LAXFU Lacrosse News Blog

by Phil Blackwell, CNYlink.com

Along the way to a second state Class B championship in four years, the Jamesville-DeWitt boys lacrosse team had a fair share of setbacks, especially with key injuries late in the season.

But it never lost.

Perfect right to the end, the Red Rams sealed that unbeaten 22-0 mark for all time Saturday at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium, toppling Garden City 11-5 to earn the biggest prize possible.

Right after J-D toppled Irondequoit in the state semifinals on Thursday, the team boarded a bus Friday morning for Long Island, expecting a steep challenge.

Garden City’s defense had been shutting down teams all season, a real concern for someone as potent as J-D was. To that end, head coach Jamie Archer and assistant Bob Elmer plotted to go right at the Trojans, and see if it worked.

Still getting used to the unfamiliar opponent and turf, J-D actually trailed, 2-1, midway through the first quarter before Eric DeJohn tied it, signaling the start of the Rams’ dominion over Garden City.

Read the full article at: http://www.cnylink.com/sports/view_news.php?news_id=1276409001

by Phil Blackwell at CNYlink.com

Not too long ago, the West Genesee boys lacrosse team would consider the regional portion of the Class A state playoffs to be a formality, a small hill to climb on the path to another state title.

Now, though, that hill has turned into a steep mountain – and in 2010, it was far too steep for the Wildcats to scale.

For the second year in a row, Ithaca, the Section IV champions, ended WG’s season, the Little Red relying on a high-powered attack to complement its stellar defense and take out the Wildcats 13-5 Tuesday night at Union-Endicott High School near Binghamton.

Not in 33 years of state tournament appearances had WG taken a defeat so one-sided, and it proved that Ithaca’s rise to state power status was not a one-year fluke based on the presence of a first-rate goalie.

Read the full story at CNYlink.com

Silverfin Lacrosse presents a breakthrough college lacrosse recruiting event in Northern Los Angeles from Friday, 25 June 2010 to Sunday, 27 June 2010. Conducted on the beautiful campus of California Lutheran University, Silverfin Lacrosse has brought together a group of the nation’s top lacrosse programs for it’s first annual recruiting event. The camp will be a primarily game based format with instructional events scattered throughout the three day event. (more…)

press release

BALTIMORE – National lacrosse participation increased 8.4 percent in 2009, according to research by US Lacrosse for its annual participation report. There were 568,021 lacrosse players that were members of organized teams across the country in 2009, from the youth level all the way on up through the professional ranks.

Youth participation (under age 15) saw a 12.1 percent increase with more than 30,000 players picking up the sport in 2009. High school participation increased four-percent in 2009 with 227,624 players nationwide. College play also increased at a sizable rate of six-percent, with 557 men’s and women’s NCAA teams competing in 2009.

“We are grateful to see that participation in the sport has been increasing at such a substantial rate and that lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest growing team sports in America,” said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse. “Since our organization’s inception 12 years ago, US Lacrosse has invested millions of dollars in human and programmatic resources to support the sport’s continued national expansion, and we’re pleased to see these positive results. A key to this growth has been the tireless efforts of volunteers, coaches, officials and parents that enable more young athletes all around the country to participate in this great game.”

“Since 2001, the number of people playing lacrosse has increased by over 120 percent,” said Joshua Christian, managing director of sport development at US Lacrosse. “At that rate, participation in the sport will double again within the next ten years. With this anticipated trajectory, the infrastructure to support over a million lacrosse players nationwide will also need to continue to grow and evolve. US Lacrosse continues to responsibly foster the growth of the sport with coaches’ and officials’ education and recruitment platforms, grassroots development initiatives, equipment and safety grant programs, educational and training resources and so much more.”

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 62 US Lacrosse regional chapters that were active in 2009. Data is also provided by the US Lacrosse database, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Federation of State High School Associations, Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association and www.laxpower.com. The survey counts only participation on organized teams and does not include leisure time play of lacrosse. A full copy of the participation report is available on the US Lacrosse website (PDF).

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 300,000 members in 63 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

A copy of the 2009 US Lacrosse Participation Survey can be found here: http://www.uslacrosse.org/pdf/09participation.pdf

The 2010 High School rankings by  UnderArmour/InsideLacrosse are out.

Once again New York dominates the country with the most teams in the top 25, accounting for 40% of the top ranked teams in the country.

Maryland is second with 6 teams in the top 25, which is one less than they produced last year.  

New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut all tied for third with 2 teams each in the top 25.

Rounding out the top 25 are Massachusetts, California, and Ohio, each with one team representing their state.  Virginia, Florida, and Colorado were all represented in 2009, but were absent in 2010.

As we noted in our analysis last year, the growth of the sport all over the country has been phenomenal, but when you consider the depth and history of the programs in the northeast, it may be years before we see a more diverse Top 25 list for high school lacrosse.  This year we’ve seen less teams represented on the list that the prior year, with 3 states being unseated.

2010 High School Lacrosse Preseason Top 25

1. West Islip (N.Y.)

2. Boys’ Latin (Md.)

3. St. Paul’s (Md.)

4. St. Anthony’s (N.Y.)

5. Deerfield (Mass.)

6. LaFayette (N.Y.)

7. Garden City (N.Y.)

8. Conestoga (Pa.)

9. Georgetown Prep (Md.)

10. Calvert Hall (Md.)

11. Chaminade (N.Y.)

12. West Genesee (N.Y.)

13. St. Mary’s-Annapolis (Md.)

14. Haverford (Pa.)

15. Avon Old Farms (Conn.)

16. Ward Melville (N.Y.)

17. Salisbury (Conn.)

18. Canandaigua (N.Y.)

19. Summit (N.J.)

20. John Jay (N.Y.)

21. Delbarton (N.J.)

22. Gilman (Md.)

23. Smithtown West (N.Y.)

24. Coronado (Calif.)

25. Upper Arlington (Ohio)

University at Albany men’s lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced othat seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. The list includes two U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans.

U of Albany Great Danes head coach, Scott Marr

“The class is not quite complete, but is certainly shaping up to be one of the most dynamic classes we have brought in since the program moved to Division I,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said.

“It starts on the back line with tough kids, to an athletic midfield, and tremendous finishers on the front line. I commend my assistants Chris Kivlen and Bill Ralph for their efforts in bringing this group together. It is pleasing to see this develop.”

Meet The Thompsons

The Thompsons have been in the news a lot lately.  The Native American family is full of lacrosse talent, and each of them have been highly anticipated NCAA players.

Jeremy Thompson led OCC to the NJCAA Title

The eldest Thompson brother, Jeremy, is now enrolled at Syracuse to play lacrosse, after completing two seasons at OCC – which is a local community college in Syracuse.  Jeremy’s struggles to gain entrance into Syracuse have been ongoing, until he finally achieved his dream of being enrolled this year.

Brother Miles was also recruited heavily by Syracuse, along with Ty.  Both of them seemed to indicate that Syracuse didn’t show enough interest in them.  After some back and forth, they ultimately decided that Albany would be their new home.

Miles Thompson was named as a high school All-American after accounting for 95 goals and 56 assists as a junior. He led LaFayette High to a 23-1 record and the New York Class C state championship final. Thompson earned a spot on the Syracuse Post Standard All-Central New York first team. He was honorable mention All-Northeast, All-Section III and All-Onondaga Division III.

“SU is like a powerhouse right now. Albany didn’t win anything. We want to change that. We want to start something new.  SU talked to me, and they told me to send my transcript.  I didn’t hear from them after that.” -Miles Thompson

Lyle Thompson (left), and Miles Thompson (right)

Ty Thompson, also received first-team All-America recognition. He was Section X’s top scorer with 73 goals and 38 assists and led Salmon River High to an 18-1 mark and the program’s first-ever state playoff win. Thompson, who is attending Salisbury School in Connecticut, was chosen Northern Athletic Conference MVP. In addition, he was an honorable mention all-state selection as a forward in ice hockey.

“I’m going where he’s going,” Lyle said referring to his cousin, Miles. “We both made our decision together.”

UAlbany has won four America East Conference championships and made four NCAA Tournament appearances as a Division I program. The Great Danes reached the 2007 NCAA quarterfinals.

2010-11 University at Albany Men’s Lacrosse Signings

Name, Pos., Hometown (Previous School)
Mike Daly, Mid., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)
Doug Eich, Def., Pelham, N.Y. (Pelham Memorial)
Ryan Feuerstein, Mid., Hamburg, N.Y. (Hamburg)
Cody Futia, Def., Schenectady, N.Y. (Guilderland)
Eric Sanders, Att., West Chester, Pa. (Downingtown West)
Miles Thompson, Att., Nedrow, N.Y. (LaFayette)
Ty Thompson, Att., Hogansburg, N.Y. (Salmon River/Salisbury Prep)

University at Albany men’s lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced othat seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. The list includes two U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans.

U of Albany Great Danes head coach, Scott Marr

“The class is not quite complete, but is certainly shaping up to be one of the most dynamic classes we have brought in since the program moved to Division I,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said.

“It starts on the back line with tough kids, to an athletic midfield, and tremendous finishers on the front line. I commend my assistants Chris Kivlen and Bill Ralph for their efforts in bringing this group together. It is pleasing to see this develop.”

Meet The Thompsons

The Thompsons have been in the news a lot lately.  The Native American family is full of lacrosse talent, and each of them have been highly anticipated NCAA players.

Jeremy Thompson led OCC to the NJCAA Title

The eldest Thompson brother, Jeremy, is now enrolled at Syracuse to play lacrosse, after completing two seasons at OCC – which is a local community college in Syracuse.  Jeremy’s struggles to gain entrance into Syracuse have been ongoing, until he finally achieved his dream of being enrolled this year.

Brother Miles was also recruited heavily by Syracuse, along with Ty.  Both of them seemed to indicate that Syracuse didn’t show enough interest in them.  After some back and forth, they ultimately decided that Albany would be their new home.

Miles Thompson was named as a high school All-American after accounting for 95 goals and 56 assists as a junior. He led LaFayette High to a 23-1 record and the New York Class C state championship final. Thompson earned a spot on the Syracuse Post Standard All-Central New York first team. He was honorable mention All-Northeast, All-Section III and All-Onondaga Division III.

“SU is like a powerhouse right now. Albany didn’t win anything. We want to change that. We want to start something new.  SU talked to me, and they told me to send my transcript.  I didn’t hear from them after that.” -Miles Thompson

Lyle Thompson (left), and Miles Thompson (right)

Ty Thompson, also received first-team All-America recognition. He was Section X’s top scorer with 73 goals and 38 assists and led Salmon River High to an 18-1 mark and the program’s first-ever state playoff win. Thompson, who is attending Salisbury School in Connecticut, was chosen Northern Athletic Conference MVP. In addition, he was an honorable mention all-state selection as a forward in ice hockey.

“I’m going where he’s going,” Lyle said referring to his cousin, Miles. “We both made our decision together.”

UAlbany has won four America East Conference championships and made four NCAA Tournament appearances as a Division I program. The Great Danes reached the 2007 NCAA quarterfinals.

2010-11 University at Albany Men’s Lacrosse Signings

Name, Pos., Hometown (Previous School)
Mike Daly, Mid., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)
Doug Eich, Def., Pelham, N.Y. (Pelham Memorial)
Ryan Feuerstein, Mid., Hamburg, N.Y. (Hamburg)
Cody Futia, Def., Schenectady, N.Y. (Guilderland)
Eric Sanders, Att., West Chester, Pa. (Downingtown West)
Miles Thompson, Att., Nedrow, N.Y. (LaFayette)
Ty Thompson, Att., Hogansburg, N.Y. (Salmon River/Salisbury Prep)

University at Albany men’s lacrosse coach Scott Marr announced othat seven student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. The list includes two U.S. Lacrosse High School All-Americans.

U of Albany Great Danes head coach, Scott Marr

“The class is not quite complete, but is certainly shaping up to be one of the most dynamic classes we have brought in since the program moved to Division I,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said.

“It starts on the back line with tough kids, to an athletic midfield, and tremendous finishers on the front line. I commend my assistants Chris Kivlen and Bill Ralph for their efforts in bringing this group together. It is pleasing to see this develop.”

Meet The Thompsons

The Thompsons have been in the news a lot lately.  The Native American family is full of lacrosse talent, and each of them have been highly anticipated NCAA players.

Jeremy Thompson led OCC to the NJCAA Title

The eldest Thompson brother, Jeremy, is now enrolled at Syracuse to play lacrosse, after completing two seasons at OCC – which is a local community college in Syracuse.  Jeremy’s struggles to gain entrance into Syracuse have been ongoing, until he finally achieved his dream of being enrolled this year.

Brother Miles was also recruited heavily by Syracuse, along with Ty.  Both of them seemed to indicate that Syracuse didn’t show enough interest in them.  After some back and forth, they ultimately decided that Albany would be their new home.

Miles Thompson was named as a high school All-American after accounting for 95 goals and 56 assists as a junior. He led LaFayette High to a 23-1 record and the New York Class C state championship final. Thompson earned a spot on the Syracuse Post Standard All-Central New York first team. He was honorable mention All-Northeast, All-Section III and All-Onondaga Division III.

“SU is like a powerhouse right now. Albany didn’t win anything. We want to change that. We want to start something new.  SU talked to me, and they told me to send my transcript.  I didn’t hear from them after that.” -Miles Thompson

Lyle Thompson (left), and Miles Thompson (right)

Ty Thompson, also received first-team All-America recognition. He was Section X’s top scorer with 73 goals and 38 assists and led Salmon River High to an 18-1 mark and the program’s first-ever state playoff win. Thompson, who is attending Salisbury School in Connecticut, was chosen Northern Athletic Conference MVP. In addition, he was an honorable mention all-state selection as a forward in ice hockey.

“I’m going where he’s going,” Lyle said referring to his cousin, Miles. “We both made our decision together.”

UAlbany has won four America East Conference championships and made four NCAA Tournament appearances as a Division I program. The Great Danes reached the 2007 NCAA quarterfinals.

2010-11 University at Albany Men’s Lacrosse Signings

Name, Pos., Hometown (Previous School)
Mike Daly, Mid., Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)
Doug Eich, Def., Pelham, N.Y. (Pelham Memorial)
Ryan Feuerstein, Mid., Hamburg, N.Y. (Hamburg)
Cody Futia, Def., Schenectady, N.Y. (Guilderland)
Eric Sanders, Att., West Chester, Pa. (Downingtown West)
Miles Thompson, Att., Nedrow, N.Y. (LaFayette)
Ty Thompson, Att., Hogansburg, N.Y. (Salmon River/Salisbury Prep)