Northwestern University Athletics
Relaxed and Reliable: Ross Lane
10/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2008
Football is an aggressive sport played by seemingly angry and ferocious players. Coupled with the constant threat of receiving a flattening hit from one of these defenders, it would make sense for a wide receiver to be a tad hesitant and nervous on the field. The personality of Northwestern senior wideout Ross Lane couldn't stray farther from this image.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound standout from Fort Myers, Fla., continually uses the word "relaxed" when describing his life on and off the football field. Lane uses his cool demeanor to help motivate other players, helping to convince the `Cats no game is ever out of reach.
"I'm a pretty relaxed guy," explained Lane. "On the sideline, when things don't go our way, nothing really fazes me."
The learning and organizational change major attributes his calm attitude simply to the way he leads his life. Going with the flow suits Lane just fine, because he knows he'll be able to make the best out of whatever situation he is in.
Lane has made the best of his situation on the gridiron this season. With 19 receptions for 219 yards, No. 9 is tied for second on the team in receptions and third in yards. One of three senior starting receivers for the Wildcats, Lane said he and his fellow wideouts have been through a lot together and have grown close through these experiences. He's confident in his teammates, and is well aware of the role his position requires.
"The job of the wide receiver corps is that when things go bad, it's important for us to pick it up and make the big plays," said Lane. "Our job is to make the big play, the one that determines if you can win the game."
And that's all the `Cats have been able to do this season: win. Heading into the Big Ten home opener with a 5-0 mark, Northwestern has forced its way to the top of the conference standings and is knocking on the door of the Associated Press top-25 poll. But Lane doesn't feel the pressure.
"We just have to keep doing what we're doing, stay the course," Lane said simply. "We have to keep trusting in each other, trust that everyone will do their job and not worry that someone else will do it."
Lane has been doing his job since he came to Northwestern in 2004. With well over 100 receptions and 1,500 yards during his career, Lane has been a mainstay in the Wildcat offense since his breakout performance in the 2005 Sun Bowl against UCLA.
The former multi-sport athlete had to work on his transition into a pure wide receiver, however. An all-state athlete in both football and soccer during high school, Lane recognized the commitment he needed to make to perform at the highest level on Saturdays.
"Football is a full-time job. That's the sport," said Lane. "When I go home and get a chance, I'll play soccer. But football is my number one thing right now."
Still, the former goalie believes he is able to draw on his soccer background to help enhance his current play.
"There are so many natural things that come with being an athlete: anticipation, competition," listed Lane. "Soccer helped me in developing a lot of coordination."
When he's not in uniform or playing a sport, Lane enjoys participating in the anticipated Florida-boy activities. He likes to go out in the water with his friends, boating, fishing or just hanging out. But his favorite pastime is not quite so expected.
"I love skiing or snowboarding. It's where I get the most pleasure from life, from a bunch of powder," said Lane, referring to his snowy passion.
Ever since he was young, Lane took yearly skiing trips with his family, something he says he has enjoyed tremendously. According to Lane, he's always loved the outdoors and preferred to stay away from cities.
"I love being in the mountains, in water. It's where I want to be," he explained.
Perhaps this favor for cold-weather activities helped his transition from the warm shores of the Florida gulf to the slightly colder ones of Lake Michigan. Even though most of his friends attend local schools, like Florida or Florida State, Lane has never regretted his decision to accept the scholarship offer Northwestern sent his way.
Citing the great academics and life lessons he has learned from both former coach Randy Walker and current head coach Pat Fitzgerald, Lane has enjoyed his time in the purple and white. He doesn't have any concrete plans for after he graduates, but that's not the main focus on his mind right now. He's just getting ready for the next game.
It comes as no surprise that Lane has no concrete pre-game rituals to get himself fired up. This laid-back guy doesn't need the blaring music or shouting with teammates to get his adrenaline flowing: just the shouts of the crowd and the thought of the game.
"The game does it for itself," said Lane, describing how he gets prepared for a match. "I'm a relaxed guy, but I do like jumping off of bridges, for the adrenaline. Adrenaline is a big part of what I enjoy."
One might guess that the word Lane would choose to describe his play would be "relaxed." However, he sided with another `r' word, something the Wildcats will need him to be in their continued quest for success.
"Reliable," said Lane after some thought. "Very reliable. I like to be and strive to be reliable."
The Wildcats couldn't ask for more.
