? I am fortunate enough to be endorse by two great companies. The first, Brine, which manufactures lacrosse equipment. Brine is a company that is owned by New Balance. The second is Muscle Milk, a nutrition company. Both have been awesome to work with.

Favorite Restaurant in Southie? Cafe Porto Bello. The best chicken parm!??

Favorite bar in Southie? Wouldn’t necessary be categorized as a bar but has one, Salsa’s – Yup – Margaritas!??

As far as advice to the young athletes of South Boston, Kevin offers, “Enjoy the sports you play, work hard to be the best you can be and remember to have fun.”  With school starting in less than a month Kevin encourages kids to be aware of bullying and taking a stand against it.  “Whether you are being bullied or watching someone be bullied, you need to take a stance and stand strong.”  For more information of Boston vs. Bullies visit: http://www.bostonvsbullies.org

You can follow Kevin on Twitter @KBuch27 and on Instagram: @KevinBuchanan27. For more information on the Boston Cannons check out their page at: http://www.bostoncannons.com/.