Mary Washington senior men’s lacrosse captain Josh Furnary is a hard worker and a critical thinker.  But based on who he wants to have dinner with, it’s obvious that comedy is very important, too.  INTRODUCING … Josh Furnary.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?  I have been playing lacrosse for 12 years and currently I'm a senior midfielder and captain for the Eagles.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   My major is History as well as Secondary Education. Combining the reading, writing, and critical thinking aspects of college with lesson plans and objectives for students has been a great challenge, and one I hope to continue to develop.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  My favorite spot on campus is the library. Playing a team sport demands a lot of communication and is suited well for extroverted personalities. On the field, I find it easy to communicate and be vocal.  But the library fulfills another aspect of who I am. I often dread going there, but after researching and completing a long assignment, I feel a great sense of accomplishment different from sports. It is as far from the lacrosse field as I can imagine, but is the one location I get to push myself academically just as hard.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?   I really enjoy going to the Marine Corp Museum in Quantico. It is close and I go at least once a semester. It has great exhibits and is a fun place to bring friends and family when there is downtime. It is extremely well maintained and always leaves me in awe.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  I am enrolled in the education program here at school, so each semester I spend at least one day a week in the area high schools to work with the students and teachers. So far I have spent time in four schools throughout Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career.   My most memorable experience took place junior year while playing Christopher Newport. It was unique because my entire family was present, including my grandfather, parents, brothers and sister-in-law. I was anxious before the game started and wanted to play well. I scored a big goal in the third quarter and during the last minute of the game had the biggest hit of my athletic career. It was awesome to hear my brothers on the sidelines go crazy during that game.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?   The biggest societal issue facing students really comes down to a burden of choice. All students at some point or another are forced to weigh out what they hope to get from college education. On one side of the spectrum, some students follow their interests and passions. They choose classes and majors that they are truly interested in and want to continue to explore and learn. The other side of the spectrum is made up of classes and majors that are chosen strictly for the likelihood of job prospects after college. I think college students have to find a happy medium somewhere in between in order to study what they are passionate about, while also prepare for the real world.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  I would say it is a mix of people, rather than just one person. Coaches, professors, friends and even strangers all have a profound influence in my life.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I enjoy college football games. Being with thousands of other people cheering for one team is an awesome experience.

What is your favorite source of information (TV, book, magazine, website, friends in dining hall, etc.)?     I typically get the best information in that 3-5 minute window before class when the professor and students are talking about news, trivia, events...Sometimes those conversations turn into class long debates that make for the best classes.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?   Don't get caught up in any of the petty norms that make you feel any less significant and follow your passions, whatever they may be.

Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  I've always been a big London Fletcher fan, the linebacker for the Washington Redskins. He was undrafted coming out of college, yet became one of the NFL’s most consistent and productive linebackers. He is undersized, yet still one of the best LB's in history.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?  If it were possible, I'd like to have dinner with Will Ferrell, Chris Farley, and Bilbo Baggins. Will Ferrell is one of my favorite comedians and someone who I think would make dinner extremely funny and enjoyable. Chris Farley too, was one of my favorite comedians, but someone who was far more complex than his sketches made him out to be, and I would like to see him as he really was. Bilbo Baggins I think would enjoy the humor from Will and Chris too. He would fit right in and I think the comedic commentary on his journeys would be great.