As Lacrosse spreads from the East coast to the West coast, a rebirth is taking place.
For those of you who don’t know the landscape of lacrosse, the east coast of the United States – specifically the northeast – has been a loving mother to a very infant lacrosse, nurturing it and allowing it to grow to a level of prosperity where it could stand on its own feet. Lacrosse has now left the nest and is breaking out on a new frontier; the west coast – specifically California.
Coaches, players and lovers of the game who flock to California to live the good life are finding that their beloved lax is reaching new heights. Not just in terms of youth enrollment and college interest, but also as a constant on the collective consciousness of the California sports scene.
For a state known for its sports – everything from football and basketball to skateboarding and surfing – Californians are finding that lacrosse’s fast-paced combination of muscle, skill, and intelligence is just the sort of sports entrée they have been missing.
Well, mother east is taking notice.
More and more, east-based players and coaches are finding value in coming to California to set up camps and training sessions. Lax on the Pacific is still raw by their standards and they are enthusiastic to share their knowledge with their western brethren.
For two distinguished X-men, Matt “Schommy” Schomburg and John “Pit-bull” Glynn, the new frontier is a chance to showcase their wealth of knowledge and to help the sport they love grow to new heights. Schomburg’s college career took him to Adelphi University where he was a two time All-American and led the Panthers to a National Championship in 1995. Schomburg finished his college career with a 67% face off win percentage, which still sits atop the record books at Adelphi. Schommy was also a four-time member of the Australian World team.
John Glynn played for Cornell from 2005 to 2009. He now works for STX, the world leader in manufacturing lacrosse equipment, and teaches his skills to young laxers all over the US. While at Cornell, Glynn was named a second-team All-American and first-team All-Ivy following the 2008 season. Glynn proved to be one of the best face-off players in the nation, ranking first in the Ivy League and third in the country with a .633 win percentage.
Glynn, a complete middy, doesn’t only handle face-offs. He shoots on the run, dishes the rock to anyone who looks open and is a tough defender as well. Schommy, on the other hand, is a straight-up fogo who banks on his wicked lefty shot when he receives the chance to use it.
Schommy, who hails from Australia, now resides in Long Island, New York headquarters of his face off clinic, fogolax.net. Schommy has started traveling across the US, promoting the art of the face off through his clinics. LaxRatz.com caught up with him in San Diego where we sat down to discuss the state of the face off and the development of lacrosse in California.
Q:In your travels to California, from your first visit to now, have you seen improvement in California lacrosse?
A:Absolutely. I have not only seen a significant difference in skill level, but also in a desire to become involved in lacrosse year round. That is the major difference between the developing states and the mature states: year-round exposure to the game.
Q:Where do you think California would rank in the US as far as talent goes; top 5? Top 10?
A:Hard to say, but based purely on athleticism I would definitely put them in the top ten. California still has a long way to go to reach their full potential but as more and more experienced coaches get in front of these kids, the quicker the athletes will develop. The weather and climate are always going to be an advantage for the west coast kids. The potential is limitless!
Q:How much time would you suggest coaches dedicate to the face-off, either individually or team oriented? And as players, how much time did you dedicate to your craft?
A:I have my fogolax.net guys practice facing off at least four times a week in the off-season and every day during the season. As a player, I practice at least 30 minutes every day during season and during the off-season. The more you practice the better you get. There is no substitute for repetition.
Q:What would be your three favorite drills to share with young face-off hopefuls?
A:Ground ball drills are crucial; the face off athlete must be the best ground-ball guy on the team. Any competitive or repetitive drill is helpful. Ghost drills – doing it by yourself, or catching up to someone, will help you to develop hand speed and technique. Learning to win from a bad set-up or late jump is also a great way. One-handed face offs demonstrate the importance of both hands. They are all equally as important.
Q: Every position has a trick-to-the-trade; what is one of yours? Timing the whistle, feet or hand position, etc?
A:In this order: speed, balance, technique and power. If players master all these fundamentals, they will win all of their face offs.
Q:What is your favorite move or do you have to adjust to what you think the other guy is going to do/is known for?
A:The clamp and pinch and pop are the most deadly, “legal“ moves.
Q: Where do you see the face off in the future? Will there be more emphasis from coaches during practice or will there not be much more room for improvement?
A: Unfortunately, not many high school or college coaches really understand what is going on at the X so I think it is always going to be a self-taught trade. There are a few good teachers of facing off in the country and I think that the kids that are going to them are reaping the benefits. I hope that the coaching and referee panels leave it alone; it’s a critical part of the game that has evolved and will continue to do so.
Q: Do you think fogos are an endangered species or will there be a place for them in the high tempo games we see today?
A: As I mentioned above, I hope they will be around forever. It gives a kid who is maybe not as skilled with a stick in his hands to be a major contributor to his team. The face off position is a unique position played by unique players. I hope it remains that way.
Q:When do you guys plan to come back to California?
A: As soon as possible, please! We’ll be back before too long to continue coaching the art off the face off.
