| U19 CANADA EAST SELECTION CAMP |
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After an unusually cool and wet summer, the lacrosse Gods took over this past weekend and let it all hang out. Non-stop sunshine and 30 + degrees added to the challenge for 105 U19 players from Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick who came together at Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough for the Canada East selection camp, the first event of the 2011 campaign.
After initial introductions and instructions it was time to get down to business. With the first morning 3 v 3 session, 6 games started on the horn every 15 minutes. Players rotated quickly from field to field, keeping close eye on their schedule and their teammates to make sure everyone arrived on time -- every time. Seven goalkeepers did a great job all weekend.
Lunch was a welcome break and an opportunity to get out of the sun and relax a bit. When the afternoon session kicked off, teams from the morning session paired up to play 6 v 6 for the remainder of the day.
Water and ice became everyone's best friend, and players learned quickly that keeping hydrated and cool would prolong their efforts for the day.
Day 2 was more of the same. Players were regrouped and came together for a day of 8 v 8. Sunday's schedule was pared down to 2 fields only, giving players a bit more rest and time to prepare. Sunday games were officiated by volunteers from the Ontario Umpire pool.
When it was all said and done, players had come to do exactly what they needed ... show off their skills and abilities to the evaluating team, learn to play in challenging conditions with a variety new players, and prove to themselves that no matter how intimidating or scary a situation may seem, if you're willing to take that first step, you can conquer anything.
Special thanks to:
• Fred Blowes and Kerri Hardill for looking after all the details at the field (including many hours of clearing grass on Friday afternoon!)
• Herb Raglan for keeping ice stocked up.
• Tim Nobes for providing a nutritious lunch
• The team of 16 evaluators comprised of National, Provincial, University and Club coaches many who have playing experience at the National, provincial and university levels.
• Terry Rayner for looking after the well-being of the players over the course of the 2 days
• Russ Mallard for keeping the games on schedule
• The team of 8 umpires who called the games on Sunday
• The local volunteers for quickly processing all the girls at registration on Saturday morning; and keeping water levels high
• Pellerins Photography for capturing the moments!
WATER & ICE ... ahhh, now that's nice!!!
Getting instructions ... Evaluators take notes ... Terry the trainer
Staying focussed!
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| CANADA WEST SELECTION CAMP |
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The weekend in "Beautiful British Columbia" could not have been better! 55 players from BC lower mainland and island, as well as southern and northern Alberta came together to show off their talents at the Canada West selection camp, the second event of the 2011 campaign.
Once again, warm, sunny weather set the stage. The camp followed the same format as the eastern camp, with one minor program change providing a little more excitement than initially planned.
After the very first 10 minute game on Saturday morning, the fire department arrived and moved us quickly off the field for a MedEvac helicopter landing. Players, nets, chairs, bags, balls, pencils .. e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g had to move! Ended up being a false alarm, but everyone was ready and waiting with cameras!
Within about half an hour, fields were set up and teams were back to business. Players got right into the rhythm of 3v3 showing their stuff. The steady improvements made over the two days was impressive. While many of the players were very talented box lacrosse players, they were transferring their skills to the field for the first time on this weekend. Great stickwork and athletic abilities were in good supply.
Kathryn, Alexandra and Jenna were stellar in goal all day, all weekend with very few breaks.
In the end, it was evident that players were having fun, learned and put some new concepts into action, and worked hard all in equal measure. That's all you can ask for!
Special thanks to:
• Adrianne Gadd for taking care of logistics at field level and looking after the well-being of the players throughout the camp
• Sym Smith for securing the field and nets and the Surrey Field Association for donating the field time
• The team of 8 evaluators comprised of National, Provincial, and Club coaches many who have playing experience at the National, provincial and university levels.
• Nikki Walser for time-keeping throughout the weekend
• Savanna and Bill for calling the games on Sunday
• The local volunteers for helping with photography, picking up and delivering lunches and the set-up and take-down of the field.
Getting briefed Warming up for the morning
Down to business Breaking for lunch Cooling down
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