Due to the enormous growth of lacrosse at the college and high school levels across the country (and around the world), a new organization has been launched to help ensure that the growth of the game is successful and long lasting.
Russ Ketcham, Executive Director of Old School Lax
Russ Ketcham (former Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach and Director of Athletics at SUNY Maritime College) and his brother, Jeff Ketcham (former officer of the Metro/Long Island Chapter of the US Lacrosse Foundation) have formed a non-profit venture named “Old School Lax” (www.oldschoollax.org). Old School Lax was launched to promote the growth of lacrosse by offering technical assistance, support, and expertise to college and high school athletic departments that are considering adding lacrosse to their athletic offerings.
We recently caught up with Russ and got the opportunity to discuss some of the exciting things that they’re involved with. Be sure to check out the interview.
LAXFU News: Hi Russ, thanks for taking the time to chat with us about Old School Lax and some of the great things you’re doing to help grow the game of lacrosse. So how did you come up with the idea for Old School Lax?
Russ Ketcham: Thanks for having us! The entire idea for Old School Lax started during and after I presented at the 2007 US Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia. My presentation was on revamping an old lacrosse program or starting a new college program. I had approximately 30 folks in the audience and after my hour and a half was done, we adjourned to the bar for a discussion. That’s where I realized a need existed for this type of service. We felt that if we could help the growth of the game by offering advice it would only enhance its success.
LAXFU News: Can you provide us with some insight into what you’re currently involved in?
Russ Ketcham: There are many great things currently underway… Our Coach Search Clearinghouse is well on its way, and we’re lining up present college assistant coaches – both on the male and female side – that are interested in interviewing for a position at a startup program. We’ve also been approached by an international college to see if they could become the first international member of the NCAA specifically in the game of lacrosse.
LAXFU News: That all sounds very exciting, especially at the NCAA level. We’ve observed that the Junior College and southern conferences seem to be somewhat underdeveloped. Is this an area that you plan to get involved with?
Russ Ketcham: Actually, we will be making a presentation to representatives of the NJCAA to encourage expansion of the game on the JUCO level. We’ve also had preliminary discussions with a southern conference to set up a seminar on practice and game planning and administration.
LAXFU News: Where can people go to find out more about your services and how to get in touch with Old School Lax?
Russ Ketcham: More information is available at our website: www.oldschoollax.org and we encourage the lacrosse and professional athletic community to visit the site and contact us with any comments or questions. Encourage your athletic administrators and conference commissioners to explore the site, and be sure to pass the information along to anyone who may be contemplating adding lacrosse to their athletic offerings.
LAXFU News: Great, thanks for sharing the great info with us Russ, and please keep us posted on future developments!
Russ Ketcham: Will do, and thanks for having us!
About Old School Lax
Old School Lax is a pending non-profit corporation and its sole purpose is to enhance the growth of lacrosse. To that end, 95% of all remuneration received for its services will be distributed to groups and organizations that are presently involved in growing lacrosse in areas of the country that are relatively underexposed to the game. Old School Lax is determined to” spread the game” in the nation’s inner cities and rural population areas.
The mission of Old School Lax is to promote the growth of lacrosse by offering technical assistance, support and expertise to college and high school athletic departments that are considering adding the game of lacrosse to their athletic offerings.
Old School Lax provides:
- Feasibility studies
- Coaching Staff Searches and Acquisition
- Team Practice Program Implementation
- Game Management Planning
- Clinics for Coaches and Players
- Motivational and Inspirational Presentations
More information is available at: www.oldschoollax.org
