Feifs returns to Durham roots

Terrapin men's lacrosse senior midfielder Chris Feifs roots for Duke basketball.

The team co-captain has heard it all from his teammates, who mock him for rooting for the Terps' hated rival. But the Durham, N.C., native offers no apologies for his college basketball rooting interests.

"I rooted for Duke as a kid. I still root for Duke," Feifs said. "I'm a Duke basketball fan. I will be until I die. Even when they play Maryland, I still go for Duke."

This weekend, the Terps head to Fiefs' hometown for the ACC Tournament. Though his basketball rooting interests are for the team he grew up loving, Feifs will need to play a major role for the Terps if they hope to take the ACC title, a road that may lead to an ACC Championship game against Duke.

With his 6-foot-4-inch, 240-pound physique, Feifs is one of the nation's largest offensive midfielders, and his powerful shot and immense strength make him a tough matchup for any defender. Feifs has used his natural ability to develop into a go-to finisher for the Terps.

"He does a good job of finding the seam or finding an open area," senior attackman Michael Phipps said. "He's always the first guy you're looking for to find that shot. He doesn't have to be wide open; he can get that shot off really quick."

Feifs has taken his role in stride, improving throughout the season. Early in his career, he was an underdeveloped talent because of his North Carolina upbringing. Unlike the majority of his teammates - 24 Terps hail from Maryland - the senior midfielder had not been surrounded by lacrosse culture for much of his life, and he lacked refined stick skills.

A three-goal performance against rival Johns Hopkins April 14 provided a statement performance for the much-improved senior.

"I felt like I kind of needed to pull my weight on the team and step up," Feifs said. "It definitely motivated me to score some goals. I just feel like I needed to do my part, and unfortunately it wasn't enough."

While Feifs' Southern upbringing set his lacrosse game back, it has set him apart on his team. Teammates claim Feifs' accent only comes out completely when he's trying to impress women or figures of authority.

But though his slight drawl is hardly noticeable in normal conversation, Feifs has made a number of adjustments in moving north when he came to the university.

"Life is definitely slower in North Carolina," Feifs said. "I think I prefer that lifestyle, but at the same time it's interesting to be around so many different people from so many different backgrounds."

After four years, Feifs has adjusted to the change in setting. He has even taken a leadership role for the Terps.

Known as one of the hardest workers in the weight room and as a developing vocal presence in the locker room, Feifs commands the respect of his teammates. Senior midfielder Thomas Alford, a former roommate of Feifs, describes his friend as a consummate leader.

"Being a captain obviously speaks volumes about who he is as a person," Alford said. "Being a captain isn't just about being a good lacrosse player, it's about being a good communicator."

Feifs takes his role as captain very seriously. He has consistently looked to improve himself and his teammates, taking full blame for a slow start. And while he has a tendency to overshoot and miss the cage, he can be a force when he is on his game.

This weekend, he looks to put his improved skills on display in front of his home crowd. For Feifs, Durham is where it all began, from his lacrosse game to his days of watching Grant Hill and Jay Williams, his two favorite Duke basketball players.

"I'm really excited," Feifs said. "I started playing lacrosse down there, on Duke's field. And for me to have one of my last games on that field, it's definitely something I'm going to enjoy."

Contact reporter Adi Joseph at ajosephdbk@gmail.com.