Gilman's (Baltimore, Md.) lacrosse has been good forever, and Ryan Boyle might be at the top of the list of talent that has come out of the Greyhound program. Winning just about every award and you could possibly imagine, and viewed by his peers as one of the best lacrosse minds in the sport, Ryan is very multidimensional (as you would expect from a Princeton graduate!). The founder of Trilogy lacrosse -- which includes camps, teams, clinics and offers lessons -- he has made his passion his profession. But his love of the culinary arts, as you'll see, might be a close second.

Marcus Holman is one of the next in the long line of talent coming out of Gilman. He has committed to UNC, where he'll continue to make waves in the lacrosse world. Part of a very entertaining crew and possibly the top high school program in the country, I knew it would be a good thing to give these two a chance to ask a few questions back and fourth.

See what happens when two boys from the same high school and who share a good sense of humor mix. Enjoy ...

Marcus Holman: What were your best lacrosse and football games at Gilman?
Ryan Boyle: Lacrosse: The first time I blew up as a freshman on Varsity -- 5 goals against Loyola, picture in the local newspaper, pretty pumped about life. MIAA Championship Games in my sophomore and Senior Years -- both wins, over St. Paul's and Boys Latin respectively. Had 4 and 3 against SP and 4 and 1 against BL. Huge comeback win over Landon my Senior year- #1 vs #2 in the country I believe. The fans were wrapped around the entire field and the hill (stands) was completely packed. We were down by 3 goals and they had a three-man advantage that we killed off to end the first half. Then huge comeback in the second half.
Football: Start on Varsity as a Sophomore against City. Gilman had a down season the year before and we had this game ear-marked all summer during work-outs, practices, etc. Threw my first touchdown pass to Chisom Opara. Senior Year Homecoming against Calvert Hall. I went 13-13 for over 300 yds and 5 TDS in the first half and we cruised to a 49-0 win. Not a bad way to go out in front of the home crowd.

MH: If you could visit one place on earth (or space), where would you go?
RB: Places on earth -- it would be between Macchu Picchu, the top of Mt. Everest and the North Pole. Outer Space -- easy, the Black Hole.

MH: I heard that you are pretty nice at cooking, if you had to prepare and eat one last meal what would it be?
RB: I wouldn't cook my last meal. If I had to stay in New York I would have the multiple course tasting menus prepared by Wiley Dufresne at WD-50 or Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin. If I wanted to get away I would fly to Sonoma, Calif., so I could go to the French Laundry to sample some of Thomas Keller's cuisine. If I wanted something more down to earth, I would go home to Baltimore to have some of my mom and grandmother's home cooking before calling it quits.

MH: If you could go back into your past and do one thing different what would it be?
RB: Too many to discuss. Ultimately I wouldn't want to change anything because the errors I have made in the past have helped shape my life. Some of the biggest lessons I've learned have come through my failures. I would not be the person I am today if I didn't pick myself up and move on with my life after major disappointments.

MH: And for the grand finale: Jessica Simpson or Jessica Alba?
RB: Not even a discussion -- Jessica Alba. Although Padma Lakshmi beats them all and is by far my favorite.

RB: What were some of the deciding factors with your decision to attend UNC? What made you select that institution over the other various suitors?
MH: I chose UNC over three other schools -- Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, and last but not least Princeton. I was sold after my visit down there. The weather was awesome and I got the chance to watch the Heels win a football game. I just really loved the atmosphere down at Chapel Hill and wanted to be apart of such a special place.

RB: Do you think Baltimore High School lacrosse players will ever lose the quasi-mullet, aka the "Balti," haircut? (Check this out from 2006.)
MH: The "Balti" haircut has such a rich foundation in the 410 that it will never leave. This haircut has sparked a new movement in the lacrosse community which is currently recognized as "flow". Although only December, it is never to early to begin preparation of the locks for the Spring season.

RB: Did you wear pants/dress shoes or board shorts/sneakers to your prom last year? If it's the latter, did you match the shoes to the shorts?
MH: For prom last year, all of my buddies and I went with the traditional look: black tuxedos with black pants and different bowties of sorts. However, we mixed things up a little by rocking all white Chuck Taylor shoes. My bowtie was pretty original, just black with white polka dots. However, next year as seniors, the board shorts will definitely be making an appearance.

RB: What is one thing that most of the world does not know about you or would think given your background?
MH: Most of the world probably wouldn't know that until my freshman year in high school I wanted to go to the NFL. However, this dream quickly molded into playing professional lacrosse and has stuck ever since. Outside of my friends and family, most people also probably wouldn't know that I was born with a broken left collarbone, and then broke that same collarbone three times in six months during the spring and summer of my 8th grade year. You could say I was pretty comfortable with a sling.

RB: How do you get jet-lagged from a bus ride?
MH: About that haha ... Can I answer no comment? I was really pumped after we just beat Georgetown Prep and it was my first interview. Since then, I have been the victim of laughable imitations ranging from friends, chicks and parents.

We will be following Marcus closely this spring as the Gilman lacrosse team sets its sights on the MIAA championship. Also check back in to hear from more pro players connecting with our high school stars.