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Blog
The Alumni Game
Last Friday, my wife and I headed northwest to Mercyhurst University, in Erie, PA (between 7 and 8 hours driving, from Long Island). This was the second long car ride I had made in five days. We arrived early enough to have dinner with our daughter before she left for the Bonfire, which was part of the Homecoming Festivities. I was able to fit a workout in on Saturday morning, before we met Diana at her apartment across the street from campus. We drove down toward the Lake for an early lunch at “Sara’s” a Classic Roadside Burger, Fries and Shake Place located at the entrance of Presque Isle State Park. Lunch was great (best Orange/Vanilla Shake ever!). Back up the hill, to the Homecoming Football Game we went. It was a thrilling game, whose outcome was not decided until the final seconds. Though, Mercyhurst lost in heartbreaking fashion, 35-34, it was a great spectacle and sporting event. We brought Diana back to her Apartment and we went back to the Hotel for a light dinner.
Now it was time for Women’s Lacrosse Alumni Game. The real reason we had made the trip (though my wife would likely disagree). Alumni Games are a mainstay of College Lacrosse Programs. An event that draws fans and players from the current team as well as teams from the past. The game itself was a lighthearted affair with the emphasis on fun. With many representatives from last year’s stellar senior class, it was competitive, though the overall atmosphere was one of “reunion”. The returning current players seemed so happy to see their now graduated teammates. The Alumni looked like they were just happy to have another chance to be on Tullio Field, a place with many great memories. I did not see many games last season but I did recognize some familiar faces among the parents in attendance. It was great to see Tami Keirn amongst them, with her camera. This is the first time in 8 years that Tami does not have a daughter on the team at Mercyhurst. She appeared thrilled to be there, and she told me “it goes by fast”.
After the game, there was an Ice Cream Social, during which, the Freshman and returning players all mingled with the Alumni. The parents mingled as well. As I reflect upon the weekend and Alumni Game in particular, I think Coach Cooke accomplished what he was hoping for. The “Game” and the “Social” were ways to link the new beginning of this year’s team, with the successful teams of the past. Establishing or strengthening the connection between the present players and those who have gone before them – in short, Building Tradition.
Fit to Lead
Question: Do you need to be fit to lead?
Short answer: Yes.
In every sense of the word, leaders need to be fit.
- Physically fit to handle the long days, late night calls, and active assignments. Physically fit so they can communicate effectively, stay sharp mentally, and perform at a high level consistently.
- Emotionally fit to handle the pressures of failing, taking responsibility for ones decisions, and consistently standing up for what you believe it right.
- Spiritually fit to exude positivity and enthusiasm. A leader sees the big picture, measuring success on how much work has been created that actually matters, as opposed to how much they’ve earned for themselves or their organization.
Are you fit? Next question, are you ready to lead?
Two-Ball Breakout Drill
A staple in the FLG Organization is Two-Ball Breakout Drill.
This is a great drill that gets everyone involved, resembles our clear, and gets FLG players in the habit of playing FAST!
Hope you enjoy!
Fall Ball Road Trip
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!
The FLG Digital Playbook
A great new feature we rolled out to our Select Player’s this year is a Digital Playbook.
Here’s how it works:
- FLG shoots videos of different components in our playbook at the FLG Offices
- FLG uploads those videos to our YouTube channel under the category “FLG Digital Playbook“
- FLG emails specific videos to our families through Team Snap each week depending on what we are working on in practice that week. Additionally, we send those same videos to our coaches to make sure they have a complete understanding of what we’re looking to teach that week.
- FLG players now go into practice with a basic understanding of what we are trying to learn that week and FLG coaches go into practice knowing exactly what and how to teach those concepts.
It’s that simple! Hopefully you can do that same in your program. For questions about how we further develop our athletes and coaches, drop a comment below…
Shop on FLGlacrosse.com
FLG Lacrosse has released its first ECommerce Webstore today!
Get FLG Fall swag by visiting our online store here.
We have sublimated Tee’s with custom design, FLG seat suits to keep you warm, and hard goods compliments of our sponsor Cascade/Maverik.
All items ship for free!
Enjoy…
Open Clear – Using The Formation
The main points in using the formation to clear the ball:
- Substituting through the box
- Stretching the field
- Vocabulary
- Right up!
- Re-direct!
- Over!
- Understanding off-side responsibility
Learn more by watching our YouTube video here:
The Five Pillars
The KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) was started with just 57 5th graders in a Houston District Classroom. Led by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, this class proved to be the foundation for a public school unlike anything you’ve seen before. Frustrated with the low graduation rates, lack of attendance, ineffective teaching techniques, and lack of direction; Feinberg and Levin started an intensive program that became a breading ground for successful students of all ages. At the core of KIPP’s model are five pillars:
- High Expectations
- Choice and Commitments
- More Time
- Power to Lead
- Focus on Results
These pillars have given rise to a movement for inner-city and minority youth. Thinking anything is possible, students have a more optimistic approach towards their futures. With 57 students in 1994, KIPP has opened it’s first elementary and High Schools tens years late. Learn more about KIPP right here!
Keys to Success
As we work towards the goal of developing well-rounded studletes who strive to obtain self-satisfaction in knowing they are trying to be the best version of themselves, there are certain keys to success. Below we’ve listed five very important key below, to give the Lacrosse Community a better understanding of what FLG is all about.
1. A discipline culture
2. Top notch coaching
3. Offer a wealth of deep practice
4. Supportive parenting
5. Love for the game
