Mike Rastivo breaks lacrosse program record in career goals
Graduate student Mike Rastivo, standout attack-mid for the St. Joe’s men’s lacrosse team, has made an impact on the program since his freshman year in 2014. Rastivo recently broke the all-time scoring record at St. Joe’s (124) and has accomplished a great deal throughout his career. Rastivo currently holds top ten slots in all-time statistics for the Hawks in shots, goals, assists and points.
Rastivo broke the record for career goals against Northeast Conference opponent Bryant University on April 14, in what would eventually be a 14-7 victory. He scored four goals in the game, his third one breaking the previous record of 120 goals. While the accomplishment is big for him, his team’s success is more important.
“It was definitely a special day, but in the grand scheme of things I want to win a National championship,” Rastivo said. “I am not really concerned about records and accolades. I just want to win and help my team.”
Head coach Taylor Wray said he recognizes Rastivo’s commitment to becoming a better player and a team role model.
“Mike could not care less about individual glory,” Wray said. “He only cares about team success. Our program is defined by the commitment to a common goal, and Mike Rastivo exemplifies that attribute as well as anyone I have ever coached, at any level.”
Rastivo redshirted his junior season due to injury, giving him one more year of eligibility as a graduate student. He said he is appreciative of the current seniors who have taken him into their class and helped him lead the team this year.
“The seniors from this year took me into their class,” Rastivo said. “They welcomed me back with open arms and I can’t thank them enough. Every day the seniors are just as much of leaders.”
Rastivo started playing lacrosse when he was just five years old. Before committing all of his time to lacrosse, Rastivo took his athleticism to basketball court and the football field where he competed as a point guard and quarterback, respectively.
He was able to translate skills from these sports to his lacrosse game.
“The footwork really helped me out for my future athletic career,” Rastivo said. “I think just being on a team throughout my life helped me smoothly transition into lacrosse. I love the idea of working towards a common goal with a bunch of other guys.”
Though he is graduating, Rastivo hopes to continue to be around the sport he loves. He has been given the opportunity to join the offensive coaching staff at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Rastivo also plans on working for the HHH Youth Lacrosse Club to teach the game he is so passionate about.
Rastivo commits himself to be better every day, as he understands the obstacles of being a successful student athlete. He was not highly recruited as a high school senior, but he decided to do a prep year, which led to Wray first recruiting him. Today, he is the team’s leading scorer.
Rastivo said he believes that the best way to lead his team is through example and being vocal, because he looks to improve his teammates’ play daily.
“I don’t want to be a guy who says what to do,” Rastivo said. “I want to make sure I do it myself.”
For Wray, Rastivo’s skill is not only in his game, but also in his character.
“What makes Mike special is that as terrific as he is as a player, his greatest contribution to our program has been the things he has brought to our team as a leader,” Wray said.
Rastivo and the Hawks will look to capture their first Northeast Conference Championship after their regular season ends with a game against Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh on April 28.
