By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/19/12
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When Stephen Oppenheimer directs the defense today for the nationally-ranked University of Oregon men’s lacrosse team in its MCLA game (1 p.m. Western Standard Time) at Sonoma State University in California, the Ducks’ Warrior helmets will look quite familiar to him.
Oppenheimer, a Germantown Academy graduate and transfer from Cabrini College, designed his team’s helmet decals and released them today exclusively to Phillylacrosse.com.
The Ducks are ranked No. 8 in MCLA’s Division I rankings and stand 1-1 after bowing to No. 7 Cal Poly, 15-12. Oppenheimer, a sophomore, is the team’s No. 2 goalie but played extensively in the Duck’s 13-8 opening-day win over Cal.
Last season Oregon earned a trip to the MCLA championships after repeating as PNCLL champions. The Ducks were ousted in the second round by Michigan, 13-8.
Oppenheimer also designs for his family’s apparel business, Wave One of Conshohocken, and was the designer for Chestnut Hill College’s new uniforms and pinnies. Click here for story. His uniform and pinnee designs for Rebel Elite Club will be released this week on Phillylacrosse.com.
Oppenheimer said he had some guidelines to follow in making the design. Oregon’s wings were created by Phil Knight, the co-founder and Chairman of Nike and an oregon grad.
“For the helmet stickers, my objective was to pay tribute to the Ducks football team,” Oppenheimer said. “Uncle Phil has tight restrictions on us using the Ducks’ wings so we had to come up with something 100 percent unique that wouldn’t violate the restrictions. What I came up with is what you see.
“I have also designed our sweats and shooter shirts as well as some gear we will be getting through Wave One.”
Oppenheimer transferred to Oregon mainly because of its acclaimed Product Design program.
“Through high school I never really took art classes so a career in art and design never really crossed my mind. But once I started designing for my pops I fell in love with the field of design and it has ultimately brought me here to the U of O to study Product Design.
“My ultimate career goal is to design sneakers, obviously being at U of O, I am heavily drawn to Nike. And thoughts of keeping the family business in the family always come into consideration if I am skilled enough in my profession after 3 or 4 years here.”
Why are lacrosse players getting into design more and more?
“It’s simple: look good, play good,” he said. “Every athlete is somewhat concerned with how they look while they’re playing. and I am most definitely one of those players. Players know what the trends in the game are and players know what’s going to look good.”
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