Chaminade Vs El Dorado – Downey Tournament 2011
On February - 28 - 2011 Comments Off
Chaminade Vs Granada Hills – Downey Tournament 2011
On February - 28 - 2011 Comments Off
Downey Vs Granada Hills – Downey Tournament 2011
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Bob Shriver on Recruiting
On February - 26 - 2011 Comments Off
The recruitment of college level lacrosse players has changed dramatically in the last few years. Not only are young players being identified as viable candidates by college coaches as early as their freshmen year of high school, but the number of youngsters playing high school lacrosse has exploded. High school lacrosse, both men’s and women’s, is no longer a sport exclusive to the northeast of the United States. It is being played in emerging areas like Florida, Texas, California, Michigan, and Colorado to name just a few of the states now fielding teams. How has all this growth changed the recruiting process?
Simply, it has become impossible for college coaches to see every youngster playing high school lacrosse. They do a wonderful job, but the country is too big and the numbers of players too large for them to see them all. So, what are some things those that lack the type of exposure needed to get onto the radar screen of a college coach(es) do?
First, players must identify colleges that fit their academic, social, and athletic/lacrosse ability (it is crucial to be realistic about your own ability-your high school/club coach should be able to help you here). Once a player has identified the school(s) that meets the criteria of a fit, what are things he/she should do?
Contact the lacrosse office via an e-mail (easiest) or hand written letter. Your letter should include a brief bio of your academic standing, your athletic history (what sports you play, levels you’ve played, honors, etc.), your social interests, and, of course, your interest in their school. Remember, you want this introduction to be informative but not too long. You also want to finish your letter with a request that the coach let you know “what can I do to further pursue the opportunity to be a part of your program?” It is also appropriate and normal to send a DVD that can include a variety of things.
A DVD of highlights in season and/or summer, workouts with a trainer, and workouts that exhibit lacrosse related skills are great ideas. Please note that, like your brief bio, this should not be more than 5 minutes long. Coaches are very busy people and don’t have time to look at someone’s 30 minute highlight reel. If they like what they read from you and see in your DVD, they’ll be ample opportunity to provide them with additional information.
Keep working hard on your game and in the classroom. Chances are good that there is a school out there for you but it may require you to go find it as opposed to them finding you. Good luck,
Bob Shriver Head Lacrosse Coach Boys’ Latin School Baltimore, Maryland
The Brady’s Bunch
On February - 16 - 2011 Comments Off
All sports teams play for a cause.
Whether it is because of an underdog status, a team member’s plight, or a desire for greatness, it is in the nature of all sports teams to use specific occurrences as catalysts. Some do it because they lack talent and need a spark. Some teams will let little things manifest into something greater in order to create momentum. Some teams even use controversy as an excuse to come together.
But then there are the teams who don’t have to create anything, let anything manifest, or “use” controversy. These are the rare moments when a team’s success doesn’t matter. When individual concerns are masked by the preference of the team. When coach, ball boy, and players are on the same page. These are the teams that truly play for a greater purpose.
Whatever it is that these “greater purpose” teams play for, it happened before the team ever existed. That’s why the purpose is greater than the team; because the team was born out of that purpose; that “it.”
Brady Wein
The Brady’s Bunch lacrosse team did not exist before Brady Wein was diagnosed with leukemia. They were created and exist today because they have to. They carry this little, unsuspecting child on their back and it seems, he theirs.
LaxRatz had the privilege to go to the Adrenaline Lacrosse Showcase in San Diego, CA and follow around the Brady’s Bunch. What we witnessed was a team playing for a greater purpose. Not one fight, argument, scowl, or awkward moment took place. They went to San Diego to play lacrosse in Brady’s name and nothing else mattered.
Cancer is not new to sports, however. In fact, in terms of generating awareness and fund-raising, cancer has been a major player on the sports scene for quite some time. The “Jimmy” V Foundation for Cancer is perhaps the most known sports-themed cancer charity. It was founded 18 years ago by ESPN and Jim Valvano and according to its website, The V Foundation has raised more than $100 million and awarded cancer research grants in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
However, it isn’t only because of money that sports are a large factor in supporting cancer. Awareness among the public is also a huge reason. Cancer foundations such as the V Foundation and the NFL draw gigantic audiences and long-term followers.
For example, every year in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NFL commits time resources to raising money for cancer, but also to promoting awareness. During that month, almost every player on every team incorporates pink into their uniform. Gloves, cleats, towels, arm bands and chin straps are seen, colored bright pink; promoting cancer awareness to the mass audience that the sport attracts.
In San Diego, the Brady’s Bunch boys faced stiff competition as Adrenaline is regarded as the top lacrosse tournament on the West coast. As winners of several tournaments, and because of the cause they fight so hard for honor, the Brady’s Bunch was a marked team.
The Brady Bunch in Huddle
However, there are some things even talented opponents can’t stop. Brady Wein’s team played well, and together, as several instances of inner turmoil seen so often amongst other teams seemed to avoid the Brady’s Bunch altogether. It was no accident, though. The coaches and players all believed they were there for something more than winning a lacrosse tournament.
Brady’s Bunch finished 5-1 in the tournament, against some of the stiffest competition on the West coast. Some players will continue to play for the Brady’s Bunch in more tournaments, and for some players this was their last or only time with the team. No matter where these players go and no matter what they do they will always cherish their experience on the Brady’s Bunch lacrosse team.
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Silverfin vs Loyola Winter Ball
On February - 15 - 2011 Comments Off
