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  Malvern Prep's Oliver moving on to new frontiers By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/6/08 Jimmy Oliver has been involved in his share of successful lacrosse programs before. Now, as he sets to embark on a new head coaching position in a growing lacrosse area of northern Florida, he is confident he can once again find success. Oliver, a Cabrini College graduate who has been a head coach at Archbishop Carroll and Marple Newtown and a top assistant at powerhouse Malvern Prep since 2002, recently accepted the job as head coach at Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, Fla. Oliver has been no stranger to top-notch sc holastic lacrosse. He played at Long Island power Ward Melville and guided Marple Newtown to a 13-6 season in 2001 before coming to Malvern, which won a state title in 2006 and also reached the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) finals in 2002, 2004 and 2008. Oliver also has been active in a leadership role in Philadelphia lacrosse, serving as president of the EPSLA on two occasions while also serving as the vice president twice, and as the secretary. He had recently taken over the job as EPSLA president before accepting the job at Menendez. Oliver said the reason for his move was actually based most on the desire of his family to settle in Florida after vacationing there many times. Oliver, who works full-time as a content director for locally-run FootballPower and LaxPower, said there is a need for experienced coaches in Florida. “We really love the area and decided to pull the trigger,” Oliver said, noting that St. Augustine is north of Daytona Beach and south of Jacksonville. “Lacrosse didn’t play any part into the decision to move. The added benefit was that there were seven openings down there, and they are struggling for coaches in the area.” Menendez was 2-10 last year, but has potential, Oliver said. “They lost five games by a goal and they’re a very athletic group,” said Oliver, who also served as an assistant at Episcopal Academy in 1995. “As long as they’re athletic, you can work with that. It will take time; some day we can strive to be as good as Malvern. “It is a growing area for lacrosse. Some of the athletic directors expect lacrosse to take over soccer within 10 years. The amount of youth programs and travel programs is growing every year; they just need coaches and officials.” A 'Varsity' effort by Team Andress Hundreds show support for popular Philly coach By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/4 /08 Now that was a “varsity” effort. There was no better word to describe the support shown to Deb Andress - a fixture for three decades in the Philadelphia lacrosse scene as a player, coach and leader – Sunday on a sun-splashed November morning at the Art Museum. With sticks in hand and t-shirts dubbed “Team Andress,” more than 700 friends, family members and other supporters participated in the largest team fundraising effort at the Third Annual Brain Tumor Society (BTS) Race For Hope 5K Run/Walk. The cause was for Doylestown’s Andress, a former Penn State great and current youth and college coach who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August. Team Andress shattered the BTS record by raising nearly $40,000 for The Brain Tumor Society on behalf of the popular coach. Another $8,000 was raised for Thomas Jefferson Hospital’s Neuro-team through the sales of Team Andress t-shirts. On the back of the shirts was a “V” for “varsity,” the term Andres uses so often to motivate her youth players at Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in Doylestown when recognizing a standout performance. On this occasion, Team Andress earned its varsity status while representing Andress, who in January was hired as the first coach at Penn State Abington campus and is a board member of the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association and is most known for her overall dedication to the sport of lacrosse. Team Andress stretched from Philadelphia to Penn State, where Andress was a standout lacrosse and field hockey player in the 1980s. Andress, also an instructor of kinesiology at Abington, has coached lacrosse and/or played at nearly every level, from youth to national play. She was a member of the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team from 1980-1984, “Everybody had their lacrosse sticks,” said Deb. “The Brain Tumor Society said, ‘What is this, some sort of club?’ I felt almost embarrassed (from the support); there are a lot of people who do what I do. I am not a superstar. “There was someone, a coach or a parent, from almost every school in the area. The coaches around here are amazing. This gives me some courage and strength and hope to go on. I’m not just fighting for my family (five children), look at all these people. In all this ugliness, I saw a lot of beauty. It changes you a little bit.” (SEE FULL STORY & WATCH PICTURE SLIDESHOW) Black Bear Lax, Lions win titles at Houshower Festival Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/3/08 Fifteen teams and over 300 athletes competed Saturday in the 5th Annual Brian Houshower Lacrosse Classic at Downingtown West, an event honoring the memory of the former West lacrosse player killed in an automobile accident five years ago. The memorial tournament celebrates the life of a promising student-athlete who was a sophomore at Downingtown West when he passed away. Proceeds from this event go to the Downingtown West Brian Houshower Scholarship Fund. The tournament started with the ceremonial face off with Brian’s mother, Joan Ferrere, in attendance. The “A” Division championship was won by Black Bear Lax Chesco, co ached by Jim Holleran and Matt Bonner. The team defeated the Avon Grove Devils, 7-2, the Lancaster Meltdown, 6-3, the Shanahan Eagles, 4-2, and the Lehigh Valley Skyhawks, 5-4, in the championship game. The team consisted of Mike Honeybink (Conestoga), Matt Biegel (West Chester East), Ben Tuscai (East), Chris Zarrilli (East), Ethan Heisman (Henderson), Dan Flynn (Malvern Prep), Dan Cohen (Conestoga), Ryan Nowell (Bayard Rustin), Nick Tatlow (East), Jim Barr (East), Evan Weldon (Henderson), Chris Suggese (East), Ryan Vincins (Kennett), Jason Cuzzuppe (Great Valley), Tim Shaw (Rustin), Andrew Protenic (East), Chris Hochstetler (East), Zach Lieb (East), Jordon McGinty (Bishop Shanahan), DJ Sakel (East), Matt Bonner Jr. (East), Blair Bonner (East), Dylan Spangenburg (Malvern Prep), Dan Taney (East), Elliot Cairns (Henderson). Back Bear Lax got outstanding goaltending from Vincins; stellar middie play from Protenic, who played despite a broken bone on his finger; and Matt Bonner Jr., who played a strong two-way game on offense, defense and face-offs. The defense was anchored by Barr and Nowell; the attack was led by Tuscai, who had many key goals and assists. The game-winner in the final was scored by sophomore Hochstetler. The “B” Division championship was won by the Lions from Delaware County, coached by Bill O’Donnell. The Lions consisted of: Darrel Hunter (Strath Haven) – G; Drew Goff (Strath Haven) – D/LSM; Dylan O’Donnell (Penncrest)– D/LSM; Ben Murray (Strath Haven) - D; Nate Van Wyk (Penncrest) – D; Mike Baldassarre (Penncrest) – M/LSM/D; Andrew Caldwell (Penncrest) - M; Dan Mojica (Springfield-Delco) – M; Sean Hobson (Penncrest) - M; Matt Leonard (Strath Haven) – M; Adam Muetterties-Schultz (Penncrest) – M; Sam Huestis (Strath Haven) – M; Paul Manwaring (Strath Haven) – M; Shane O’Donnell (Strath Haven) – M/A; Dan Belk (Penncrest) – A; Zander Brown (Penncrest) – A; Garrett Boon (Penncrest) – A. The Lions defeated Downingtown West, 5-2, Harrisburg Meltdown, 4-3, and Nazareth, 5-3, and then defeated Harrisburg Meltdown, 7-1, in the finals. The top scorers were Caldwell with seven goals and Brown with five goals. Other goal scorers included Boon, Mojica, Shane O’Donnell, and Dylan O’Donnell. The low score wins were attributed to an excellent defense, led by goalie Hunter, and defensemen Van Wyk, Murray, and Dylan O’Donnell. Early-bird registration is extended for Convention Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/2/08 There are less than two weeks remaining for early-bird registration for the 2009 US Lacrosse National Convention Jan. 16-18 at the Baltimore Convention Center. US Lacrosse recently extended the early-bird period to Nov. 15. You may register online until that day for $65. From Nov. 16-Dec. 31, the fee is $80 and after that no pre-registration will be available. The cost at the convention is $100. You must have a current US Lacrosse membership in order to register. You also can visit the 2009 convention website. You don't need to be registered to get a head start on booking your hotel room. The newly opened Hilton-Baltimore will serve as the primary hotel for the convention. Baltimore baseball icon Cal Ripken Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the event. The keynote address takes place on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. The convention is the largest educational and networking opportunity in the sport of lacrosse. Billed as "the unofficial start to the lacrosse season," the convention gathers the very best the sport has to offer, and provides the sport's largest educational opportunity, with over 5,000 coaches, officials, program administrators and vendors in attendance each year. Contact convention@uslacrosse.org with any questions. Shaner Young named coach at Haverford College Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/31/08 Former Princeton great Julie Shaner Young (Germantown Academy) has been named the head coach at Haverford College. Young, who has been the top assistant at Penn since 2002, replaces MaryAnn Foley Schiller. Young also was previously an assistant at Princeton “Julie's successful playing career at Princeton and coaching experiences at both Princeton and the University of Pennsylvania m ade her an ideal choice for our position,” said Haverford College Director of Athletics Wendy Smith. “Julie’s clear understanding of the demands on student-athletes at a very academically challenging institution and her proven ability to meet those demands at the highest levels both academically and athletically bode very well for the future of Haverford College women's lacrosse. While at Penn, Young helped head coach Karin Brower lead the Quakers through a meteoric rise in collegiate women’s lacrosse, transforming a team that had one winning record since 1983 into a two-time Ivy League champion (2007, 2008) and an NCAA championship finalist in 2008. Young – an All-American at GA in 1997 - coached seven All-Americans while with Penn and was the program’s recruiting coordinator and chief scout of Quaker opponents. For Brower, Young planned practices and developed game strategies that have propelled the women to five consecutive winning seasons and a 73-42 overall mark since Julie stepped onto the sideline at Penn with Brower, the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year. “Julie has been an integral part of the Penn women's lacrosse team's climb up the ladder nationally from being unranked to the No. 2 team in the nation [2008],” said Brower. “She is an exceptional coach and will do an outstanding job at Haverford. Her knowledge of the game coupled with her motivational techniques will inspire the Haverford players to reach new heights. Young has been the head coach of various college lacrosse camps on the East Coast including the Duke Super Elite Lacrosse Camp, the Princeton Elite Lacrosse Camp, the U.S. Development Player Camp, and the All-American Select 100 Lacrosse Camp. In addition, she has been the Assistant Director of the Penn Elite & Quaker Lacrosse Camps in Philadelphia and for the All-Star Lacrosse Camps in Atlanta. Locally, Young is the co-founder of the Philly Women’s Lacrosse League, which has created opportunities for post-collegiate players to continue playing lacrosse after college. The recently completed Spring and Summer League seasons each had 120 players participating. A dual-sport athlete at Princeton University where she earned a B.A. in psychology in 2001, Young was All-Ivy eight times earning four honors each in both soccer and lacrosse. Help wanted! Interboro seeks new boys' head coach Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/30/08 Ken Eckler feels like a third-leg relay race runner who cannot find his anchor man to make a hand-off. After serving as the only boys’ lacrosse coach at Interboro and building the program from the ground up, he has been thwarted in his efforts to help find his replacement since announcing he would not return at the end of the 2008 season. Help wanted! “From the inception of this program nine years ago, the Interboro lax community has continually striven to create a quality student-athlete who understands the value of tradition and the motto, ‘Buc pride.’” Eckler said. “This high school squad is ripe for an energetic, knowledgeable coach to come in and take the program to the next level.” Eckler, who served as a volunteer coach when the program began as a club team, did his part in building Interboro’s program. He brought the team to the varsity level and helped build a solid youth program. In 2006, the Bucs had their best year, finishing 11-7 and claiming a monumental win over Central League power Radnor. They also took Catholic League heavyweight St. Joseph’s Prep to the brink before bowing, 9-8, in the first round of the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association playoffs. Eckler was named Del-Val League Coach of the Year. The last two years the Bucs have struggled with an overall record of 8-27, but Eckler noted this year the team returns a strong nucleus, including six all-Del-Val League choices and two other key regulars. Heading the list of returnees is junior goalkeeper Adam Moore, a two-year starter and the recipient of the Del-Val League Sportsmanship Award. Other returning all-league performers include senior defender Mike Mango, senior middie Tony Redding, senior attacker Rich Rossano, junior middie Jordan Graham and junior long-stick middie Shawn Lee. Also returning is senior face-off specialist Ben Lavallee and junior attacker Vincent Latham. Candidates interested in the position should contact Interboro Athletic Director Sue Leahan at the high school at 610-237-6410. Barrage's Dougherty inducted into Md. Ha ll of Fame By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/29/08 Even though he is now a Hall of Famer, Brian Dougherty says he is not done playing lacrosse. Friday night the popular Philadelphia Barrage goalie and Haverford College assistant coach was one of seven people inducted into the University of Maryland Sports Hall of Fame. Dougherty, affectionately known as “Doc,” said he graciously accepted his award and even wondered if he deserved such an honor while he was still playing. “I am still playing, and it seems that something like this should be for when you’re done playing,” said the 1996 graduate who was a two-time NCAA Goalie of the Year at Maryland. “It’s only been 12 years since I graduated. Since I am the only one still playing, this is even more of an honor.” Dougherty, 34, was accompanied by his parents, his wife, his brother and other friends. Each inductee was introduced with a video of their playing highlights at Maryland; they also showed highlights of Dougherty in the pros. Not to anyone’s surprise, Dougherty – know for his free spirit - gave an entertaining speech that came with no rehearsal. “I got up there, and thanked some people, and made fun of some other people,” said the Episcopal Academy graduate. “I don’t really remember what I said; I don’t plan speeches. But I felt pretty comfortable; I get up and speak from the heart. “I didn’t know what to expect. But the event was awesome. There were three governors and 10 senators there. I had about 100 people say I was hilarious, including the governors.” Dougherty, a three-time Warrior Goalie of the Year in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), was a two-time First-Team All-American and was also named the nation's outstanding tournament player when he led the Terps to the finals in 1995. Dougherty was voted Outstanding Player in the North-South game and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference 50th Anniversary team. Dougherty played two seasons for Rochester in the MLL and then came to Philadelphia to play for the Barrage. He led the Barrage to MLL titles both in 2006 and 2007, garnering save percentages of 62.7 and 58.0, respectively. (CONTINUE)
Lacrosse community enters race for local coach Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/26/08 The lacrosse community from Philadelphia, Penn State and beyond is teaming to support a popular lacrosse coach who is battling a b rain tumor. On Sun., Nov. 2, a collection of friends and family of Doylestown's Deb Andress, dubbed “Team Andress,” will participate in the third annual Race for Hope in Philadelphia, a 5K Run/Walk (9 a.m. start) sponsored by the Brain Tumor Society. The event raises funds for innovative research and support services for brain tumor patients and their families. Team Andress will be selling t-shirts for $10 at the event, with 100% of the proceeds going to The Jefferson Foundation, a philanthropic organization based in Philadelphia. As of Friday, “Team Andress” has over $22,000 for the Brain Tumor Society and is in first place for fundraising out of 164 teams. So far the team has 385 members. Click here to register to be a member of Team Andress. Andress, who was appointed as the first women’s coach at Penn State Abington in Junuary, is also the director and a coach for the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls Lacrosse Youth Organization (2nd through 8th grade girls) in Bucks County. She also serves as a board member of the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association. “This is a great cause to support and it is so special to all of us to support Deb,” said Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett, who was a teammate of Andress. “She is such a caring and wonderful person who has touched so many lives in a meaningful and positive way. We all love her dearly and will fight alongside her to find a cure.” Andress played both field hockey and lacrosse at Penn State and was a member of teams that won two AIAW National Championships. In January, she was named the first women's lacrosse coach at Penn State Abington, a program that is scheduled to begin varsity play in the spring of 2009. Andress, also an instructor of kinesiology at Abington, has been a lacrosse coach or player at nearly every level, from youth to national play. He was a member of the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team from 1980-1984 and served as head of the selection committee and head coach for the Philadelphia Area Girls Lacrosse Association U15 and U13 squads from 2002-2006. “Team Andress” members are reminded to bring their lacrosse sticks to the event (remember to turn your clocks back one hour for daylight savings time). Boys' lax Festival honors Brian Houshower's spirit By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/24 /08 Joan Ferrere said her son, Brian Houshower, was known perhaps most for his smile. “Brian was basically a friend to everybody,” she said. “He loved to laugh and have a good time. It didn’t matter who he was with, he always went with them and was the type of person that a big smile on his face and kind words for other people.” Houshower, a budding lacrosse star and a sophomore at Downingtown West, died Nov. 10, 2003, at the age of 16 in a car accident down the road from his home in East Brandywine Township, Chester County. His death sent shockwaves throughout the Downingtown community, but his energy and spirit live on, especially on the lacrosse field. On Saturday, Nov, 1 (the event was originally slated for Saturday, Oct. 25 and has been pushed back due to the threat of foul weather), Downingtown West will host the 5th Annual Brian Houshower Lacrosse Festival. The event, sponsored by the Downingtown West Boosters Club, will feature 22 boys’ lacrosse club teams competing in two divisions in 10v10 championship format. Games begin at 9 a.m. and championship games will be held at 3 p.m. Proceeds go to the Brian Houshower Scholarship Fund and youth lacrosse programs in the area. Ferrere said Brian was a rare teenager who enjoyed showing his emotions in public. “When Brian was 16 he would say, ‘I haven’t had my hug today,’’ she said. “As big as he was, on the kitchen counter I’d throw my arms around him. “It came back to me that he was the teddy bear of hugs at school; everybody loved him.” It was that affection that caused the Downingtown community to band together and create the Brian Houshower Festival, which has grown from an eight-team tourney to a major fall classic. “He had gone down to Baltimore to see a Division I Fall game and he had this growing passion for the sport,” said Downingtown West coach Tommy Hannum. “He came home that weekend as enthusiastic as ever, and couldn’t stop talking about lacrosse. Then he had the accident. “I only knew Brian for a little time, but this kid had the biggest smile all the time. He was just an awesome guy. It’s a great thing for the lacrosse community to keep one’s vision and life going.” (CONTINUE) Bruder is honored by PLA at annual Golf Outing By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/22/08 Tom Bruder, who has been instrumental in supporting and developing men's club lacrosse in the Philadelphia area for over 20 years as sponsor of the MAB Paints/Philadelphia LC, was given the Founder's Award for his contributions to the sport Monday at the 16th Annual Philadelphia Lacrosse Association (PLA) Golf Outing. The event, which featured 124 golfers and 60 sponsors, was held at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. Proceeds of the event, totaling $16,000, go to helping the PLA fulfill its mission of building and supporting lacrosse in the region, especially in the inner city. Bruder, who brought the first United States Club Lacrosse Association (USCLA) championship to Philadelphia in 2006, also served as the Honorary Chair of the event. The Founder's Award, normally given every two years by chapter members, recognizes those who have made significant and enduring contributions to the growth and development of lacrosse in Pennsylvania. Bruder first began sponsoring club teams in 1986 when he took MAB Paints LC – featuring Philadelphia based all-stars - to the Vail Lacrosse Shootout. Over the next 17 years, MAB won four titles (1993, 1995, 1998, 2002) and placed second three times, posting an overall record of 52-14 against the top post-collegiate club players in the country. In 1990, MAB Paints joined the USCLA, the top post-collegiate league in the country and where many of the top players competed before the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse formed. Two years later, MAB paints merged with Eagles Eye Philadelphia to form a powerhouse team in the USCLA. MAB Paints placed second in the USCLA three times beginning in 2002, and finally broke through with the national championship in 2006 by edging North Hempstead, in dramatic style, scoring with 11 seconds left to win, 14-13. "He basically helped put Philadelphia lacrosse on the map," said Chris McNichol, general manager of the GMH Philadelphia Lacrosse Club (formerly MAB Paints) and the nephew of Bruder. "Before it was always Long Island and Baltimore that won at the national tournaments; Philadelphisa was an afterthought. "But as sponsor, he helped to bring the best players out and recruit the best players, like Chris Flynn, Gary Gait, Tony Resch and others. They helped to make Philadelphia a team to reckon with and that's why the MLL decided to give Philadelphia a team." McNichol noted that the success of MAB Paints at the club level filtered down to all levels. What's more, Bruder helped sponsor youth club teams in the Philadelphia area. (CONTINUE) Philly women make US World Cup training squad Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/21/08 US Lacrosse has named 24 players to the U.S. training team for the 2009 Federation of International Lacrosse Women’s World Cup – and six of them are from Philadelphia. Radnor graduates Nikki Lieb and sister Jessi Lieb, Michi Ellers (Strath Haven), Regina Oliver (Pottstown) and Whitney Douthett (Newtown, Peddie School) will represent the US when it travels to the World Cup June 17-27 in Prague in the Czech Republic. A record 16 nations are expected to compete in the event. Also making the cut was Penn State graduate and Princeton assistant Michele DeJuliis, the founder, owner and director of the Ultimate Goal Lacrosse Club, of Philadelphia. The U.S. training team was selected from a 48-player pool that competed at the US Lacrosse Stars & Stripes Weekend in Syracuse, N.Y. on Oct. 11-12. The US coach is Sue Heether. The training team will hold a practice weekend in December and will compete along with the remaining 24 players from the player pool during the US Lacrosse Champions Challenge in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., from Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. The final 18 players for the World Cup and six alternates will be selected following that event. Headlining the roster is two-time World Cup veteran Quinn Carney. Carney was named to the all-world team after helping the U.S. to the silver medal at the 2005 World Cup in Annapolis, Md. Three alternates from the 2005 U.S. World Cup team — DeJuliis, Katie Chrest, and Acacia Walker — were named to the training team. The complete training team roster follows: Attack: Hilary Bowen – Northwestern ’09; Quinn Carney – Maryland ’01; Caroline Cryer – Duke ’09; Lindsey Munday – Northwestern ’06; Katie Rowan – Syracuse ’09. Midfield: Sarah Albrecht – Northwestern ’06; Sarah Bullard – Duke ’11; Katie Chrest – Duke ’06; Michele DeJuliis – Penn State ’98; Whitney Douthett – Dartmouth ’07; Michi Ellers – Georgetown ’04; Kristen Kjellman – Northwestern ’07; Erica LaGrow – North Carolina ’08; Jessi Lieb – Penn State ’08; Nikki Lieb – Virginia ’06; Caitlyn McFadden – Maryland ’10; Holly McGarvie – Princeton ’09; Acacia Walker – Maryland ’05. Defense: Amber Falcone – North Carolina ’09; Christy Finch – Northwestern ’08; Regina Oliver – Ohio State ’05. Goal: Amy Altig – James Madison ’05; Megan Huether – Duke ’06; Devon Wills – Dartmouth ’06. Eric Gregg named head coach at St. Joseph's Prep Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/21/08 Penn Charter assistant Eric Gregg – a backup goalie on the Philadelphia Barrage - has been named head coach at St. Joseph’s Prep. Gregg, 30, replaces Dan Keating, who resigned in the summer after accepting a teaching position out of the city area. Gregg is the son of the late Eric Gregg, a former Major League baseball umpire and popular Philadelphia sports figure. Gregg was the third-string goalie this year for the Barrage, the two-time champion of Major League Lacrosse. Gregg takes over a program that has prospered in recent years and excelled under Keating. The Hawks placed second to state champion La Salle in the Catholic League, bowing to the Explorers, 6-5, in a thrilling league title game. St. Joe’s (ranked seventh in the final Phillylacrosse.com Top 10 Poll) finished 22-5 last year, falling again to the Explorers in the quarterfinals of the final Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association tournament. A number of key players return for St. Joe’s, which must vie with La Salle and the rest of the Catholic League for one District 12 playoff berth in the first year of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association playoffs. Spirit United L.C. holding tryouts for boys' travel teams Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/21/08 Spirit United Lacrosse Club of Chester County is announcing the formation of a new summer travel program for boys’ youth lacrosse. The club will be introducing four teams to begin play in June of 2009.  The goal of the Spirit United Lacrosse program is to provide a more competitive experience for players looking to further develop their lacrosse skills in a fun and challenging environment. The teams will compete against some of the best youth lacrosse teams on the East Coast. Experienced coaches who have played in high school and at top college programs will assist with the training and development of these teams. Boys from all areas of the Philadelphia region are welcome to participate. Teams will be created at each of the following age levels: 14U – born in 1995; 13U – born in 1996; 12U – born in 1997; 11U - born in 1998 and younger. Tryouts for these teams will be held at United States Training Center in Downingtown on Nov. 1 and 2. For more information, please go to www.spiritunited.org/lacrosse and have your player register for tryouts.
Ellis, Magarity enjoy homecoming By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/19/08 These were idyllic conditions for a homecoming and a rare setting that brought a collegiate dynasty to the Philadelphia area. The weather was perfect Sunday and the stadium at Radnor High was packed as North Carolina freshman Beth Ellis played on her high school field against the four-time defending national champion Northwestern Wildcats and fellow Philly product Colleen Magarity in a Fall Ball women’s game. Magarity, a sophomore defender from Germantown Academy, saw lots of time and Northwestern claimed a 16-8 victory. Ellis, the Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year last season for Radnor’s undefeated team, played the final 12 minutes at defense, a new position. But more importantly, for both Ellis and Magarity – two friends and rivals who have played with and against each other many times – it was a chance to play in front of family and friends and against top-notch competition. “It’s amazing,” said Ellis, a first-team All-American last year for the District 1 Class AAA champions (23-0). “The environment was surreal. I was playing on my old field, where we won the Central League, and I’m playing with my new college team. It was awesome.” Magarity, a two-time All-American and member of the U.S. Under-19 National Team in 2007, played before a large group of family members. “It’s a pretty large family and they’re all here,” Magarity said. “It’s fun to be back here and see old coaches and people I’ve played against. “I saw other coaches I played against, and my high school coach (Ginny Hoffman) and some high school (teammates). It’s just fun to be back in the area; just two years ago I played here on this field in the Katie Samson Tournament.” Magarity, in fact, played against Ellis and the Red Raiders in the Katie Samson Tournament. Magarity also played with Ellis for Radnor coach Phyllis Kilgour several times. “She (Kilgour) actually coached me in a winter league and I was on a team with a bunch of Radnor girls,” Magarity said. Last year, while Northwestern claimed its fourth straight Division I crown with a hard-fought victory over stubborn Penn, Magarity paid her dues as a reserve. She did play in 17 of the team’s 22 games, scoring once (against North Carolina). Mostly she played midfield, but lately she has been playing low defense. (CONTINUE) Northwestern deals with being a four-time champ By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/19/08 Sure, there are pressures that go with playing for four-time defending national champion Northwestern. But, perhaps even more challenging is the pressure of dealing with intense practices under Wildcats coach Kelly Amonte Hiller. “She makes it such a competitive environment,” said Northwestern senior attacker Hilary Bowen, a two-ti me NCAA Tournament MVP. “It’s like life or death out there (at practice) and everyone’s going at it “I think that translates as to how we play in the game.” Sunday afternoon before a large crowd at Radnor High, Bowen had three goals to lead the Wildcats to a 16-8 conquest of North Carolina in the Fall Ball finale for both teams. The game capped a busy weekend for the ‘Cats and Tar Heels, who both played in the Princeton Tournamen t Saturday. “It’s been a great opportunity, the whole weekend,” said Amonte Hiller, who has a 111-24 record in eight years. “Princeton is always something we look forward to and this is the summation of our fall. “UNC gives us great competition. It was such great weather, a great location and we had a lot of people, which was awesome. It made for a perfect last day of Fall Ball.” The Tar Heels, who went 13-7 last year and fell to Syracuse, 13-11, in the quarterfinals, seized a 4-3 lead on a goal by Corey Donohoe with 8:36 left in the first half. But the Wildcats tallied four goals in a span of 3:38 late in the half and took an 8-5 lead into intermission. North Carolina scored first in the second half, but Northwestern pumped in four unanswered goals to take a 12-6 lead. In all, 12 players scored for the ‘Cats while 2008 Tewaaraton Trophy winner Hannah Nielsen and Brooke Matthews added a pair each. “We’ve had a pretty tough week,” Amonte Hiller said. “We had Notre Dame on Wednesday. We actually played all four teams (Notre Dame, Princeton, Syracuse and Penn) that we played in the (2008) NCAA tournament this week.” Bowen, a second-team All-American last year who scored 81 goals, said her team’s depth may be its biggest strength. “I think that came into fall with a lot of great new freshmen and we just wanted to see what we can do out there,” she said. “We have so many people work into the game. It’s great we have such great players and everybody gets an opportunity to play and contribute.” With Bowen, along with Nielsen, Donohoe, senior midfielder Meredith Frank, junior midfielders Katrina Dowd and Danielle Spencer and senior goalie Morgan Lathrop returning, the Wildcats are going to be clear-cut favorites to win a fifth straight national title. But the team is able to deal with high expectations. “There are always expectations on us and people coming after us,” Bowen said. “But that’s what’s fun about this game, and being in this position is awesome. “Kelly is such a competitor and she has been in that situation (she was a two-time national champion and Player of the Year at Maryland) and she knows how to keep our heads in the game.”
Resch is named assistant for US World team Phillylacrosse.com, posted 10/17/08 US Lacrosse has announced that Tony Resch, head coach of the Philadelphia Barrage and assistant coach for Pennsylvania scholastic state champion La Salle, will serve as one of three assistants for the U.S. men’s lacrosse team that will compete in the 2010 Federation of International Lacrosse W orld Championship in Manchester, England. Resch, along with Army’s Joe Alberici and Stony Brook University’s Rick Sowell will work with Bryant University’s Mike Pressler, who was named the head coach of the team in September. Resch has been the head coach for Major League Lacrosse’s (MLL) Barrage since 2005 and also is the director of athletics at La Salle. He won MLL championships with the Barrage in 2006 and 2007 and also won four National Lacrosse League championships as the head coach of the Philadelphia Wings from 1994 to 2001. A member of the 1990 U.S. team that won the world championship in Perth, Australia, Resch is a 1985 graduate of Yale University where he was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Ivy League player. Resch is an assistant to head coach Bill Leahy at La Salle, which went 31-2 and finished No. 1 in the country in the final 2008 National Poll by Lacrosse Magazine. Alberici, the head coach at Army for the last three seasons, was an assistant under Pressler at Duke University from 1997 to 2005. Army finished the 2008 season ranked 19th in the country and defeated rival Navy for the first time in 11 seasons to earn a share of the Patriot League regular-season championship. Sowell is entering his third season as the head coach at Stony Brook where he has gone 15-12 in his first two seasons. Sowell previously served as the head coach for St. John’s University and Dartmouth College. The U.S. is looking to reclaim the top spot in international lacrosse after losing to Canada, 15-10, in the 2006 world championship game. The loss snapped a 38-game winning streak in international competition and denied the U.S. the gold medal for the first time since 1978. The U.S. has won seven of the nine international world championships conducted since 1974.
GV's Mosenson leads Syracuse against Team USA Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/14/08
Syracuse senior Megan Mosenson (Great Valley) had a goal and two assists for the Orange Saturday in an 18-10 loss to the U.S. National team in an exhibition game played in front of 846 fans at the Carrier Dome. The game highlighted the first day of Stars and Stripes Laxfest.
Team USA – featuring featuring Radnor High graduates Nikki Lieb and sister Jessi Lieb, Michi Ellers (Strath Haven), Regina Oliver (Pottstown) and Whitney Douthett (Newtown, Peddie School) – led 12-5 at halftime and got goals from 12 different players. Team USA was led by Caroline Cryer's three scores.
Makoid, Schaaf are American tri-captains
American University head coach Katie Woods has announced team captains for the 2009 season will be juniors Amanda Makoid (Archbishop Wood) and Lisa Schaaf (Perkiomen Valley) and senior Kira Sonberg.
Makoid, a midfielder, had 15 goals and 10 assists last year, while scooping 27 groundballs and adding 17 draw controls and 17 caused turnovers. Schaaf, an attacker, had eight goals and four assists last year.
Marple Newtown grad Cook is NC assistant coach
Jenn Cook (Marple Newtown), one of the best women's lacrosse players in University of North Carolina and Atlantic Coast Conference history, has joined the Tar Heel coaching staff as an assistant coach, head coach Jenny Levy announced recently. Cook served as an assistant coach last season at Drexel University.
Cook, who lettered at Carolina from 2004-07, was a three-time first-team All-America and earned 2006 National Defender of the Year honors from Inside Lacrosse. She garnered first-team All-ACC honors three times, was a Tewaraaton Trophy nominee and helped lead the Tar Heels to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals.
Cook is Carolina's career leader in ground balls with 200 and is tied as the school's career leader in games played with 76. She also set a school record for draw controls with 51 in 2005. Cook the only three-time first-team All-America in Tar Heel history.
King is assistant coach at Harriton
Laura King (Springfield-Delco), a recent graduate of George Mason where she was a third-team All-American, has been hired as an assistant coach at Harriton under head coach George Dick.
King finished her career ranking second in school history in career goals and points, fifth in draw controls, and ninth in assists and caused turnovers. She made the All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Team for the third straight season, earning First Team honors for the second consecutive year, and was also selected to the CAA Championship All-Tournament Team for the second time in her career.
King, an attacker led the team in goals (42), assists (15), points (57), game-winning goals (4) and draw controls (35). Former NCAA superstar takes over helm for Jaguars By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, posted 10/5/08 After a long layoff from lacrosse, Frank Urso decided that having the chance to work with his son in youth lacrosse was the right reason to begin coaching. Now, four years later, the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame member and four-time All-American midfielder from Maryland has emerged as the head coach for the Garnet Valley boys. Urso, one of only four men ever to earn first-team All-American honors all four years (1973-76), moved to the Garnet Valley School District 18 years ago. He began coaching in the Brandywine Youth Club (Under-11) four years ago because his son, Vail, began playing. This summer, after Garnet Valley's first and only coach, Jim Harvey, was not brought back, support for Urso began to grow. He soon was offered the position and decided it was the perfect chance to coach his son in a program that enjoyed much success under Harvey (the Jaguars won the last four Del-Val League championships). “I love the sport and this is a great opportunity to coach my son through high school,” Urso said, noting his son is in 8th grade. “Hopefully, I can share my experiences and teach them about the game. I’m a big team guy.” Urso scored 127 goals at College Park and led the Terrapins to two national championships while being inducted into the Hall in 1981 and making the NCAA Silver Anniversary team. He also was named the NCAA Player of the Year (1975) and twice was the NCAA Midfielder of the Year. He later spent several years in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. “Obviously, I’m an offensive player, so we’ll run whole bunch of offenses,” he said. “It’s about the team learning together, playing hard and having a whole lot of fun.” This season the Jags return several key players as they enter the Central League in hopes of reaching the District 1 playoffs in the first year of boys’ lacrosse under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. “We are extremely excited,” Urso said. “The Central League is a great league and it’s great competition. You can only get better by playing the best.” 'Doc' to be inducted into Maryland Hall of Fame By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/3/08 Philadelphia Barrage goalie and Haverford College assistant coach Brian Dougherty (Episcopal Academy) will be inducted into the University of Maryland Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 24. Dougherty, a three-time Warrior Goalie of the Year in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), is a 1996 Maryland graduate who was named the NCAA Goalie of the Year twice. Dougherty, affectionately known as “Doc,” was a two-time First-Team All-American and was also named the nation's outstanding tournament player when he led the Terps to the finals in 1995. Dougherty was voted Outstanding Player in the North-South game and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference 50th Anniversary team. Dougherty played two seasons for Rochester in the MLL and then came to Philadelphia to play for the Barrage. He led the Barrage to the MLL title both n 2006 and 2007, garnering save percentages of 62.7 and 58.0, respectively. He also played briefly in the National Lacrosse League for Baltimore in 1998. Dougherty also played for Team Toyota and was a member of the U.S. team in the world games. As a coach, “Doc” served as an assistant for his alma mater, McDonough School in Baltimore, as well as Penn, prior to coming to Haverford with current coach Mike Murphy. The rest of the 2008 Maryland inductees include Kelly Amonte-Hiller (lacrosse, soccer), Keith Booth (basketball), Kim Chorosiewski (lacrosse, field hockey), David Diehl (M Club Executive), Darryl Hill (football) and the Hon. Thomas V. "Mike" Miller (meritorious service). The induction dinner will take place at the University of Maryland Inn and Conference Center. To order tickets, please call the M Club office at 301-314-7020. Philly players help Netherlands finish in 2nd place By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/2/08 Recent St. Joseph’s University graduate Kyle Hofstaedter (Pennridge) and Haverford College senior Jamey van Opstal were members of the Netherlands national team which finished second in the recent European Lacrosse Championships (ELC) in Lahti, Finland. The Netherlands defeated Germany, 12-6, to reach the finals and then fell to England, 14-4, in the championship game of the 18-team tournament. Hofstaedter, a defender, also played for the Netherlands in 2006 when the Dutch finished ninth. Van Opstal also played defense. Also from Haverford College, 2002 grad Joe Caulfield (St. Joseph's Prep) played for Ireland on defense and helped the Irish squad finish sixth. Another graduate of St. Joe’s University, 2005 alumnus Kevin McGrann, played for Italy in the tournament. The Italians finished last. McGrann resides in Washington, D.C serving on the staff of House of Representatives Minority Leader, John Boehner (R-OH). The ELC is a two-week tournament, the largest international lacrosse championship in the world. The ELC will be hosted by Manchester, England in 2010. Keating leaves St. Joe's Prep with all positive vibes By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/1/08 Dan Keating feels that just about everything in his three seasons as head coach at St. Joseph’s Prep was positive. But after accepting a new teaching job at St. Anastasia School in Newtown Square this summer, Keating was forced to resign his post after recording an impressive record of 61-22. “The three years were great in every way,” said Keating. “The kids were fantastic, the parents were fantastic and everything worked out well. “I never dealt with any major issues. Ultimately, the kids and parents were extra supportive and crucial in helping that program do pretty well in the last three years.” About the only thing bad about Keating’s three years was the presence of La Salle. The Hawks fell to the mighty Explorers all three seasons in the Catholic League finals. Last year St. Joe’s Prep gave the eventual state champions all they could handle in the Catholic League finals, holding a two-goal halftime lead before bowing, 6-5. The Hawks (22-5 overall) also reached the quarterfinals of the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Association (EPSLA) playoffs, but then fell again to La Salle, 13-3. St. Joe’s Prep finished seventh in the final Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ Poll. Keating, an All-American midfielder at Episcopal Academy who graduated from Duke University in 1998, was the JV coach at Haverford School in 1994 and then accepted the head coaching job at Taft School in Connecticut in 2005. He came to St. Joe’s Prep in 2006 and led the Hawks to the EPSLA playoffs all three years. Keating taught history at St. Joe’s Prep in 2006, and then worked in real estate development the past two years. He decided to get back into teaching this year and took a job teaching 8th grade English at St. Anastasia. His day at St. Anastasia ends, though, at 3:45 p.m. and it is not possible to make the commute to St. Joe’s in time for practices. Keating, who is working toward a Master’s degree at St, Joseph’s University, has accepted a job as an assistant with defending Inter-Ac league champion Malvern Prep. Philly boys' Division I recruits... Haverford School's Borror heads list of major college signees for 2008-09 By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/30/08 Haverford School’s Pete Borror considered attending such Division I powerhouses as Johns Hopkins, North Carolina and Maryland as well as Philly-friendly Penn State when the college recruiters came knocking. But he always knew he wanted to go to Virginia. “I had always been close to the coaching staff,” said Borror, an All-American long-stick midfielder/defender. “College-wise, it was the best fit for me, socially and academically.” Borror is one of six Haverford School graduates who signed with Division I schools for the 2008-09 season. Click here for the entire list of Philadelphia Division I signees. Virginia clearly had an advantage when it recruited Borror, a first-team All-Phillylacrosse.com pick who also played in the Under Armour All-American game this summer. Borror’s older brother, Jon, attended Virginia the past two years before transferring to Rutgers in the summer. Pete visited the Charlottesville campus and felt comfortable there from the start. “I went there when he (Jon) was a freshman and a sophomore and I was familiar with it. The coaching staff never pressured me throughout the recruiting process and it seemed like a winning program.” Borror admitted that along with the school’s standout academic reputation (he is undeclared and is considering a career in marketing), he was excited about the team’s regular presence in the top 10. So far, Borror said he is enjoying his time playing Fall Ball and feels he is improving as he begins to grasp the speed of major college lacrosse at both defense and long-stick middie. “It’s different,” he said. “It’s a lot faster and everything; I think I’ve been playing well. I don’t think I’ll be cracking the starting lineup this year, but I definitely think I’ll be getting some time. “I just want to start on a national championship team. That’s my ultimate goal, whenever it can happen. Now, I just want to be a contributor to the team.” Some ways to boost your confidence on the field By Pete Bendig Iron Psych Works, Inc. Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/29 /08 In this session, we will discuss confidence and how to boost your confidence. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss and is one of Iron Psych Works’ most requested seminar each year. We recently performed this seminar for a group of real estate agents. Different arena…same topic…same results! What is Confidence? Confidence is a generalized expectancy for successful outcomes (Grove & Heard, 1997). It is the belief within an individual to accomplish their goals or to succeed. Confidence is also the certainty that an individual retains about there own potential, ability to overcome difficulties and the focus of the ir pursuit (Orlick, 2000). Confidence is what separates good performers from great performers and it is a skill that athletes can learn to control (Moore, 1998). What are the Qualities of a Confident Athlete? Many athletes who possess higher levels of confidence also have higher levels of many other characteristics. The specific qualities that athletes possess may include higher levels of self-esteem; commitment, positive thinking/images, focus, goal setting, mental preparation, distraction control and enhanced coping strategies. A confident athlete learns to refocus after making mistakes, manage their performance mistakes, and are able focus on the task at hand (Moore, 1998). What are the Tools Needed to Become Confident? There are necessary tools that individuals need to become a confident athlete. These tools are free will, self-awareness, and imagination. (CONTINUE) Lacrosse participation continues its marked rise Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/29/08 Scholastic boys’ and girls’ lacrosse has grown at a stunning rate of nearly 100 percent in the past seven years, well ahead of growth patterns for any sport except for bowling. The statistics were released this month by the National Federation of State High School Associations, which reports that boys’ lacrosse participation has grown 98.1 percent in the seven-year period. The number of boys’ teams has grown 93.5 percent in that period. Other than bowling (184.8 percent growth for participants and 160.5 percent for teams), no other boys’ sport (among the top 15 most popular) has grown more than 47 percent. Lacrosse gained the most participants among boys’ sports in 2007-08 with 11,336, followed by soccer with 5,562, swimming and diving with 5,158 and cross country with 5,042. Girls’ lacrosse has shown a 107.4 percent growth in the number of teams and 88.5 percent in overall participation. Again, only bowling is higher (168.6 percent for teams and 133.8 percent for participation) and no other sport in the top 15 showed even a third of the growth of girls’ lacrosse. In terms of combined participation, bowling increased 17 percent, while lacrosse participation was up 14 percent. Inside Lacrosse presents Fall Ball Watch List Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/28/08 Numerous Philadelphia men’s players and teams were recently highlighted by Inside Lacrosse in its preview of Fall Ball season. These were mentioned: Key Sophomores to Watch: Face-off specialist Matt Dolente (Malvern Prep, Johns Hopkins), who was named the Outstanding Midfielder in helping Team USA win the Under-19 World championship. Top Defensemen in Division I: Returning All-American and junior K en Clausen (Hill School, Virginia) and senior P.T. Ricci (Conestoga, Loyola). Top Junior College Transfers: Drexel goalie Andy Lamb (from Onondoga Community College, Syracuse, N.Y.) may have the task of replacing standout Bruce Bickford. Tewaaraton Trophy Watch List: Clausen, who is known for his big hits and also plays the wing on face-offs. Breakout Players Watch List: Penn sophomores Corey Winkoff (led Ivy League with 23 assists last year) and Al Kohart (19 goals). Keys for defending National Champion Syracuse: Transfers Scott Kahoe (Radnor, midfield) from Georgetown and John Lade (defense) from Villanova. Possible New Starters at National Runner-up Johns Hopkins: Senior midfielder Brian Christopher (Springfield-Delco) and sophomore attacker Kyle Wharton (Haverford School). Other Teams to Watch: Lehigh, coached by Philadelphia Barrage player Kevin Cassese. Returning Players: Penn State redshirt freshman attacker Jack Forster (La Salle), a top 2007 recruit who should be fully recovered from season-ending knee surgery sustained in last year’s Fall Ball campaign. Top Fall Ball Tournaments: Second Annual Nick Colleluori Classic, Oct. 11, Ridley High. The tourney, which raises money for blood cancer research, features six Philly teams (St. Joseph’s, Penn, Villanova, Cabrini, Haverford College, Widener), three regional teams (Princeton, Lehigh, Penn State) and four other Division I squads (Bellarmine, Hofstra, Maryland, Loyola). The event is named after the Ridley and Hofstra standout, who passed away two years ago after a relentless fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Carrington named first men's coach at Chestnut Hill Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/27/08 Former Mars Hill College (N.C.) assistant Richard Carrington has been named as the first men's coach at Ch estnut Hill College. Bill Stiles, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Chestnut Hill, said Carrington will join the college's full-time athletics staff this fall to begin building a foundation for the future of the men's program. Men's lacrosse will become the 15th varsity sports program offered by the College, and will begin intercollegiate competition in spring 2010. “We have found the perfect person to build our men's lacrosse program,” said Stiles. “Coach Carrington brings a great deal of successful coaching experience and, most importantly, has proven to be a tireless and dedicated recruiter. “His enthusiasm, work ethic and passion for recruiting were evident during the interview process, and his experience at one of the premier Division II men's lacrosse programs made him the ideal candidate.” Carrington served on the Mars Hill College coaching staff during its most successful season in program history. The Lions finished 10-6 last year and were ranked third in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II South Region; they concluded the season with a Deep South Conference (DSC) championship. Carrington coached a much-improved defensive unit that produced three all-conference selections. Carrington is also a Mars Hill College alumnus. He competed as a four-year defensive starter for the Lions and currently holds the College record for career ground balls (268). Carrington's first head coaching stint came at Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach, Va. Before coaching at Cape Henry Collegiate School, Carrington served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio and Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Va. Carrington, who resides in Conshohocken, graduated from Mars Hill College in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in communications. He is currently pursuing a master's degree at Chestnut Hill. Tryouts being held Oct. 19 at VFMA for PYLA teams Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/26/08 Tryouts for the 2009 Philadelphia Youth Lacrosse All-Stars (PYLA) boys’ teams will be held Sunday, Oct. 19 at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne. Players can register for the tryouts by going to www.phillylax.com. The tryouts, for boys girls aged 10 through 15, will be held from noon to 4:30 p.m. The following is the list of times: 10- to 11-year-olds, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 12-year-olds, 12:30-2 p.m.; 13-year-olds, 2-3:30 p.m.; 14- to 15-year-olds, 3:30-5 p.m. PYLA teams will be created for Bucks/Montgomery County, Delaware County and Chester County. Some of the PYLA coaches include Philadelphia Barrage standout goalie Brian Dougherty (Episcopal Academy), Penn State senior goalie and Division I All-American Drew Adams (Springfield-Delco) and San Francisco Dragons rookie sensation Ryan Cranston (Henderson). Several other coaches include Dragons coach Tom Slate, Great Valley coach Tony Verna (2007 Boys’ Scholastic Coach of the Year) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist & Corrective Exercise Specialist Dave Donovan. Returning players also must try out and limits will be placed on the number allowed to attend the tryouts. Clinics at GA offer opportunity for inner-city kids By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/26/08 Registration is still being accepted for the Germantown Academy Fall Lacrosse League – a series of five Sunday morning boys’ clinics that start this weekend and are being offered for free to inner-city players. The instructional league is for boys in grades 2 through 8. The price for five Su nday sessions, which will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., is $75. Inner-city players are eligible to receive scholarship money to defray costs of registration and transportation. The program is being run in conjunction with the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association (PLA). The other four sessions will be held Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. Spots are still open and interested players can contact Germantown Academy coach David Martin at dmartin@germantownacademy.org. Dan Altschuler, president of the PLA, said the program was developed to help the association meet its chapter mission of helping build lacrosse in the inner city and in areas where support is needed. “The idea came from Dave,” Altschuler said. “He runs these clinics in the Fall and is familiar with the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association’s initiative to help inner-city kids at the middle school level.” Altschuler said the PLA recently received a significant grant to expand its efforts in building, supporting and promoting lacrosse in the city. Already, large funding has been provided to start middle school lacrosse programs for both boys and girls in the Public League. “We are trying to continue to develop a program to expose these kids to higher levels of lacrosse,” Altschuler said. “The coaches in the inner city are doing a great job, but there are not that many people with experience and it’s difficult for the kids to get that higher level of coaching. “We want them to get the skills at an early age.” Radnor's Peter Samson to receive prestigious honor By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/25/08 US Lacrosse announced today that Radnor Youth Lacrosse Peter Samson will be given the prestigious Founders Circle Award at the 2009 US Lacrosse convention in January in Baltimore. The Founders Circle Award is a unique award given to someone who has founded a program, product or idea that has staying power within the sport. It is given to someone who has a positive impact on the youth game and/or its constituents and embraces the mission and vision of US Lacrosse. This award is not given annually. It is only given when someone meets the very special criteria of the award. Samson’s lacrosse accomplishments are many, including serving as the founder, director and coach of Radnor Youth Lacrosse for close to 20 years. Samson also was past president of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association (SEPYLA). He may be most known for founding the Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival, which was created to raise money and awareness for spinal cord research in the name of his daughter. "Obviously, I’m incredibly honored," Samson said Thursday night, several hours after learning of the news. "I look at the people involved in nominating me. If someone is judged by the people who speak well of him, I'm a pretty lucky guy." Samson wished to thank local youth organizers Matt Flynn Jeff Pettit, Lee Stevens, Tim Udinski and Matt Higgins for nominating him and supporting him. "I was thinking about the fact that someone would say, 'Gee, you spend an awful lot of time for these programs,' " Samson said. "I was reflecting on how much I’ve gotten back form it; the enjoyment, the support of my family, the opportunity we have to be a positive force in kids’ lives. "I think I’ve been very lucky to do what I’ve done, and to get recognition for it is more than you'd ever think would happen." The Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival has raised over $800,000 for spinal cord research and related causes since its inception in 2001. Cast a vote for Philly athletes, teams in 1st Laxies Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/24/08 Philadelphia athletes and teams are up for many top awards in the first annual Laxies by Inside Lacrosse. Voting is taking place online and will continue until the end of September. The results of the Laxies will be announced in the December issue of Inside Lacrosse. Philly hopefuls include (with Inside Lacrosse comments in quotations): Inside Lacrosse Player of the Year (regardless of division) - Athan Iannucci, Philadelphia Wings. “Scored 71 goals in 16 games and finished the National Lacrosse League (NLL) season with 100 points, breaking Gary Gait's single-season NLL goal-scoring record.” Division III Men’s Player of the Year - Ryan Cranston (Henderson), Lynchburg. “A second-team All-American who further proved his worth by being drafted in the fourth round of the Major League Lacrosse Draft by San Francisco. Division I Women’s Player of the Year - Sarah Waxman, Penn. “Anchored the country's best defense (6.27 goals per game) and led upset over Northwestern in regular season.” MLL Player of the Year - Matt Striebel, Barrage. “A stalwart in Philadelphia’s scoring machine, Streibel was the Barrage’s midfield leader and the team’s only offensive player on the All-MLL te am.” NLL Player of the Year - Athan Iannucci, Philadelphia. “Former Hofstra standout scored 71 goals, next-highest player had 48. Finished with 100 points in 16 games.” Lacrosse Personality of the Year - Brian “Doc” Dougherty (Episcopal Academy), Barrage. “The big dog of the bait and switch. Now you see a sweet spot on the cage, now you don't. And when you miss, expect to hear about it from the Doctor.” Individual Game Performance of the Year - Greg Gurenlian (Springfield-Delco), San Francisco (MLL). “Absurd statistical line vs. Long Island in the regular season: Won 31 of 41 faceoffs and added 1 goal, 3 assists and 22 groundballs.” Upset of the Year - Penn vs. Northwestern, NCAA women's regular season. “The Quakers disrupted Northwestern's undefeated season and put an end to their 36-game win streak.” Best High School Team of the Year - La Salle, 31-2. “IL ranked No. 5, EPSLA championship, Keystone Cup championship.” Record-Breaking Performance of the Year - Athan Iannucci breaks the NLL single-season goal-scoring record. “He scored 71 goals in 16 games; his goals were 23 more than any other player.” Penn men announce 9 recruits for Class of 2012 Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/23/08 Pennsylvania's men's coach Brian Voelker has announced his nine freshmen players for the Class of 2012. This year's squad features a pair of US Lacrosse All-Americans; goalkeeper Joe Hegener and attackman John Conneely, and several players who were teammates of current Penn players in high school. “I am very excited to add this group to our program,” said Voelker, who enters his seventh season with the Quakers. “I feel there are some outsta nding lacrosse players in this class who will help us win a lot of games. “We addressed some needs on the defensive end, and really helped our depth on offense. In addition, these guys come from some of the top high school programs in the country, and have played in big games. They are bright and driven young men, and I expect them to help us reach our goal of winning the Ivy League." The Quakers have gone 6-7 (3-3 Ivy League) each of the last two years, after earning NCAA Championship berths in both 2004 and 2006. This spring, they will return 23 letterwinners and 12 out of 13 starters from a year ago. The recruits include: Anthony Adler, midfield, 6-4, 195, New York, N.Y., Lawrenceville School; Jacob Bock, attack, 5-10, 165, Aurora, Colo., Grandview; John Conneely, attack, 6-2, 190, Dix Hills, N.Y., Half Hollow Hills West; Alek Ferro, midfield 5-11, 175, Catonsville, Md., Loyola Blakefield; Joe Hegener, goalkeeper, 5-10, 170, San Diego, Calif., Torrey Pines; Will Koshansky, defense, 6-2, 195, Kings Park, N.Y., St. Anthony's; Matt Machucki, attack, 6-4, 200, Rochester, N.Y., Salisbury School; Dan Savage, midfield, 6-1, 185, Garden City, N.Y., Garden City; Tim Schwalje, attack, 5-11, 170, Setauket, N.Y., St. Anthony's. Duke's Lacrosse Club holding tryouts Oct. 12 Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/22/08 The Duke’s Lacrosse Team is holding open tryouts from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12 at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park in Oaks. The field can be found by turning right off the Oaks Exit from Rt. 422 and turning right onto New Mill Road. The tryout is open to any boys’ high school player. All candidates must email coach Ebe Helm at Dukeslaxx13@aol.com.
Interested players are also required to bring:
1) A signed Release. Important Note: When completing your Duke's Release you must use “Dukes Lacrosse Club, A Non Profit Corporation, William H. Markley, Superintendent; Montgomery County Park; and County of Montgomery--Dept. of Parks” in the Name of Tournament and Parties to be Released sections of the form.
2) A completed Duke's New Player Sheet with them in order to participate in the open tryout.
3) Dark Shirt/Top and Light Shirt/Top or a Reversible Dark and Light.
4) A $25 payment to Duke's Lacrosse. The money will go toward the uniform if you make the team. US Lacrosse offers local Level I coaching clinics Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/21/08 U.S. Lacrosse, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Lacrosse Association, will host Coaching Education Program (CEP) Level 1 Instructional Clinics on Sunday, Oct. 26 at the United Sports Training Center (USTC) in Downingtow n from 9:00 a.m.-4 p.m. The clinics are open to all current or aspiring boys’ and girls’ lacrosse coaches. US Lacrosse certified instructors will share their knowledge and experience with participants looking to improve their coaching knowledge base and increase their effectiveness on the field. The clinics brings the material in the U.S. Lacrosse Level 1 online courses to life through hands-on instruction facilitated by select, highly respected U.S. Lacrosse trainers. Level 1 Clinics provide tools needed to effectively teach rules, basic player skills, team concepts, responsibilities and philosophies. Personalized discussions, seminars, and interactive demonstrations create a six-hour interactive experience for participants. The Clinics are open to all U.S. Lacrosse member coaches of any range of experience willing to enhance their instructing techniques and increase their knowledge of lacrosse. They are part of the only standardized lacrosse coaching curriculum pioneered by U.S. Lacrosse. U.S. Lacrosse will have several noted instructors for the clinics, including Bonnie Rosen, the women's lacrosse coach at Temple University and Kevin Meany, the men's lacrosse coach at Alvernia University.
U.S. Lacrosse strongly urges participants to complete the Level 1 online course prior to the clinic in order for the experience to be most effective. The clinics are also a component of national Level 1 coaching certification, the first-ever certification available to lacrosse coaches. Please click here to register online for the clinics. Click here for clinic coach bios. US National team set for Stars & Stripes weekend Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/20/08 The third annual US Lacrosse Stars & Stripes Weekend, featuring the 2008-09 U.S. women's national team, will be hosted by Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12. The U.S. team – featuring Radnor High graduates Nikki Lieb and sister Jessi Lieb, Michi Ellers (Str ath Hav en), Regina Oliver (Pottstown) and Whitney Douthett (Newtown, Peddie School) – will compete in exhibition games against international teams Scotland and the Haudenosaunee, as well as collegiate teams Syracuse, Cornell and Vermont. In addition to the U.S. team games, the star-studded lacrosse weekend will feature a US Lacrosse coaching education clinic and a girls’ lacrosse clinic (grades 3-12). “There is something for everyone in Syracuse during Stars and Stripes Weekend,” said US Lacrosse’s Upstate N.Y. Chapter board member, Noel Ebner. “We are thrilled to offer training and education opportunities for coaches and players in Central New York. "Plus, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see so many of the very best women’s lacrosse players from all over the world compete in one location for one weekend.” “This weekend represents an opportunity to provide a competitive experience for our national teams while helping to prepare us for the 2009 World Cup in Prague next summer,” said Ann Carpenetti, Women’s Division director for US Lacrosse. “Currently, the U.S. women's World Cup player pool has 48 players on its roster. After the Stars and Stripes weekend in Syracuse, the pool will be split up into the U.S. World Cup training team and the U.S. developmental team.” (CONTINUE) Temple's Sloan Green to receive Lifetime Award Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/18/08 Former Temple women’s coach and Hall of Fame member Dr. Tina Sloan Green will be one of five women honored in October by the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) with a 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award. Sloan Green – who attended Girls’ High in Philadelphia and graduated from then West Chester State College - is one of the most decorated college coaches in Temple athletics history, remaining the only coach to win three national championships. In 18 seasons as women’s lacrosse coach, she compiled a gaudy 207-62-4 record with a .758 career winning percentage, leading the Owls to three National Championships and 11 consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances. Sloan Green also holds the distinction of being the first African-American head coach in the history of women's intercollegiate lacrosse. Her finest season came in 1988 when she led the Owls to their only perfect record (19-0), climaxed by a 15-7 victory over Penn State for the NCAA crown. Her teams had a record-setting 29-game winning streak during the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons. She also coached the Temple field hockey team for five years and elevated that program to national prominence. Along with her success on the field, Sloan Green’s work off the field may rival any of her athletic achievements. As a professor of Sport and Culture in Temple University’s College of Education, she served as co-principal investigator of Sisters in Sports Science, an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation, and Director of the Temple University National Youth Sports Program. (CONTINUE) Four-time national champs to play at Radnor High By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/17/08 Northwestern, the four-time defending national women’s champion in Division I, will meet North Carolina in a Fall season contest on Sunday, Oct. 19 (noon) at Radnor High School. The Wildcats, who defeated Penn to claim their fourth crown in May, will come to Radnor after competing Oct. 18 in the Princeton Fall Ball Tournament against Penn (3:45 p.m.), North Carolina (5:50), Syracuse (7:10) and Princeton (8:30). Northwestern features one local player, Germantown Academy graduate Colleen Magarity. The sophomore midfielder was a two-time scholastic All-American who starred for the U.S. Under-19 World Cup team in 2007 and played in 17 games as a freshman for the Wildcats last year. Magarity, of Oreland, scored one goal last year; ironically, it came in a 16-3 rout of the same Tar Heels. The game also will serve as a homecoming for North Carolina freshman midfielder Beth Ellis, who led Radnor to a perfect 23-0 season and the District 1 Class AAA championship. Ellis was the All-Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year with teammate Kelly Barnes. North Carolina went 13-7 last year and reached the second round of the NCAA tourney. Online registration has begun for Lax Convention Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/16/08 Registration is now available online for the 2009 US Lacrosse National Convention Jan. 16-18 at the Baltimore Convention Center. You must have a current US Lacrosse membership in order to register. Click here to register. You also can visit the 2009 convention website. The 2009 Registration Fees are as follows: Early-Bird (Sept 15-Oct 15): $65; Regular Registration: $80; On-Site Registration: $100. Click to visit the 2009 convention's official web site. You don't need to be registered to get a head start on booking your hotel room. The newly opened Hilton-Baltimore will serve as the primary hotel for the convention. Baltimore baseball icon Cal Ripken Jr. will be the keynote speaker for the event. The keynote address takes place on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. The convention is the largest educational and networking opportunity in the sport of lacrosse. Billed as "the unofficial start to the lacrosse season," the convention gathers the very best the sport has to offer, and provides the sport's largest educational opportunity, with over 5,000 coaches, officials, program administrators and vendors in attendance each year. Interested in presenting at the 2009 US Lacrosse National Convention? Please click here to complete the speaker application. Contact convention@uslacrosse.org with any questions. Villanova announces men's recruits for 2008-09 Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/15/08 Villanova coach Michael Corrado has announced the addition of nine freshmen to the 2009 roster: Matt Bell, CJ Burke, Kevin Cunningham, Dan Gutierrez, Ryan McDonagh, Joe Payne, CJ Small, Michael Vigilante, and Nolan Vihlen will join the Wildcat program. “We feel this is a very athletically gifted class that also possess outstanding lacrosse skills,” said Corrado, a Villanova graduate and the former coach at Haverford High. “This class includes players from many of the top lacrosse programs in the country that are used to winning. Several players are from non-traditional lacrosse areas, including our first recruit (Vihlen) ever from the state of Tennessee. This just shows the tremendous growth of the sport of lacrosse. I can't wait to start working with this group.” Bell is a 5-10 attackman from St. Mary's HS (Md.) who led his team and the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association in scoring (52 goals). Burke is a two-time all-Western Pennsylvania midfielder from Pittsburgh Central Catholic HS who had 37 goals and 35 assists last year. Cunningham is a midfielder from Kellenberg HS (N.Y.) who amassed 43 goals and 25 assists last year. Gutierrez is a 6-1 goalie from Georgetown (Md.) Prep. McDonagh a 6-2 defenseman, helped to lead St. Anthony's to the New York CHSAA Final his junior and senior years. Payne is a 6-1, 190-pound midfielder from Brother Rice (Mich.) HS. During Payne's senior season he scored five goals and dished out 25 assists for the number one ranked team in the country. Small is a 5-10 attackman and midfielder who helped lead La Costa Canyon (Calif.) to the CIF championship by amassing 41 goals and 42 assists. Vigilante is a 6-3 attackman who led Massapequa High (N.Y.) in scoring his senior year with 39 goals and 11 assists. Vihlen is a 5-10 face-off midfielder from Christian Brothers who won 244 of 290 face-offs (84 percent) as a senior. Philly's 2008 women's signees... Abington's Division I recruits took a different path to their choice By Chris Goldberg Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/12/08 Abington defender Kelly Condon said she was looking to find a balance when she decided on committing to Marist in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., as a senior. While it was not a Top-10 school, Condon liked the fact that Marist has been successful in recent years at the Division I level and also has a strong academic standing. What's more, she is majoring in mathematics and is seriously considering the field of education. Condon and Abington teammate Lisa O’Donnell – who committed in the last minute to Lafayette – are only two of many Philly women’s lacrosse players who signed with Division I programs and are starting their freshman year. A full list of the Division I signees as compiled by LaxPower can be found by clicking here. Condon, who committed in the fall of her senior year, said she considered many factors when choosing Marist. “I fell in love with the campus,” said Condon, the MVP of the Suburban One National Conference and a second-team All-Phillylacrosse.com selection. “I was not looking to go to a high top 10 school; I wanted to get a pretty good shot of getting in some games (immediately). “It (Marist) had a good campus and it has my major. They’ll give me a good education. Anybody I’ve heard from has good things to say about it. It has a good mathematics program and I might turn to being a math teacher.” (CONTINUE) |
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