December 30, 2011
December 27, 2011
Best MLL Goals of 2011
Some highlights of the best goals from the 2011 MLL professional lacrosse season. Start getting primed for indoor lacrosse!
December 22, 2011
Lavin Lacrosse to Sponsor NorthCoast Indoor Lacrosse League
December 21, 2011
Duluth-Superior Chargers Revamp Coaching Staff
To keep up with the growth of the sport of lacrosse in the Duluth area, the Duluth-Superior Chargers board of directors opened their coaching positions to new coaches and revamped their coaching staff and structure. The coaching search brought several new and qualified coaches to the interview process.
After an extensive coaching search and review, the Chargers are happy to announce Scott Wishart as their new head varsity coach. Wishart comes from the successful UMD Bulldogs lacrosse program and brings a strong lacrosse i.q. and tireless work ethic. He was a high scoring attackman during his time with the Bulldogs and will maintain the UMD system that has been operating for the Chargers over the last several years.
Along with Wishart, the Chargers hired Matt Koppang, another former UMD Player, to be the head JV and 9/10 coach and first assistant to the head coach. Koppang has been on the Chargers staff for the past 2 years and brings solid experience and teaching to the long poles and defenseman.
Mike Feldstein has been hired to direct the Chargers middle school program that includes 7/8 and 5/6 teams for the 2012 season. Feldstein brings several years experience coaching a high level 7/8 program for the Northwest Lacrosse Club and is a former attackman for the Arizona Wildcats of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference.
Two additional former UMD players were interviewed and will also be serving on the Chargers coaching staff. Brandon Nispel, a former all-american midfielder for the Bulldogs will provide solid teaching and expertise for the midfielders. Alex Rogers, a former attackman for the Bulldogs will also be helping with the Chargers varsity and JV programs.
The Chargers are also happy to have much of the coaching staff from last year returning to assist the varsity, JV and middle school coaches along with a couple of new coaches that will be assisting the program. With the success of the coaching search, the Chargers board expressed their confidence that they now have the coaching staff in place to take the program successfully into the future with a strong varsity level presence as well as the valuable experience needed at the youth levels to build a strong foundation for the future.
Departing from the Chargers program is head coach Matt Reeves. Coach Reeves has been a huge part of the success of the Chargers program over the last 5 plus years. Taking over a program that had not won a game, Reeves took the program to a level of success not seen previously in northern Minnesota. Last years Chargers team finished the season with an overall 7-3 record, losing to eventual state champion MontiQuois in the first round of the state playoffs. The Chargers board expressed their appreciation for the commitment and efforts of Reeves during his tenure as the programs head coach.
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| New Chargers head coach Scott Wishart #17 |
Along with Wishart, the Chargers hired Matt Koppang, another former UMD Player, to be the head JV and 9/10 coach and first assistant to the head coach. Koppang has been on the Chargers staff for the past 2 years and brings solid experience and teaching to the long poles and defenseman.
Mike Feldstein has been hired to direct the Chargers middle school program that includes 7/8 and 5/6 teams for the 2012 season. Feldstein brings several years experience coaching a high level 7/8 program for the Northwest Lacrosse Club and is a former attackman for the Arizona Wildcats of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference.
Two additional former UMD players were interviewed and will also be serving on the Chargers coaching staff. Brandon Nispel, a former all-american midfielder for the Bulldogs will provide solid teaching and expertise for the midfielders. Alex Rogers, a former attackman for the Bulldogs will also be helping with the Chargers varsity and JV programs.
The Chargers are also happy to have much of the coaching staff from last year returning to assist the varsity, JV and middle school coaches along with a couple of new coaches that will be assisting the program. With the success of the coaching search, the Chargers board expressed their confidence that they now have the coaching staff in place to take the program successfully into the future with a strong varsity level presence as well as the valuable experience needed at the youth levels to build a strong foundation for the future.
Departing from the Chargers program is head coach Matt Reeves. Coach Reeves has been a huge part of the success of the Chargers program over the last 5 plus years. Taking over a program that had not won a game, Reeves took the program to a level of success not seen previously in northern Minnesota. Last years Chargers team finished the season with an overall 7-3 record, losing to eventual state champion MontiQuois in the first round of the state playoffs. The Chargers board expressed their appreciation for the commitment and efforts of Reeves during his tenure as the programs head coach.
December 15, 2011
Lacrosse Continues to Grow in Minnesota
From the Rochester Post Bulletin.
Amateur Update: Lacrosse continues to grow
Posted: Dec 15, 2011, 5:15 am
By Ben BoldtAs the year winds to a close, the staff at the Sports Commission likes to take a look for new trends in the sports industry. One trend that has shown up the last few years is the growth of the sport of lacrosse. Not too many years ago lacrosse was a sport played primarily on the east and west coasts of U.S. and considered by many to be a minor sport. Well that view is no longer correct.
One of the sports industry’s noted authorities, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) shared in their 2011 report that lacrosse was America’s fastest growing sport in 2010 with an increase of 33 percent among frequent participants and an increase of almost 38 percent among all participants. The sport’s national governing body, US Lacrosse, also reported the number of organized lacrosse teams at 624,593 in 2010 which was a 10 percent increase over 2009.
As part of their mission US Lacrosse helps new programs get started and does so by sending out “New Start” kits that contain the basic info needed to get up and running. In 2010 US Lacrosse sent out 363 kits and has helped to start over 2,300 programs since 2004. Many of these new programs have been started in the Midwest where the popularity of lacrosse has grown at a rapid pace.
Just this month at the Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors meeting, a proposal was made to increase the number of state tournament-qualifying sections for boys and girls lacrosse from four to eight. This proposal was made to accommodate the growing number of schools who are adding lacrosse programs across the state. Rochester Area Lacrosse, which will open registration in February, has seen increased numbers in each of the organization’s first four years and fully expects growth again in 2011.
In response to this growth the Sports Commission is offering a new opportunity for teams in April 2012 with 2 tournaments that will be held at the Rochester Regional Stadium Bubble. Lacrosse teams still struggle to find sufficient field space for practice and games, especially youth teams who are passed over for their high school counterparts.
So the Sports Commission is putting these tournaments together with the youth and middle school teams in mind. These tournaments will be played in the great conditions of the climate-controlled bubble and allow teams the ability to get a jump on their spring season.
Lacrosse is a sport that certainly looks like it is not only experiencing strong growth but is here to stay for the long run! For more information on lacrosse in the Rochester area check out, www.rochesteryouthlacrosse.com.
December 7, 2011
Instructional Video of the Week: Lacrosse Catching Fundamentals
Great video from Tier Lacrosse on basic lacrosse catching fundamentals which supports the previous post about deep bag pockets creating bad habits in young lacrosse players. This is one of the most basic of fundamentals, but is often where many bad habits can start and can have a very negative effect as the player grows. This is especially important for Northern lacrosse players, many of whom I see snatching and twisting the ball out of the air when they catch. This video emphasizes the importance of catching the ball with soft hands. Just watching the first few minutes is very educational for young players.
December 5, 2011
Why a Deep Pocket Won't Make You a Better Player
How many young lacrosse players think a deep pocket in their lacrosse stick is the way to go? Trevor Tierney, a former national champion goalie at Princeton and son of legendary college lacrosse coach Bill Tierney, suggests that a deep pocket encourages lots of bad habits in the young lacrosse player. Tierney is the founder of Tier Lacrosse whose mission is to help grow the game of lacrosse and use the game as a way for young lacrosse players to grow and evolve as both athletes and as people.
From Tier Lacrosse.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011 AT 6:09AM
One of the biggest problems that I see in youth lacrosse is that young players are learning to play with huge pockets. Here are the reasons why most youth players love having a bag in their stick and the disadvantages of each perceived "advantage" :
1. It's easier to catch the ball with a deep bag. While this is true, it also allows young players to develop bad habits while catching the ball. For instance, many players will "snatch" at the ball and twist their stick into the catch, instead of catching it behind their head. To see the best way to learn how to catch the ball, watch these two videos by Josh Sims and I : VIDEO I / VIDEO 2 . As we display in those videos, the disadvantages of snatching the ball are numerous. Many times, the player usually drops the ball by spinning his stick and hitting it with the plastic, instead of giving with the ball in the pocket. Also, if you catch with your stick in front of your head, then it takes more time to bring it back for a pass or shot. To be able to get a quick shot or pass off, you need to be able to catch the ball behind your head and then you can get it out all in one motion.
2. Youth players must think the coolest part of lacrosse is cradling. The first thing I ever see with a beginning player is that he is cradling and spinning his stick wildly out of control, but the ball is still staying put because of the bag in his stick. The problem with the ball staying in the stick is that it makes it hard for that player to get it out for quick passes. This is wear youth players struggle the most. They may be able to throw a decent pass when they have all the time in the world in line drills or partner passing, but when they dodge in a game and a quick slide comes, they cannot get the ball out of their stick to save their lives! Being able to move the ball quickly is one of the most important aspects of the game. Youth players cannot do that with a huge bag or a lot of whip in their stick.
3. Youth, high school, college and pro players all do one thing very well - and that's because they all practice it ad nauseam - they can shoot great with time and room. They are all able to stand around a goal with no one on them, take a few cradles and LET IT FLY! The better players obviously can shoot it harder and into the corners more often than beginners, but anyone can shoot with time and room in lacrosse. Since this is the skill that players practice most often, what skill do you think they string their sticks geared towards? You guessed it…this certain time and room shot that happens maybe once a game. If you have a deep pocket and some whip, it definitely helps put some more heat on the ball. However, it hurts the players skills in the two other areas that I talked about above. It also makes them less effective shooting on the run, which is a much more important skill to have as a player gets to take that shot more often.
So youth players like having a big pocket because it makes it easy to cradle the ball and do stick tricks, to catch the ball in an ineffective manner, and to let it rip when no one else is in the same county as them. This is a bad way to learn to play lacrosse! If you go back and watch some college lacrosse from the nineties, you will see that the players had much smaller pockets. They also were able to cradle, catch, throw and shoot very effectively and quickly due to these smaller pockets. To find great lacrosse games on DVD, all you have to do is click on this link to Amazonand look up some of the NCAA Division I games from the nineties. You will be amazed by what you see and the skills that these players demonstrate are the perfect way for youth players to learn the game!
So, I want all youth players (especially my Denver Elite guys) to go get scissors, cut their pockets out and chuck them in the trash can. If you can string your own stick (which you should learn to do as a lacrosse player, by the way) then string up a nice new shallow pocket. If you cannot string up a stick, then take it to your local lax shop and have them string you up a shallow pocket with no whip. At this time of year, you can even ask Santa for Christmas (or your dear old grandma for Channukah) for a new stick (WITH NO POCKET SANTA…OR GRANDMA…GET IT RIGHT!). Better yet, you could also get a girls' stick to practice with which makes it even more challenging to learn these skills in the right way.
With all this being said, here are the steps you need to take to become a better player…and this goes for most of you high school players as well :
1. Get rid of that bag. I don't want to see it again until you get offered a scholarship by some big time NCAA program!
2. Go get a new stick with a shallow pocket.
3. Watch some game film from the nineties and study how those guys played back then.
4. Get out and practice with your new baby. It's going to be a lot harder to catch, throw and shoot, but that's okay. It's going to make you a MUCH better player!
1. It's easier to catch the ball with a deep bag. While this is true, it also allows young players to develop bad habits while catching the ball. For instance, many players will "snatch" at the ball and twist their stick into the catch, instead of catching it behind their head. To see the best way to learn how to catch the ball, watch these two videos by Josh Sims and I : VIDEO I / VIDEO 2 . As we display in those videos, the disadvantages of snatching the ball are numerous. Many times, the player usually drops the ball by spinning his stick and hitting it with the plastic, instead of giving with the ball in the pocket. Also, if you catch with your stick in front of your head, then it takes more time to bring it back for a pass or shot. To be able to get a quick shot or pass off, you need to be able to catch the ball behind your head and then you can get it out all in one motion.
2. Youth players must think the coolest part of lacrosse is cradling. The first thing I ever see with a beginning player is that he is cradling and spinning his stick wildly out of control, but the ball is still staying put because of the bag in his stick. The problem with the ball staying in the stick is that it makes it hard for that player to get it out for quick passes. This is wear youth players struggle the most. They may be able to throw a decent pass when they have all the time in the world in line drills or partner passing, but when they dodge in a game and a quick slide comes, they cannot get the ball out of their stick to save their lives! Being able to move the ball quickly is one of the most important aspects of the game. Youth players cannot do that with a huge bag or a lot of whip in their stick.
3. Youth, high school, college and pro players all do one thing very well - and that's because they all practice it ad nauseam - they can shoot great with time and room. They are all able to stand around a goal with no one on them, take a few cradles and LET IT FLY! The better players obviously can shoot it harder and into the corners more often than beginners, but anyone can shoot with time and room in lacrosse. Since this is the skill that players practice most often, what skill do you think they string their sticks geared towards? You guessed it…this certain time and room shot that happens maybe once a game. If you have a deep pocket and some whip, it definitely helps put some more heat on the ball. However, it hurts the players skills in the two other areas that I talked about above. It also makes them less effective shooting on the run, which is a much more important skill to have as a player gets to take that shot more often.
So youth players like having a big pocket because it makes it easy to cradle the ball and do stick tricks, to catch the ball in an ineffective manner, and to let it rip when no one else is in the same county as them. This is a bad way to learn to play lacrosse! If you go back and watch some college lacrosse from the nineties, you will see that the players had much smaller pockets. They also were able to cradle, catch, throw and shoot very effectively and quickly due to these smaller pockets. To find great lacrosse games on DVD, all you have to do is click on this link to Amazonand look up some of the NCAA Division I games from the nineties. You will be amazed by what you see and the skills that these players demonstrate are the perfect way for youth players to learn the game!So, I want all youth players (especially my Denver Elite guys) to go get scissors, cut their pockets out and chuck them in the trash can. If you can string your own stick (which you should learn to do as a lacrosse player, by the way) then string up a nice new shallow pocket. If you cannot string up a stick, then take it to your local lax shop and have them string you up a shallow pocket with no whip. At this time of year, you can even ask Santa for Christmas (or your dear old grandma for Channukah) for a new stick (WITH NO POCKET SANTA…OR GRANDMA…GET IT RIGHT!). Better yet, you could also get a girls' stick to practice with which makes it even more challenging to learn these skills in the right way.
With all this being said, here are the steps you need to take to become a better player…and this goes for most of you high school players as well :
1. Get rid of that bag. I don't want to see it again until you get offered a scholarship by some big time NCAA program!
2. Go get a new stick with a shallow pocket.
3. Watch some game film from the nineties and study how those guys played back then.
4. Get out and practice with your new baby. It's going to be a lot harder to catch, throw and shoot, but that's okay. It's going to make you a MUCH better player!
November 27, 2011
November 18, 2011
New Winter Indoor Lacrosse League Forming in 2012!
All games will be played at the new Pioneer Park indoor turf field at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). The season will consist of 8 games and playoffs will take place March 18, 2012.
The NILL is designed primarily for local high school lacrosse players to hone their lacrosse skills over the winter and have some fun while the fields are still covered with snow. The NILL is intended to promote improvement of lacrosse skills, lacrosse I.Q. and stickwork. The safety of all players participating in the league is at the forefront and league rules are designed to encourage safe play and improvement of lacrosse skills.
If you're interested in playing, please visit the NILL website for more information. To register for the league, please go to the Registration page and complete the online registration form.
Looking forward to some fun lacrosse play this winter in Northern Minnesota!
November 17, 2011
Instructional Video of the Week: Off-season Speed Training
Nice video showing some good drills for lacrosse athletes to improve their speed and quickness during the off-season.
November 11, 2011
Wall Ball: Get in Your Touches!
Are you getting in your touches in the off-season? Have you played a lot of wall ball? This video will help you get in your touches. Always have a stick in your hand, you never know where the opportunity to get a little "wall ball" in will arise...
November 10, 2011
Amazing Video About the Roots and Power of Lacrosse
Watch this amazing video from Easton Lacrosse about the power and roots of lacrosse on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico.
November 7, 2011
Duluth-Superior Chargers to Offer 5/6 Grade Team for 2012 Spring Season
For more information about the MBSLA 5/6 league and information about the teams that participated in the 2011 season please visit the MBSLA website HERE
If you have any questions, please contact Chargers President Brad Mackinaw - jam127Bwm@aol.com - or Chargers middle school manager Andy Holak - trailrunners@gmail.com - for more information.
November 4, 2011
Duluth-Superior Chargers Varsity Coaching Position
The Duluth-Superior Chargers Lacrosse Club has opened the Varsity coaching position to new candidates for the 2012 season. With the growth of lacrosse in Duluth the club is seeking to open all of its coaching positions to new applicants. The Varsity job posting is below. The club is also seeking JV and middle school coaches to fill out the staff. All coaching candidates are welcome to apply.
Boys' Head Coach
(Varsity). Deadline: November 30, 2011.
Position Description: The Duluth-Superior Chargers Lacrosse Club is currently seeking a boys varsity head coach for the 2011-2012 season. The Chargers have been successful within the MBSLA. We are looking for the ideal coach to add to this success and take the program to the next level. The Chargers are developing a quality youth feeder program and afford the promise of long-term success. We are in need of an experienced and principled coach to build upon the success of these programs. This is a coaching-only position.
The ideal candidate will:
• have lacrosse experience playing and/or coaching at the college level
• possess strong player development, communication, organizational skills as well as a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the sport and team
• be able to effectively motivate and develop both the novice and experienced player
• be able to attract new athletes to the sport and be available for practices scheduled after school hours from March to the beginning of June
• support an off-season program and camps to develop players and promote the sport within the schools
• be active in and support the youth feeder program and develop a coach “mentoring” program through the youth levels
• be able to attend all required athletic association meetings and events and participate in post season award honoring functions
• work with the boys team managers for varsity and middle school on scheduling, uniforms and effective communication with players and parents
• be able to train and assign team managers or staff to assist with game bookkeeping and statistics
Appointment: Part-Time, 5 months.
Contact for application and information:
Brad W. Mackinaw, President, 5114 Arnold Rd, Duluth, MN 55803
Phone: (218) 213-8891
E-mail: jam127bwm@aol.com
Team/school/org. site: http://www.duluthsuperiorlax.uslaxteams.com
Boys' Head Coach
(Varsity). Deadline: November 30, 2011.
Position Description: The Duluth-Superior Chargers Lacrosse Club is currently seeking a boys varsity head coach for the 2011-2012 season. The Chargers have been successful within the MBSLA. We are looking for the ideal coach to add to this success and take the program to the next level. The Chargers are developing a quality youth feeder program and afford the promise of long-term success. We are in need of an experienced and principled coach to build upon the success of these programs. This is a coaching-only position.
The ideal candidate will:
• have lacrosse experience playing and/or coaching at the college level
• possess strong player development, communication, organizational skills as well as a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the sport and team
• be able to effectively motivate and develop both the novice and experienced player
• be able to attract new athletes to the sport and be available for practices scheduled after school hours from March to the beginning of June
• support an off-season program and camps to develop players and promote the sport within the schools
• be active in and support the youth feeder program and develop a coach “mentoring” program through the youth levels
• be able to attend all required athletic association meetings and events and participate in post season award honoring functions
• work with the boys team managers for varsity and middle school on scheduling, uniforms and effective communication with players and parents
• be able to train and assign team managers or staff to assist with game bookkeeping and statistics
Appointment: Part-Time, 5 months.
Contact for application and information:
Brad W. Mackinaw, President, 5114 Arnold Rd, Duluth, MN 55803
Phone: (218) 213-8891
E-mail: jam127bwm@aol.com
Team/school/org. site: http://www.duluthsuperiorlax.uslaxteams.com
October 21, 2011
Fall Ball in the North? Yes, Fargo to Play Grand Forks Predators!
Fargo Warriors to play Grand Forks Predators on Saturday, October 22
New Grand Forks Team to play Fargo Warriors in first-ever match-up of North Dakota high school teams
Fargo, ND, October 15. The Fargo Lacrosse Club’s (FLC) high school lacrosse – www.fargolacrosse.org – will play the newly-formed Grand Cities high school lacrosse team – www.grandcitieslacrosse.org – as part of the College Lacrosse Showcase being held October 22 and October 23 in Fargo at the Pepsi Complex by Hector Airport. The schedule is shown below.
FLC President Matt Noah stated, “The genesis of the Grand Cities club has been Tanner Lindstrom from East Grand Forks. Tanner was a First-Team All-Conference player with the Fargo Warriors this past Spring. Tanner’s father, Brent, has been instrumental in promoting lacrosse in the Grand Forks area.” Both Grand Cities and Fargo plan to compete in the Minnesota Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association (MBSLA) – www.mnlaxhub.com - in 2012 after the Fargo Warriors competed successfully in the MBLSA in 2011.
Admittance is free. The Warriors and Predators invite all area youth from elementary school to high school to witness the historic first match between the only two high school lacrosse teams in North Dakota.
Saturday, October 22, 12:30 pm | |||
Saturday, October 22 10:00 am - NDSU #1 vs. UND 11:15 am - Univ of St. Thomas Alumni vs. MSUM Alumni 12:30 pm - Fargo Warriors HS vs. Grand Forks Predators HS 1:45 pm - NDSU #2 vs. UND 3:00 pm - NDSU #1 vs. Univ. of St. Thomas Alumni 4:15 pm - NDSU #2 vs. MSUM Alumni Sunday, October 23 10:00 am - Univ. of St. Thomas vs. UND 11:15 am - NDSU vs. MSUM |
The The Fargo Warriors Varsity team is coached by Ben Fairbanks.
October 11, 2011
Making Lacrosse a School Sport in Shakopee
Lacrosse, a school sport?
August 23, 2011
Interest in lacrosse continues to grow in Shakopee, leading some to wonder when will Shakopee High School make it an official sport.
Jennifer Clarke of Shakopee Lacrosse spoke to the board about the sport’s growing popularity during Monday’s open forum. In its three years, the club has seen participation numbers increase from 24 boys on one junior varsity team to 87 male and female players on five teams.
This past spring, the girls won the NorthCentral Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association state championship.
The club is seeking permission to use an additional field by the Shakopee Junior High, as well as take advantage of school athletic perks, such as using the activity bus to transport freshman to the high school for after-school practice, allowing students to store equipment in sports lockers and including the varsity lacrosse teams in the high school yearbook.
The Shakopee School Board has talked about adding lacrosse to its athletic offerings after students showed high interest in a 2008 survey.
“With more students, it does look like the next logical activity to add,” Board Member Kathy Busch said.
Board members, however, are hesitant to agree to any new activity with tight finances. Chuck Berg noted the district just increased its class size targets.
“If our goal here is to educate students, if we had some extra dollars, that would be the first thing to do, to draw those class sizes down,” he said.
The board asked Activities Director John Janke to sit down with the lacrosse club and create a formal proposal for consideration.
Jennifer Clarke of Shakopee Lacrosse spoke to the board about the sport’s growing popularity during Monday’s open forum. In its three years, the club has seen participation numbers increase from 24 boys on one junior varsity team to 87 male and female players on five teams.
This past spring, the girls won the NorthCentral Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association state championship.
The club is seeking permission to use an additional field by the Shakopee Junior High, as well as take advantage of school athletic perks, such as using the activity bus to transport freshman to the high school for after-school practice, allowing students to store equipment in sports lockers and including the varsity lacrosse teams in the high school yearbook.
The Shakopee School Board has talked about adding lacrosse to its athletic offerings after students showed high interest in a 2008 survey.
“With more students, it does look like the next logical activity to add,” Board Member Kathy Busch said.
Board members, however, are hesitant to agree to any new activity with tight finances. Chuck Berg noted the district just increased its class size targets.
“If our goal here is to educate students, if we had some extra dollars, that would be the first thing to do, to draw those class sizes down,” he said.
The board asked Activities Director John Janke to sit down with the lacrosse club and create a formal proposal for consideration.
Read more: Shakopee Valley News - Lacrosse a school sport
September 13, 2011
Lacrosse Brings Youth Together Across Cultures in Minnesota
Great article from the The Circle News
Lacrosse brings youth together across cultures
It could have been a pitched battle of Eagles, fought swiftly and without mercy. But the lacrosse game played on a recent hot summer day between the Eagles of Prairie Island Indian Community and the Eagles of Apple Valley was a friendlier affair, pitting two teams who respected the other's sportsmanship and reverence for the Creator's Game.
In fact, the two groups of boys - separated by history, culture and geography - came together to play, not one team against the other, but on mixed teams playing for the love of the game.
The game, at a small park in suburban Burnsville, and the family picnic that followed was the idea of a group of Valley Athletic Association youth lacrosse players who were inspired by the Prairie Island team's sportsmanship when the two teams played earlier in the summer.
"We had a really, really good time [playing against Prairie Island]," said Adam Johnson, an Apple Valley eighth-grader and one of the organizers of the family get-together. "I wanted them to come here so that we could do something fun with them."
"My son came home after the first game and said, 'Mom, that was so much fun," said Tyler Isenmann, a professional photographer who has visited Prairie Island several times to shoot photos of the young players. "He was so impressed with their sportsmanship. There was no smack talk."
While many of the Apple Valley players have been playing lacrosse for several years, the Prairie Island team has been playing for about a year, said coach Brian Kimmell, Native American Coordinator for the Minnesota Swarm professional lacrosse team. The Prairie Island Lacrosse program was created by the Prairie Island Indian Community and the Swarm to promote the traditional American Indian sport among Native youth.
"Lacrosse is part of my heritage," said Evan Childs, a Prairie Island defenseman who became interested in the sport at a Swarm-sponsored summer camp. "This is really fun. I have been playing all summer with my cousins."
Last summer, the Swarm hosted the weeklong Lax-4-Life camp at Prairie Island to introduce the boys and girls on the reservation to the sport of lacrosse, the heritage of the game, health tips and life skills. It was modeled after an earlier camp held by the team at the Fond du Lac reservation near Duluth.
Last year the Swarm signed a partnership with the tribe's Treasure Island Resort & Casino that included a three-year commitment to develop youth lacrosse programs and gave the tribe exclusive naming rights to the Swarm's home playing field at the Xcel Center in St. Paul.
"We are honored to have the chance to teach Native youth the game of lacrosse," said Swarm Co-Owner and Vice President Andy Arlotta. "In doing so, we hope to rekindle the spirit and tradition of lacrosse on their reservation, while at the same time providing them with an active and healthy lifestyle alternative."
For its efforts in developing lacrosse programs for Native youth on the Fond du Lac and Prairie Island reservations, the Minnesota Swarm was recognized at the White House on July 11 during First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move in Indian Country initiative.
Kimmell, the Prairie Island coach, said the tribe plans to expand its seventh- and eighth-grade lacrosse program down to the fourth-grade level next year. He is also working with Red Wing High School to develop a program for the youth to play in as they grow older.
The youth will be practicing three to four days a week after school starts in preparation for the Swarm's Youth Box Lacrosse League this winter, Kimmell said.
The coach is also appreciative of the strong support he has received from tribal leaders.
"We play on an old buffalo field now," he said. "The tribal council plans to rip out the old dirt and grass and put in a proper field - with lights."
With the backing of the tribe and an intense cultural connection, the lacrosse program at Prairie Island is sure to grow and flourish.
"I think this will go on for years, probably," said Prairie Island ninth-grader T.J. Benway, a middie and defenseman. "I like to keep the tradition going. It's an honor to play this game."
For more information about youth lacrosse programs, visit the Minnesota Swarm web site at: mnswarm.com.
Photos courtesy of Tyler Isenmann, Caught in the Moment Photography, 612-382-2822. Check out more photos of the game at www.caughtinthemomentphotography.com.
See the Prairie Island Youth Lacrosse at: www.facebook.com/pages/Prairie-Island-Lacrosse/180924358599637.
Lacrosse brings youth together across cultures
| Saturday, September 10 2011 | |
| Written by Story by Art Coulson Photos by Tyler Isenmann, | ||
It could have been a pitched battle of Eagles, fought swiftly and without mercy. But the lacrosse game played on a recent hot summer day between the Eagles of Prairie Island Indian Community and the Eagles of Apple Valley was a friendlier affair, pitting two teams who respected the other's sportsmanship and reverence for the Creator's Game. In fact, the two groups of boys - separated by history, culture and geography - came together to play, not one team against the other, but on mixed teams playing for the love of the game.
The game, at a small park in suburban Burnsville, and the family picnic that followed was the idea of a group of Valley Athletic Association youth lacrosse players who were inspired by the Prairie Island team's sportsmanship when the two teams played earlier in the summer.
"We had a really, really good time [playing against Prairie Island]," said Adam Johnson, an Apple Valley eighth-grader and one of the organizers of the family get-together. "I wanted them to come here so that we could do something fun with them."
"My son came home after the first game and said, 'Mom, that was so much fun," said Tyler Isenmann, a professional photographer who has visited Prairie Island several times to shoot photos of the young players. "He was so impressed with their sportsmanship. There was no smack talk."
While many of the Apple Valley players have been playing lacrosse for several years, the Prairie Island team has been playing for about a year, said coach Brian Kimmell, Native American Coordinator for the Minnesota Swarm professional lacrosse team. The Prairie Island Lacrosse program was created by the Prairie Island Indian Community and the Swarm to promote the traditional American Indian sport among Native youth."Lacrosse is part of my heritage," said Evan Childs, a Prairie Island defenseman who became interested in the sport at a Swarm-sponsored summer camp. "This is really fun. I have been playing all summer with my cousins."
Last summer, the Swarm hosted the weeklong Lax-4-Life camp at Prairie Island to introduce the boys and girls on the reservation to the sport of lacrosse, the heritage of the game, health tips and life skills. It was modeled after an earlier camp held by the team at the Fond du Lac reservation near Duluth. Last year the Swarm signed a partnership with the tribe's Treasure Island Resort & Casino that included a three-year commitment to develop youth lacrosse programs and gave the tribe exclusive naming rights to the Swarm's home playing field at the Xcel Center in St. Paul.
"We are honored to have the chance to teach Native youth the game of lacrosse," said Swarm Co-Owner and Vice President Andy Arlotta. "In doing so, we hope to rekindle the spirit and tradition of lacrosse on their reservation, while at the same time providing them with an active and healthy lifestyle alternative."
For its efforts in developing lacrosse programs for Native youth on the Fond du Lac and Prairie Island reservations, the Minnesota Swarm was recognized at the White House on July 11 during First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move in Indian Country initiative.
Kimmell, the Prairie Island coach, said the tribe plans to expand its seventh- and eighth-grade lacrosse program down to the fourth-grade level next year. He is also working with Red Wing High School to develop a program for the youth to play in as they grow older. The youth will be practicing three to four days a week after school starts in preparation for the Swarm's Youth Box Lacrosse League this winter, Kimmell said.
The coach is also appreciative of the strong support he has received from tribal leaders.
"We play on an old buffalo field now," he said. "The tribal council plans to rip out the old dirt and grass and put in a proper field - with lights."
With the backing of the tribe and an intense cultural connection, the lacrosse program at Prairie Island is sure to grow and flourish.
"I think this will go on for years, probably," said Prairie Island ninth-grader T.J. Benway, a middie and defenseman. "I like to keep the tradition going. It's an honor to play this game."For more information about youth lacrosse programs, visit the Minnesota Swarm web site at: mnswarm.com.
Photos courtesy of Tyler Isenmann, Caught in the Moment Photography, 612-382-2822. Check out more photos of the game at www.caughtinthemomentphotography.com.
See the Prairie Island Youth Lacrosse at: www.facebook.com/pages/Prairie-Island-Lacrosse/180924358599637.
September 7, 2011
Winter Lacrosse in Duluth? Pioneer Park Opening Soon!
Great news on the winter off-season lacrosse front. The DECC will be opening Pioneer Park soon! There is now a great opportunity to form winter off-season lacrosse leagues and practice lacrosse year round indoors. Opportunities for an off-season 7 v. 7 lacrosse league and other leagues are presently being explored. The obvious concern for interested users of the park will be how much rental time will cost.
The full article from the Duluth News-Tribune follows:
People soon will be able to play soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other such warm-weather sports in comfort nearly year-round in Duluth.
The indoor athletic turf used in the Duluth Heritage Center’s Seitz Arena in spring and summer now will be used in the DECC’s Pioneer Hall during the winter, it was announced today at a news conference in Seitz Arena.
“The Duluth Heritage Sports Center is providing the community an excellent service by continuing its programming in Pioneer Park,” Deb Messer, DECC Board of Directors President, said.
DECC Executive Director Dan Russell estimated the turf could see 800 hours of service a winter at Pioneer Park, as Pioneer Hall will be known when the turf is there. For direct access from the DECC parking lot, a new entrance to Pioneer Park is being built across from the William A. Irvin.
The Minnesota Vikings donated the 210-by-120-foot turf to the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland in 2008 for indoor youth activities. The Heritage Sports Center has managed the turf and its programming since then. But the turf only has been available for use from April to September, when ice is put down in Seitz Arena. The DECC will have the turf available from November to March.
The full article from the Duluth News-Tribune follows:
Indoor soccer, other sports coming to Duluth's Pioneer Park
People soon will be able to play soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other such warm-weather sports in comfort nearly year-round in Duluth. By: News Tribune staff, Duluth News TribunePeople soon will be able to play soccer, baseball, lacrosse and other such warm-weather sports in comfort nearly year-round in Duluth.
“The Duluth Heritage Sports Center is providing the community an excellent service by continuing its programming in Pioneer Park,” Deb Messer, DECC Board of Directors President, said.
DECC Executive Director Dan Russell estimated the turf could see 800 hours of service a winter at Pioneer Park, as Pioneer Hall will be known when the turf is there. For direct access from the DECC parking lot, a new entrance to Pioneer Park is being built across from the William A. Irvin.
The Minnesota Vikings donated the 210-by-120-foot turf to the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland in 2008 for indoor youth activities. The Heritage Sports Center has managed the turf and its programming since then. But the turf only has been available for use from April to September, when ice is put down in Seitz Arena. The DECC will have the turf available from November to March.
August 30, 2011
Native American Youth Get Active at the Minnesota Swarm’s Lacrosse Camp
From the Let's Move website
Posted by Kevin Discepolo, Secretary’s Fellow for Youth in the Great Outdoors at the Department of the Interior on August 29, 2011
Building off of the commitments made at the July White House South Lawn Series lacrosse event, I was excited to hear about the success of the Minnesota Swarm’s 2ndannual Lax-4-Life camp. The National Lacrosse League’s team from the Land of 10,000 Lakes saw their enrollment double for this year’s camp, with nearly fifty 13-15 year old Native America youth attending. Seven different Tribal communities were present, including: Fond du Lac, Prairie Island, Oneida Nation, Little Earth, Lac Courte Orelles, Grand Portage, and Mille Lacs.
The five-day overnight camp was presented by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lax-4-Life co-founder Clint Letch and the Minnesota Swarm. In addition to lacrosse training and instruction, the camp also provided educational sessions on drug, alcohol, violence, and gang prevention, as well as diabetes and obesity awareness.
Photo Credit: Alec Schimke, MN Swarm
“With the curriculum this year, we tried to teach these kids the value of lacrosse as well as the heritage of the sport and what it means to them,” Swarm Director of Lacrosse Operations Kevin Dunnigan said. “But we also wanted to work on different community aspects such as nutrition and fitness. We hope these are skills they can take forward in their lifestyle.”
Minnesota Swarm co-owner Andy Arlotta and Clint Letch started the camp last year with the goal of providing Native American youth with a healthy lifestyle choice that they could take pride in.
“In the last two years, the program has grown,” Letch said. “This year we brought girls into the program, which I think is a huge asset to have as more and more women are being called on to leadership positions throughout reservations.”
“When we arrived in Minnesota a few years ago, we were surprised that lacrosse was not being played in the Native American communities,” Arlotta said. “It has been our goal to help return lacrosse to this community where it all started, and it's exciting and rewarding to see how fast it is growing through programs like Lax-4-Life."
Brookston Community Center Manager Bryan Bosto who hosted the camp, echoed Arlotta’s observations of the sports growth, “Two years ago there was no discussion of lacrosse in this community. To see the kids carrying around their sticks in December...practicing with themselves by throwing the ball against the wall…to me that’s the biggest impact I’ve seen in any sport. The general consensus used to be that lacrosse is an East Coast game, but it's not. It’s a traditional Native American sport.”
Photo Credit: Alec Schimke, MN Swarm
Commissioner George Daniel of the National Lacrosse League congratulated the Swarm, “We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication from the Minnesota Swarm. It is encouraging to see such an amazing alliance with community members to ensure the health and well-being of Native American youth. The Swarm has set the model as we look to do similar outreach in Native American communities with our other teams.”
Posted by Kevin Discepolo, Secretary’s Fellow for Youth in the Great Outdoors at the Department of the Interior on August 29, 2011
Building off of the commitments made at the July White House South Lawn Series lacrosse event, I was excited to hear about the success of the Minnesota Swarm’s 2ndannual Lax-4-Life camp. The National Lacrosse League’s team from the Land of 10,000 Lakes saw their enrollment double for this year’s camp, with nearly fifty 13-15 year old Native America youth attending. Seven different Tribal communities were present, including: Fond du Lac, Prairie Island, Oneida Nation, Little Earth, Lac Courte Orelles, Grand Portage, and Mille Lacs.
The five-day overnight camp was presented by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lax-4-Life co-founder Clint Letch and the Minnesota Swarm. In addition to lacrosse training and instruction, the camp also provided educational sessions on drug, alcohol, violence, and gang prevention, as well as diabetes and obesity awareness.
Photo Credit: Alec Schimke, MN Swarm
“With the curriculum this year, we tried to teach these kids the value of lacrosse as well as the heritage of the sport and what it means to them,” Swarm Director of Lacrosse Operations Kevin Dunnigan said. “But we also wanted to work on different community aspects such as nutrition and fitness. We hope these are skills they can take forward in their lifestyle.”
Minnesota Swarm co-owner Andy Arlotta and Clint Letch started the camp last year with the goal of providing Native American youth with a healthy lifestyle choice that they could take pride in.
“In the last two years, the program has grown,” Letch said. “This year we brought girls into the program, which I think is a huge asset to have as more and more women are being called on to leadership positions throughout reservations.”
“When we arrived in Minnesota a few years ago, we were surprised that lacrosse was not being played in the Native American communities,” Arlotta said. “It has been our goal to help return lacrosse to this community where it all started, and it's exciting and rewarding to see how fast it is growing through programs like Lax-4-Life."
Brookston Community Center Manager Bryan Bosto who hosted the camp, echoed Arlotta’s observations of the sports growth, “Two years ago there was no discussion of lacrosse in this community. To see the kids carrying around their sticks in December...practicing with themselves by throwing the ball against the wall…to me that’s the biggest impact I’ve seen in any sport. The general consensus used to be that lacrosse is an East Coast game, but it's not. It’s a traditional Native American sport.”
Photo Credit: Alec Schimke, MN Swarm
Commissioner George Daniel of the National Lacrosse League congratulated the Swarm, “We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication from the Minnesota Swarm. It is encouraging to see such an amazing alliance with community members to ensure the health and well-being of Native American youth. The Swarm has set the model as we look to do similar outreach in Native American communities with our other teams.”
August 11, 2011
WDIO.com - Duluth Summer Lacrosse
Nice news report from the WDIO Up North segment on August 10, 2011 about lacrosse in Duluth featuring the YMCA youth league and Tuesday night pick-up games for middle school, high school, college and adult players.
August 2, 2011
Video Highlights from the Bulldog Lacrosse Camp in Duluth
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Bulldog Lacrosse Camp from Epoch Lacrosse on Vimeo.
Day 2:
Bulldog Lacrosse Camp Day 2! from Epoch Lacrosse on Vimeo.
Day 3:
July 28, 2011
Tribal Communities Celebrate Their Anscentral Sport
Wouldn't it be great to have a northern Minnesota lacrosse team from one of our northern Minnesota tribal communities? Even better, lacrosse teams in all of our northern Minnesota tribal communities! Great to see the sport spreading across the Northland!
Article from Northland Newscenter and video below
Cloquet, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) --- Members of the Minnesota Swarm, the state's only professional lacrosse team, were the guests of honor this week at the second annual Lax-4-Life lacrosse camp.
They said it's an honor to be able to work with the kids of the Northland.
"Working with these kids is even more rewarding for us because these kids really appreciate every word that comes out of our mouth," said Kevin Dunnigan, the Storm's director of lacrosse operations. "These kids really soak in every experience they get, and it's an awesome experience for us as instructors."
"Of all the things I do, I've coached from youth to the professional level, this is one of the most rewarding things," said Aime Caines, a Storm assistant coach. "To be able to give back, lacrosse has given me so much, to give back like this is special."
More than 50 kids from seven tribal communities across the Northland took part in this week's camp.
The Swarm coaches said, for most of them, lacrosse just comes natural.
"It's in their blood, and we see that," Dunnigan said. "These kids pick it up quick. We put a stick in their hands and they're catching and throwing. It's pretty amazing, actually, right off the bat. It's almost natural for them."
"Every one of these kids born in the tribal communities, it's their birthright to have a stick given to them," Caines said. "When they pass on into the afterlife, they're going to leave with that stick."
The sport of lacrosse has been gaining a fan base in recent years. Dunnigan said it's the Swarm's goal to keep improving the sport's popularity amongst kids.
"What we're trying to do is build a base or a foundation in a lacrosse community, and also reach out to these communities that might need some help," Dunnigan said. "They don't know where to start, so we're lucky to have that opportunity to go out and work with these new communities."
Posted by Zach Schneider
zschneider@northlandsnewscenter.com
Article from Northland Newscenter and video below
Cloquet, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) --- Members of the Minnesota Swarm, the state's only professional lacrosse team, were the guests of honor this week at the second annual Lax-4-Life lacrosse camp.
They said it's an honor to be able to work with the kids of the Northland.
"Working with these kids is even more rewarding for us because these kids really appreciate every word that comes out of our mouth," said Kevin Dunnigan, the Storm's director of lacrosse operations. "These kids really soak in every experience they get, and it's an awesome experience for us as instructors."
"Of all the things I do, I've coached from youth to the professional level, this is one of the most rewarding things," said Aime Caines, a Storm assistant coach. "To be able to give back, lacrosse has given me so much, to give back like this is special."
More than 50 kids from seven tribal communities across the Northland took part in this week's camp.
The Swarm coaches said, for most of them, lacrosse just comes natural.
"It's in their blood, and we see that," Dunnigan said. "These kids pick it up quick. We put a stick in their hands and they're catching and throwing. It's pretty amazing, actually, right off the bat. It's almost natural for them."
"Every one of these kids born in the tribal communities, it's their birthright to have a stick given to them," Caines said. "When they pass on into the afterlife, they're going to leave with that stick."
The sport of lacrosse has been gaining a fan base in recent years. Dunnigan said it's the Swarm's goal to keep improving the sport's popularity amongst kids.
"What we're trying to do is build a base or a foundation in a lacrosse community, and also reach out to these communities that might need some help," Dunnigan said. "They don't know where to start, so we're lucky to have that opportunity to go out and work with these new communities."
Posted by Zach Schneider
zschneider@northlandsnewscenter.com
July 22, 2011
Highlights from Duluth YMCA Youth League
July 19, 2011
Duluth Y Youth League Practice Cancelled; Pick Up Games Still On
The Duluth YMCA Youth Lacrosse League practices are cancelled tonight due to inclement weather. The Drop-In League pick-up games are still on. If the inclement weather clears by 7:00 p.m., the pick-up games will still be played.
July 6, 2011
Lacrosse Should stick Around in the North
Article from the Duluth Budgeteer about lacrosse in Duluth and northern Minnesota
Every evening this spring, it seemed, there was a collection of stick-wielding teenagers running rampant across the turf at Public Schools Stadium.
Baseball team? Nope. Dry-land hockey practice? Certainly not. Golfers? They don’t run. No, it was a burgeoning group of lacrosse enthusiasts, who apparently find strength in numbers.
Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and the Duluth Superior Chargers certainly exemplify that trend. A club team, the Chargers boasted 70 players (primarily from Eastern Duluth and Hermantown) spread across three teams — middle school, junior varsity and varsity — and won seven of nine games while finishing second in the North Division of the Minnesota Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association.
Not too shabby for a team whose sport remains on the fringe of mainstream society — at least here in the Northland.
“A lot of people are afraid of it just because it’s an obscure sport to most of Northern Minnesota,” the team’s co-coach, Matt Reeves, who was in his fifth season of coaching the Chargers, said shortly after the Chargers’ season ended in early June. "They don’t understand it, so they kind of are leery to get involved, but the growth that we’ve had, once kids come out and try it, they love it."
As soccer’s dramatic growth of the 1990s appears to have reached a plateau — a very healthy and sustainable plateau — lacrosse looks destined to become the Next Big Thing. Or, perhaps, we already have reached that point, and lacrosse is the Current Big Thing. Either way, it’s a big thing.
Even in Minnesota, where folks are often skeptical of any sporting pursuit that doesn’t include a puck, the game’s popularity is stunning. The Minnesota State High School League sanctioned 113 teams (59 girls, 54 boys) this spring.
The state’s professional lacrosse team, the Minnesota Swarm, averages close to 10,000 fans a game. Locally, Minnesota Duluth’s club program is among the most successful in the nation.
“It’s been outstanding,” said Matt Koppang, Reeves’ coaching counterpart with the Chargers, of the uptick in interest. “The fact that Minnesota now has a professional lacrosse team that’s one of the greatest things in our world now is going down and watching the Swarm play. And finally just being able to watch it on TV now."
The Chargers hope to eventually join the MSHSL and become an official high school varsity sport. In the meantime, they will continue to compete against other infant club programs from around the state. Fortunately, the schedule has become less burdensome in recent years, as programs sprout up throughout Northeastern Minnesota, thereby limiting road trips to the Twin Cities.
Part of lacrosse’s appeal is that it develops a plethora of skills used in other sports. Hockey players enjoy it because of its utilization of a stick. Football players relish the physicality, and basketball players can enhance their footwork while running plays similar to those often used on the hardwood.
Plus, it’s just downright fun.
“It’s faster-paced and it’s good exercise for other sports,” said the Chargers’ Britton Harris, who will be a junior at Duluth East this fall.
While the Chargers will have to replace roughly 15 seniors who graduated last month, the Duluth Nighthawks were remarkably young in 2011. Only four of the Nighthawks’ 37 players were seniors, meaning the team should feature impressive experience when it reconvenes next spring.
The Nighthawks, like the Chargers a club team, went 3-4-1 to finish in the middle of the pack of the Northcentral Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association.
Read the full article HERE
Louie St. George: Lacrosse should stick around
Louie St. George, for the Budgeteer
 |
| Duluth Chargers Varsity player Henry Roningen (rught) |
Baseball team? Nope. Dry-land hockey practice? Certainly not. Golfers? They don’t run. No, it was a burgeoning group of lacrosse enthusiasts, who apparently find strength in numbers.
Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and the Duluth Superior Chargers certainly exemplify that trend. A club team, the Chargers boasted 70 players (primarily from Eastern Duluth and Hermantown) spread across three teams — middle school, junior varsity and varsity — and won seven of nine games while finishing second in the North Division of the Minnesota Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association.
 |
| Duluth Chargers Middle Schooler Bryce Holak |
“A lot of people are afraid of it just because it’s an obscure sport to most of Northern Minnesota,” the team’s co-coach, Matt Reeves, who was in his fifth season of coaching the Chargers, said shortly after the Chargers’ season ended in early June. "They don’t understand it, so they kind of are leery to get involved, but the growth that we’ve had, once kids come out and try it, they love it."
As soccer’s dramatic growth of the 1990s appears to have reached a plateau — a very healthy and sustainable plateau — lacrosse looks destined to become the Next Big Thing. Or, perhaps, we already have reached that point, and lacrosse is the Current Big Thing. Either way, it’s a big thing.
Even in Minnesota, where folks are often skeptical of any sporting pursuit that doesn’t include a puck, the game’s popularity is stunning. The Minnesota State High School League sanctioned 113 teams (59 girls, 54 boys) this spring.
The state’s professional lacrosse team, the Minnesota Swarm, averages close to 10,000 fans a game. Locally, Minnesota Duluth’s club program is among the most successful in the nation.
“It’s been outstanding,” said Matt Koppang, Reeves’ coaching counterpart with the Chargers, of the uptick in interest. “The fact that Minnesota now has a professional lacrosse team that’s one of the greatest things in our world now is going down and watching the Swarm play. And finally just being able to watch it on TV now."
The Chargers hope to eventually join the MSHSL and become an official high school varsity sport. In the meantime, they will continue to compete against other infant club programs from around the state. Fortunately, the schedule has become less burdensome in recent years, as programs sprout up throughout Northeastern Minnesota, thereby limiting road trips to the Twin Cities.
 |
| Duluth Chargers JV player Britton Harris |
Plus, it’s just downright fun.
“It’s faster-paced and it’s good exercise for other sports,” said the Chargers’ Britton Harris, who will be a junior at Duluth East this fall.
 |
| Duluth Nighthawks in blue |
The Nighthawks, like the Chargers a club team, went 3-4-1 to finish in the middle of the pack of the Northcentral Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association.
Read the full article HERE
July 5, 2011
Northern Player Finds Success on Minnesota Frost Select Lacrosse Team
 |
| Duluth's Nate Pratt (right) |
The Minnesota Frost team represented the state of Minnesota well at the Vail Lacrosse Shootout in Vail, CO from June 27 to June 30. The Frost participated in the Division 1 bracket and came out in 6th place among 18 teams. The tournament winner, the Crabs from Baltimore, is a team made up almost entirely of NCAA Division I recruits. The competition at this tourney is top notch, and it's great to see one of our own northern Minnesota players making a big contribution to the team representing Minnesota. Pratt is a University of Minnesota-Duluth lacrosse recruit at defense and will be suiting up for the 14 time UMLL conference champion Bulldogs next Spring.
July 1, 2011
More on MN Elite's Tournament in Maryland
Another interesting perspective of MN Elite's tournament in Baltimore from the perspective of one of the players. You can find the full article HERE.
Here's an excerpt from the piece:
General Impressions: We went 6-0 in the showcase, and were the only undefeated team. Our team thought our hardest competition was going to be the two long island teams but we beat them 10-6 and 9-2. Our hardest competition were the Haymakers (6-3) and the Arizona Burn (8-7). I think this shows that there are new hotbeds showing up. It was good seeing that skill level was growing to other places and not just the east coast. I would have liked to play teams like Team Central and the CT Chargers, two teams that could really play the game well.
Our team: We got to bring the rising junior elite team there as well. Our team has been known to be the best team to come out of our state and I think we proved that this weekend by going 6-0. We had six kids make the tournament’s all-star game which is voted by the college coaches in attendance; Attackmen Al Barnhart (Blake School ’12) and Andy Dines (Westminster School ’12/Delaware Commit), Midfielders Jake Woodring (Eden Prarie ’13) and Taylor Topousis (Deerfield PG ’12/Dartmouth Commit), and Goalies Thomas Gilligan (Benilde-St. Margarets ’12) and Calder Sutton (Blake School ’12). All of them played great.
Here's an excerpt from the piece:
 | |
| Jake Woodring shooting |
Our team: We got to bring the rising junior elite team there as well. Our team has been known to be the best team to come out of our state and I think we proved that this weekend by going 6-0. We had six kids make the tournament’s all-star game which is voted by the college coaches in attendance; Attackmen Al Barnhart (Blake School ’12) and Andy Dines (Westminster School ’12/Delaware Commit), Midfielders Jake Woodring (Eden Prarie ’13) and Taylor Topousis (Deerfield PG ’12/Dartmouth Commit), and Goalies Thomas Gilligan (Benilde-St. Margarets ’12) and Calder Sutton (Blake School ’12). All of them played great.
June 27, 2011
Minnesota Lacrosse Getting Some Love
Writers at the highest level are finally starting to give Minnesota lacrosse its due. It's time for the north to start contributing to the growth and success of lacrosse in the state.
From Inside Lacrosse - Full Article HERE
The 2nd annual Baltimore Summer Kickoff took place this weekend at the Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, Md. Jon Torpey and Pat Tracey from High Point ran an excellent event with a geographically diverse group of teams which made for an exciting round two of the Baltimore Summer Kickoff.
Last weekend was mostly centered around teams from the Mid-Atlantic (mostly Maryland and Virginia), but this weekend has teams from a bevy of states. Rather than focusing on specific games throughout the day, I followed individual teams from areas that we don't usually cover. Seeing teams from Minnesota and Arizona kill it was quite satisfying, also making me realize that the talent pool is much larger than that of three or four years ago.
MINNESOTA ELITE GOLD
I enjoyed watching these guys the most, as they attracted a myriad of coaches spread out over the sideline. By watching them play, you never would guess that they were from Minnesota, as they played like they were from a hotbed.
I must say, not only were the one of the top teams at the event (if not the best), they were also the best dressed. The shorts had a sweet argyle maroon and gold pattern on the front and on the back on one side, with a large Minnesota state outline on the other.
Some serious standouts on the offensive end for the boys from 'Sota. Taylor Topousis, who will attend Deerfield Academy for a year before heading to Dartmouth, was the lynchpin at midfield. He was outstanding on wings and had superb stick skills and vision. Al Barnhart (Blake School '12) was very slick though hovering around five feet tall. He was a real speedster and a tenacious rider and embraced a ton of contact yet wasn't affected by it one bit. Attackman Andy Dines (Westminster School '12), a Delaware commit, was extremely impressive and made some dazzling plays.
On defense, Ryan Lawyer (Benilde-St. Margaret's '12) was a stud on the wings and made some great runs upfield. Lawyer was listed as a LSM but was making plays all over the field. Thomas Gilligan (Benilde-St. Margaret's '12) was a stout lefty with great size who saw the ball very well all day as the first half goalie. Very impressed with his ability to shut the door from close range.
From Inside Lacrosse - Full Article HERE
Last weekend was mostly centered around teams from the Mid-Atlantic (mostly Maryland and Virginia), but this weekend has teams from a bevy of states. Rather than focusing on specific games throughout the day, I followed individual teams from areas that we don't usually cover. Seeing teams from Minnesota and Arizona kill it was quite satisfying, also making me realize that the talent pool is much larger than that of three or four years ago.
MINNESOTA ELITE GOLD
I enjoyed watching these guys the most, as they attracted a myriad of coaches spread out over the sideline. By watching them play, you never would guess that they were from Minnesota, as they played like they were from a hotbed.
I must say, not only were the one of the top teams at the event (if not the best), they were also the best dressed. The shorts had a sweet argyle maroon and gold pattern on the front and on the back on one side, with a large Minnesota state outline on the other.
Some serious standouts on the offensive end for the boys from 'Sota. Taylor Topousis, who will attend Deerfield Academy for a year before heading to Dartmouth, was the lynchpin at midfield. He was outstanding on wings and had superb stick skills and vision. Al Barnhart (Blake School '12) was very slick though hovering around five feet tall. He was a real speedster and a tenacious rider and embraced a ton of contact yet wasn't affected by it one bit. Attackman Andy Dines (Westminster School '12), a Delaware commit, was extremely impressive and made some dazzling plays.
On defense, Ryan Lawyer (Benilde-St. Margaret's '12) was a stud on the wings and made some great runs upfield. Lawyer was listed as a LSM but was making plays all over the field. Thomas Gilligan (Benilde-St. Margaret's '12) was a stout lefty with great size who saw the ball very well all day as the first half goalie. Very impressed with his ability to shut the door from close range.
June 23, 2011
June 22, 2011
US Lacrosse Study Reveals Continued Growth
From US Lacrosse
National lacrosse participation grew 10 percent in 2010 according to the annual participation survey conducted by US Lacrosse, released May 27, 2011. The US Lacrosse report found 624,593 players competed on organized teams in 2010, up 10 percent from the total of 568,021 in 2009. US Lacrosse first tracked overall lacrosse participation in 2001, when 253,931 people played on organized teams.
Youth lacrosse, categorized as players age 15 and under, accounted for the largest number of players with 324,673 competing in 2010, up 9.2 percent from 2009.
High school lacrosse also continued to boom with 255,314 players, up 12.2 percent from 2009. There are now 21 state high school athletic associations that have either formally sanctioned or recognized lacrosse. According to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the number of boys’ varsity programs has increased 55.0 percent over the last five years and the number of girls’ varsity programs has increased 48.4 percent. Both figures are the highest total among high school sports.
Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Boys 5-yr
1. Lacrosse.........55%
2. Bowling.........39%
3. Volleyball......24%
4. Water Polo.....18%
5. Swimming.....16%
Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Girls 5-yr
1. Lacrosse.........48%
2. Bowling.........45%
3. Ice Hockey.....30%
4. Golf................17%
5. Swimming......15%
Despite a challenging economic environment, college lacrosse also has seen an upward trend in participation. A total of 32,431 players competed on varsity and club teams in 2010, up 2.6 percent from 2009. Over the last five years, men’s and women’s college lacrosse are the fastest growing sports at the NCAA level. The number of men’s programs has increased 22.4 percent in that time span, and the number of women’s programs has increased 30.3 percent.
Growth Rates of NCAA Sports Men's 5-yr
1. Lacrosse............22%
2. Volleyball..........14%
3. Cross Country.....7%
4. Indoor Track.......6%
5. Golf/Swimming..5%
The US Lacrosse Participation Survey is produced annually by US Lacrosse. The survey is used to monitor participation at different levels of the sport across the country. The primary sources of data for this report are surveys that are sent to the 63 US Lacrosse regional chapters that were active in 2010. Data also is provided by the US Lacrosse database, the NCAA, the NFHS, the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association and the website www.laxpower.com. The survey counts only participation on organized teams and does not include leisure-time play of lacrosse.
► Download the 2010 US Lacrosse Participation Study
LACROSSE GROWTH SINCE 2001
The following numbers represent the total number of lacrosse players nationally since US
Lacrosse began tracking data in 2001.
Year Players % 1-yr Growth
2001 253,931........... —
2002 288,104........... 13.5
2003 301,560..............4.7
2004 351,852............16.7
2005 381,568..............8.4
2006 426,022............11.7
2007 480,627............12.8
2008 524,230..............9.1
2009 568,021..............8.4
2010 624,593............10.0
National lacrosse participation grew 10 percent in 2010 according to the annual participation survey conducted by US Lacrosse, released May 27, 2011. The US Lacrosse report found 624,593 players competed on organized teams in 2010, up 10 percent from the total of 568,021 in 2009. US Lacrosse first tracked overall lacrosse participation in 2001, when 253,931 people played on organized teams.
High school lacrosse also continued to boom with 255,314 players, up 12.2 percent from 2009. There are now 21 state high school athletic associations that have either formally sanctioned or recognized lacrosse. According to data from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the number of boys’ varsity programs has increased 55.0 percent over the last five years and the number of girls’ varsity programs has increased 48.4 percent. Both figures are the highest total among high school sports.
Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Boys 5-yr
1. Lacrosse.........55%
2. Bowling.........39%
3. Volleyball......24%
4. Water Polo.....18%
5. Swimming.....16%
Growth Rates of NFHS Sports Girls 5-yr
1. Lacrosse.........48%
2. Bowling.........45%
3. Ice Hockey.....30%
4. Golf................17%
5. Swimming......15%
Growth Rates of NCAA Sports Men's 5-yr
1. Lacrosse............22%
2. Volleyball..........14%
3. Cross Country.....7%
4. Indoor Track.......6%
5. Golf/Swimming..5%
The US Lacrosse Participation Survey is produced annually by US Lacrosse. The survey is used to monitor participation at different levels of the sport across the country. The primary sources of data for this report are surveys that are sent to the 63 US Lacrosse regional chapters that were active in 2010. Data also is provided by the US Lacrosse database, the NCAA, the NFHS, the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association and the website www.laxpower.com. The survey counts only participation on organized teams and does not include leisure-time play of lacrosse.
► Download the 2010 US Lacrosse Participation Study
LACROSSE GROWTH SINCE 2001
The following numbers represent the total number of lacrosse players nationally since US
Lacrosse began tracking data in 2001.
Year Players % 1-yr Growth
2001 253,931........... —
2002 288,104........... 13.5
2003 301,560..............4.7
2004 351,852............16.7
2005 381,568..............8.4
2006 426,022............11.7
2007 480,627............12.8
2008 524,230..............9.1
2009 568,021..............8.4
2010 624,593............10.0
June 21, 2011
Drop-In League Games Canceled Tonight
The Duluth Drop-In League pick up games have been canceled tonight due to inclement weather. We'll play again next Tuesday (6/28) at 7:00 p.m. Bring your gear and be ready to play!
June 16, 2011
Northern Lights Lacrosse MBSLA North All-Conference Team
In what is sure to produce some amount of controversy, the MBSLA just released their 2011 all-conference and all-state teams. In the North Conference, Duluth was left completely off the all-conference list. There were no Duluth players named to the 1st or 2nd team or the Honorable Mention list. Unfortunately, the Duluth players paid for the Duluth officials, who were contacted to participate in the all-conference selection, lack of involvement.MBSLA officials exercised due diligence in contacting team officials and setting up a conference call to select the all-conference teams. Duluth failed to respond to any of the communications. It's unfortunate that the players, who earned the right to be recognized on an all-conference team, were penalized due to this indifference. An all-conference team without any players from a team that finished the season 3-1 in conference, finished with an overall record of 7-3 and clearly had some very good players simply cannot be considered as meaningful as a team fully represented by the entire conference. Again, Duluth is clearly at fault, but it's the players who must pay unfortunately.
In light of this situation, Northern Lights Lacrosse made an effort to name an MBSLA North all-conference team that more fairly represents the entire conference. Of course our effort wasn't perfect just as any other effort like this that introduces subjectivity is never perfect. We realize that our Honorable Mention list is way too large, but we did want to recognize those players that may have been bumped off the 2nd team with the addition of more players to the team. We really didn't have great justification for bumping them off the second team and weren't familiar enough with the names already on the Honorable Mention list and wanted to be sure they were recognized for their efforts as well.
So, with the admission that nothing is perfect, here is the 2011 Northern Lights Lacrosse MBSLA North All-Conference team. Please feel free to comment:
| 2011 MBSLA North All Conference | ||
| 1st Team | 2nd Team | |
| Attack | Attack | |
| Mike Whitson, Jr. - St. Cloud North | Andrew Lindmeier, So. - St. Cloud North | |
| Zach Thompson, Sr. - Duluth | Steven Halver, Jr. - Duluth | |
| Zach Brown, Sr. - Brainerd | Tanner Lindstrom, So. - Fargo | |
| Mid-Field | Mid-Field | |
| Jake Reichenbach, Sr. - Brainerd | Beau Hughes, So. - Duluth | |
| Keith Haymaker, Sr. - Brainerd | Ian Wieczorek, Sr. - Duluth | |
| Mike Hillman, Sr. - Duluth | Aaron Monson, Jr. - Fargo | |
| Defense | Defense | |
| Nate Pratt, Sr. - Duluth | Mark Torgerson, Sr. - Brainerd | |
| Tyler Kohnen, Sr. - St. Cloud North | Justin Kremer, Jr. - St. Cloud North | |
| Tyler Minkel, So. - St. Cloud North | John Babick, Sr. - Duluth | |
| Long Stick Mid-Field | Long Stick Mid-Field | |
| Matt Mensinger, Jr. - Duluth | Ben Berghuis, Sr. - Brainerd | |
| Goalie | Goalie | |
| Tyler Olson, Sr. - Duluth | Alex Hoalupczok, Sr. - St. Cloud North | |
| Face-Off Mid-Field | Face-Off Mid-Field | |
| Christian Murray, Jr. - St. Cloud North | Kristian Haymaker, Fr. - Brainerd | |
| Honorable Mention - Ben Dunnell (A) Grand Rapids, Brandon Kruse (A) St. Cloud North, Mitch Howieson (A) Brainerd, Cameron Waby (A) Brainerd, Henry Roningen (M) Duluth, Trevor Clark (M) Duluth, Jack Maddy (M) Duluth, Ryan Bidinger (M) St. Cloud North, Zach Peterson (M) St. Cloud North, John Kirick (M) St. Cloud North, Michael Kringle (M) Fargo, Brody Geisler (M) Grand Rapids, Ben Noah (M) Fargo, Jeremy Young (M) Brainerd, Adam Casperson (M) Brainerd, Nevada Shelton, (LSM) Duluth, Tucker Isaacson (LSM) St. Cloud North, John McGillis (D) Brainerd, Daniel Evenson (D) Fargo, Zach Brist (D) Grand Rapids, Jake North (D) Duluth, John Deelstra (D) Fargo, Zach Caldwell (D) Brainerd, Kevin Lechner (G) Brainerd, Joe Noah (G) Fargo | ||
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