He’s an academic by day, and Japan’s rising box lacrosse star by night.
Sitting in the corner of Utica Coffee Roasting Co. shop at the Utica University Nexus Center, Russel Bollinger has his laptop out to do homework. He started his freshman year of college just a few weeks ago, so whenever he finds a moment to be a student, he takes it.
If he isn’t wearing his Japan uniform, it’d be easy to assume Bollinger is a fan attending the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships. But he’s not a fan, he’s playing in the tournament.
With years of box experience under his belt, Bollinger helped lead Japan to an 18-15 win over Finland and claim the top spot in Pool C. And he’s done so as the youngest member of Japan’s roster.
“I mean, he’s the superstar,” Japan’s head coach Naofumi Suzuki said.
Bollinger began his freshman year at Rochester Institute of Technology in August, but he missed part of orientation because he was competing in the Minto Cup in Canada. Between fall semester classes, RIT lacrosse practice and Japan’s debut in the World Box Lacrosse Championships, he’s kept a packed calendar.
His busy schedule hasn’t bothered him, and it’s all part of Bollinger adjusting to a new chapter of his life.
“I’ve never played with grown men out there, so that’s pretty cool,” Bollinger said. “It’s all been a learning curve for me, but it’s also fun.”
Japan’s national team has players with field and sixes experience, but Bollinger is one of the few who has an edge in the box discipline. He’s played more box than other kinds of lacrosse, previously competing in Canada with the Calgary Junior A team in the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League.
Bollinger grew up in Canada, but chose to try out for Japan’s team last year. He traveled to Japan with his mom, Moeko, and made the squad.
“I kept asking him, ‘you sure?’” Moeko said. “I didn’t expect it.”
Japan’s box team stunned the lacrosse world in the sixes discipline back in 2022, after securing bronze in The World Games. The nation had another impressive performance in San Diego, winning fifth place.
Bollinger’s experience in box gave Japan a different kind of advantage for the team’s debut in Utica, and he’s since scored 13 goals across three games — including five goals against Finland, a top-ten finisher at the last box championship in 2019.
“It’s really cool for him to be connected to Japan and to play with these guys,” Bollinger’s dad, Jonathan said. “I think it’s really awesome, and I get emotional about it.”
Playing in a large international tournament, Bollinger comes face-to-face with NLL greats, especially since Japan scrimmaged with Canada last week. He said the experience was something he’d remember for a long time, and had the chance to pick the brains of the likes of Graeme Hossack.
“Just trying to gather some info, like what you should do as an offensive player,” Bollinger said. “I also want to try and talk to Eli Salama as well, since he’s an RIT alumni. I’d love to try and get some information from him.”
Bollinger’s majoring in engineering, so he’s been managing a full workload. He’s also watching Japan fall in love with box lacrosse, and becoming a new face for his country to root for.
“I can’t imagine what little kids are going to do when they start growing up with a stick in their hand,” Bollinger said. “It’ll be so awesome, I can’t wait.”
