In May, the Mercyhurst Women’s Lacrosse Team won their first PSAC Championship and were selected to participate in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. As the parent of a Freshman on the team, this sounded great, right? The host school was Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. How could I go? At first I was not going to make the trip, but the more I thought on it, I knew that I would be going, I just had to decide how to travel. I was unable to find a flight that worked for me, so, I decided to drive – yes, DRIVE! All 15 plus hours! Alone. With Satellite Radio and the cellphone, you are always connected, and the trip actually flew by. I ended up loving the entire journey. The ride was great and Lindenwood is a beautiful school. Mercyhurst lost to Queens University but that did not detract from the experience at all. It is not everyday, you get to see your kid play in the NCAA Playoffs.
So, why did I hesitate when the first Fall Ball Event was approaching? “I don’t know. It’s a Monday night at Canisius College (in Buffalo).” Once again, I found myself leaning toward not going, “it’s only Fall Ball”. Then I thought, “it’s only 7 hours – half of the Missouri trip!” I have a busy coaching schedule in the spring, and will have a tough time making most of the games. I went back and forth over it before I decided, what was probably inevitable from the beginning. I was going, even though I needed to be back on Long Island for our first Fall Ball Practice by 2pm on Tuesday.
The event was a 5 team Round – Robin Type of Format. Division I Canisius, St. Bonaventure and Niagara, Division II Mercyhurst and JUCO, Monroe County Community College. As a coach, I found it very enjoyable. All different types of teams out there, competing, gaining valuable experience. I saw coaches, coaching players, new and old, through their mistakes and hopefully on to higher levels of performance. You could feel the enthusiasm, the high hopes, the dreams of lacrosse glory in the spring. The atmosphere was positive and fun, with every player getting playing time. The competition was fierce at times even though the overall play was raw, if not sloppy. Even, Canisius – who looked very good to me – would likely say that they are very much a work in progress. I watched teams work their Slow Breaks, Clearing Patterns, Offensive Sets and Defensive Schemes. For a coach, always looking to “borrow” from others, it was great.
I got to spend some quality time with my daughter – who I think really appreciated my being there. I got to watch her and one of her club ball teammates (who I coached), play the game they love. They played with grit, skill and class. I was proud, as a Dad and a Coach.
So as I began the long trek back to Long Island, I was thankful for the cellphone and Satellite Radio. But most of all, I was thankful for the Lacrosse. I love this stuff! I know not everyone loves lacrosse as much as I do. But, I think I am done hemming and hawing over these events. If it can be done, I am going! This is going by quick, I don’t want to miss it!
Interested in following the Mercyhurst Women’s Lacrosse team, click here!
