LI Lax Journal – Farmingdale Three-Way Scrimmage – PREVIEW

Tomorrow morning, the Farmingdale, Long Beach, and Sachem North High School boys varsity teams will come together for a three-way scrimmage. In hopes of preparing for the 2017 Spring season, this day will include full day of lacrosse. On the practice plan, straight scrimmages. All three teams will play two games throughout the day, each with two High School officials. Farmingdale High School will host three teams who are in the process of figuring out who is worthy of getting the start. Non-league play is set to begin next Tuesday. With little time to spare, Farmingdale, Sachem, and Long Beach must make the most of this precious turf time.

The Dalers fell short of the County Championship last year. First year Head Coach, Mike Hungerford, has big shoes to fill. With a wealth of experience coaching and multiple State Championships (2X State Championship coach at Cold Spring Harbor) on his resume, it’s safe to say the Farmingdale Boys Program is now in great hands.

Tomorrow’s scrimmage was supposed to be on the grounds of Cold Spring Harbor High School and host 6 top HS programs, including Cold Spring Harbor, West Islip, and Massapequa. Due to unfortunate circumstances aka snow covering Cold Spring Harbor’s grass and upper turf fields, the scrimmage was split into two locations. Half the teams heading to Cold Spring and the other half to Farmingdale.

Head Coach Paul Benway took over an up-and-coming Sachem North group just 1 season ago. North lost several one-goal games last  year, but with this program in good hands, they will continue to push towards cracking the top of the most competitive public school conference in this country, Suffolk Class A.

FLG Lacrosse has decided to follow half those teams to Farmingdale. Tomorrow, our coverage will include interviews with each head coach, words from the captains of each program, live stats from some of the action, and video highlights (which will be posted next week.)

Long Beach was 8-8 last year. Coach Jim Kasper has been leading this group for over ten years. With an experienced head coach and some bright young talent, this team could surprise some people this season.
Photo-credit :: News12Varsity

Be sure to follow FLG Lacrosse on instagram & twitter for live updates on the action. Here we go!

 
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The Dangers of Competition

Similar to coaches, musical composers train musicians from early childhood. They encourage musicians to develop good practice habits and performance values. Musicians travel all over the world to learn from the greats and parents pay for young musicians to take part in fine summer programs. Then, musicians are thrown into a whirlpool of competitions, from which we expect these young musicians to perform great works that call upon demonstrate warmth, playfulness, generosity, reverence, and sensitivity.

However, famous educator and composer of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, Benjamin Zander says, “It is dangerous to have our musicians so obsessed with competition, because they will find it difficult to take the necessary risks for themselves to be great performers.”

Like young musicians, young athletes are too performers. Similar to musicians, it is only when athletes make mistakes in performance, do we really get to notice what needs attention.

Now, what if coaches started to look at these negative experience or mistakes as opportunities. Instead of projecting negative energy towards these mistakes, you as a coach reflect humor, generosity, or positivity. Better yet, use these mistakes as possibilities for discovering ways to express oneself in new and creative ways.

Creating an environment where young athletes can make mistakes freely and develop new positive habits is the opposite of dangerous. It’s constructive, positive, impactful, and beneficial. It will give young athletes the confidence to perform at a high level with joy, playfulness, generosity, reverence, and energy. I’d like to see more performances like this, I’d love to see more coaches work with their students like Ben Zander does.

 
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Get On Your Own Team

So many young athletes are concerned with what team they should join. Am I playing for the right club team? Which high school team should I choose? What college team should I pursue?

Before getting so caught-up with choosing a team, learn to get on your own team.

Treat your body right.

Improve your weaknesses.

Cure those bad habits.

Build on your strengths.

Work hard, rest easy.

Manage your time.

Eat foods that work for you.

Stretch.

Condition.

Get stronger.

Work on your skills.

Develop a passion for the sport.

Believe in yourself.

Once you get on your own team, then you can think about joining someone else’s.

 

 
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FLG Fusion Town Tournament All Baby Bro Squad

FLG Lacrosse would like to congratulate the following 16 baby bros for the FLG Town Championship All Baby Bro Squad. Great job this past weekend boys! You all have bright futures ahead.

Grade Town First Last
2021 Harborfields Ian McGullam
2021 Manhasset Nolan Garcia
2021 Levittown Matt Schwann
2022 Manhasset Gavin Barnes
2022 Huntington Robbie Smith
2022 Brooklyn Ronin Bryant
2022 Farmingdale Ryan Woodland
2022 Port/North Jack Monahan
2023 Oyster Bay Alex Siegel
2023 Smithtown Brendan Mullahy
2023 Smithtown Ryan Rooney
2023 Commack Richie Wopp
2024 Floral Park Luke Dimaggio
2024 Cold Spring Harbor Sam Giarraputo
2024 Long Beach Connor Richards
2025 Floral Park Jack Dimaggio
 
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The 1st! FLG Fusion Town Championships – Winter ’17 Team Previews

The FLG Fusion Town Championships is a first-of-its-kind town tournament that will consist of a series of FLG’s Small Area Competitive Games & Drills, which we called Fusion Games. This Sunday, FLG will bring together some of Long Island’s most established lacrosse towns to compete in this unique event. Taking the tournament experience to the next level, FLG’s team of professional trainers will actually teach each team, as well as their coaches, 6 different Fusion games. After teams and coaches are taught the rules of a particular Fusion game, they will immediately walk to their field and compete against another town. This process will repeat until each town team has competed all 6 Fusion games. Teams will then be seeded and earn a chance to compete for the first ever FLG Fusion Town Championship. Only the winners of each grade will earn a special prize at the end, however, each team will walk-away learning something new. For LIVE updates, scores, pictures, promotions, and much more, be sure to follow FLG Lacrosse on instagram & twitter @FLGLAX

Below is a preview for each town competing in the Fusion Town Championships this Sunday:

Cold Spring Harbor

Adam Ghitelman is one the greats to come through the Cold Spring Harbor lacrosse program. His #8 jersey is retired and hangs in the rafters of the Cold Spring Gymnasium. An All-American, National Champ, MLL Star, and DI Collegiate coach, Ghitelman is one the CSH boys aspire to become.

CSH

  • Adam Ghitelman –  Virginia & Pro
  • Johnny Orson – Hofstra
  • Jay Jalbert – Virginia
  • Guy Riccardi – Maryland
  • Rich Riccardi -Virginia
  • Colin Burke – Fairfiel
  • Greg Peyser – Hopkins
  • Stephen Peyser – Hopkins
  • Joe Boloukos – Cornell
  • Allen Winkoff – BU
  • Jordan Walter – Notre Dame
  • Jake Gennosa – Drexel
  • Ryan Winkoff – Binghamton

The 5th grade boys over In Cold Spring Harbor, young studletes look to write the next chapter in the program’s storied history by the time their senior season comes in 2024. All these young studletes aspire to become the next CSH legend, like Virginia standouts Jay Jalbert & Adam Ghitleman. The 2024 Seahawks hope to represent their community at the Fusion Championships by demonstrating a high level of skill, athleticism, and lacrosse  IQ. Come to the Nassau Community College Field house this Sunday to witness these little baby bros strive to be known like the legends that came before them.

Long Beach

Some may not know, but the Gibson Brothers hail from Long Beach. Matt was a stand-out attackman at Chaminade and Yale. Gibby now competes for MLL Championships on the Long Island Lizards. Mesmerizing audiences with his famous Wall Ball videos on the Tube, Gibson is a great role model for young laxers everywhere.

Long Beach

  • Brendan Gibson – Yale
  • Matt Gibson – Yale
  • J.T. Forkin – Cuse
  • Peter O’Toole – Harvard

Long Beach has produced some serious studs over the last couple years, Brendan and Matt Gibson, J.T. Forkin, and Peter O’Toole to name a few. The Long Beach class of 2024 are pushing to make their mark on the program and prove they can continue to compete with the elite programs of Long Island. Head coach of the 2024 LB boys, Tony Greer, can be described as a family man, rocker for life, and avid supporter of his alma mater Cornell Big Red. Coach Greer will lead his LB group into the Fusion Arena with a slew of lacrosse knowledge. Tony’s passion for the game is infectious and it shows. FLG is really excited for the opportunity to get the Long Beach boys involved in our first Fusion Town Tourney.

Smithtown

Rob Pannell is one of the best stories to come out of Smithtown. From under the radar recruit to lacrosse super-star, this Cornell Big Red All-American recently led his MLL team to a Championship.

  • Rob Pannell – Cornell
  • James Pannell – Virginia
  • Dan Martinson – Siena
  • Gerard Arceri – FOGO – Penn State
  • Ryan Keenan – Penn State
  • Jason DeBenedictis – St. John’s
  • Brian Willetts – Notre Dame

Smithtown has emerged a lax factory, sending players to schools like Virginia, Penn State, Cornell, and Notre Dame year in and year out. Playing for Smithtown means you are expected to compete at a high level, keep getting better each year, and work towards one-day playing for Coach Moltisanti or Coach Lambert at the Varsity Level.  Smithtown continues to prove they are a  powerhouse in lacrosse and these young guns hope to keep it that way. Smithtown is bringing not one, but two teams in the same grade. They know, in order for a program to be successful the more boys that play lax, the better!

Manhasset

Jim Brown earned 13 letters during him time at Manhasset. Moving on to Cuse to excel at football and lax, Brown eventually earned a spot in NFL History Books because of his stand-out career. Brown continues to inspire the lacrosse community.

Manhasset

  • Tyler Dunn – UPENN
  • Connor English – Cornell
  • Chris Finn – Cornell
  • Gavin Petracca – North Carolina
  • Chris Peyser – Princeton
  • Jim Brown – Syracuse
  • Ryan Young – Maryland
  • James Farrell – UPenn
  • Drew Belinsky – UPenn

Manhasset has a bright future ahead of them and the Class of 2022 will attempt to find their next Tyler Dunn, Connor English, or Chris Finn.  Manhasset has always been known for their rich lacrosse history and these young guns hope to carry on the legacy.  The Fusion Town Championship this Sunday will be flooded with Manhasset Indians. From 5th grade to 8th, you’ll find a laxer from this community. Not only will Manhasset be bringing a 2022 team, free agents from the community will attend FLG’s Fusion event to take part in the action. With long time high school rivals like Cold Spring Harbor coming to the Fusion Town Championship, these games could get very interesting!

Sachem

Doug Shanahan was one of the greats to graduate from Sachem. Doug had a stand-out career at Hofstra, in the MLL, and for the US National Team.

Sachem

  • Joe Amplo-Head Coach at Marquette
  • Brian Brecht – Rutgers Lacrosse Head Coach
  • Randy Cox
  • John Calabria – Syosset Head Coach
  • Terry Mangan – St. John’s Assistant coach
  • Justin O’Connell-UPENN
  • Jay Mauro – Butler
  • Tommy Haun – Stony Brook
  • Doug Shanahan – Hofstra

Almost all the great alumni from Sachem have experienced playing and coaching at the collegiate level.  With big shoes to fill, Sachem’s youth hopes to represent a lacrosse community filled big time coaches, big time players, and a rich history. Follow @FLGLAX on twitter for updates on how the Sachem boys far against some stiff competition.

Farmingdale

Matt Danowski is currently 3rd all-time in points for the NCAA. He was a 4 time all-american at Duke, played for several MLL franchises, and has competed for the US Men’s National Team. Matt continues to develop young men as a coach for the Duke Men’s Lacrosse team.

Farmingdale

  • Matt Deluca – Delaware
  • Tommy Mcpartland – Mercy
  • Steve Kunz – Albany
  • Joseph Ostrander-Towson
  • Sal Tuttle – Adelphi
  • Matt Danowski – Duke
  • Jonathon Engelke – Towson
  • Dennis Kelly – UMass

Farmingdale has one of the most renowned alumni base in the country. Matt Danowski,  Matt Deluca, Steve Kunz, Joe Ostrander, and Sal Tuttle  are some of the recent greats that the Farmingdale 2022 group has been able to look up to. Daler Nation Coach, Dennis Kelly, is a Farmingdale Alumni himself. He looks to bring a highly touted 2023 group to the Fusion Arena with the intention of winning it all. Follow FLG Lacrosse on twitter and instagram @flglax to see how the Dalers match-up to the competition.

Huntington

Shamel is the 3rd all-time in points for Virginia Cavalier midfielders. A two-time firs team all-american, Shamel is one of the best to graduate from Huntington. Shamel led H-ton to two back-to-back State Championships during his time at Huntington High School.

 

Huntington

  • Scott Kocis – Georgetown
  • Shamel Bratton and Ramel Bratton – Virginia
  • Steve Mock – Cornell
  • Zach Howell – Duke
  • Matt Howell – Notre Dame

This weekend, the Huntington Village Class of 2022 takes the field in hopes of showing other teams on the island what the Blue Devils are all about. These boys are looking to join some of the Huntington greats like Zach and Matt Howell. The Huntington Village Lacrosse program is growing in popularity and success. The Devils youth program has more and more laxers looking to take their lacrosse talents to the next level each and every year. This Fusion event will test these young athletes in different facets of the game. Do they have what it takes to be the first, Fusion Town Champs?!

Levittown

Devin Votta was a stand-out at Levittown and is currently the senior captain of Siena’s Lacrosse team. Devin coaches in the Levittown Youth Program and has worked with dozens of players throughout Long Island.

Levittown

  • Tom Davis-Princeton
  • James Davis-Princeton
  • Doug Hall-UNC
  • Eric Weeden-John Hopkins
  • Devin Votta-Siena Captain

With Levittown legends like Tom and James Davis, Dougie Hall, Eric Weeden, and Devin Votta, Levittown lacrosse is looking to find their next “Legend” in the 2021 class. Currently in 8th grade, it won’t be long before this Levittown group steps foot on the varsity grid-iron. With the hopes of competing for a county championship in the near future, the Levittown 2021 class will continue to focus on developing their game. Led by Ralph Votta, Levittown youth lacrosse coaching legend and founder of the TOGZ club lacrosse organization, this Levittown 2021 is in great hands. We welcome this group to our first ever Fusion Town Championship!

Port Washington – North

 

John Crawley is one of the best, if not, the best to come out of Port Washington. Leading his team to a County Championship in HS, Crawley is now working on leading his Hopkins team to a National Championship. Watch JC44 inspire the lax community with his all-around heads-up and selfless play this Spring.

Port Wash/North shore

  • Dan Grabher-Army
  • Joey Frocarro-Villanova
  • Jake Frocarro -Villanova
  • Jeff Frocarro-Princeton
  • John Crawley-Johns Hopkins
  • Ryan Aughavin-Brown

This weekend, athletes from both Port Washington and North Shore will take the field together.  Port Washington and North Shore are both up-and-coming lacrosse towns with the resources and passion to become great at this game. Which boys from Port Washington North will step-up and show they belong on lacrosse’s biggest stage? Tune into @FLGAX on twitter and instagram this Sunday and find out!

Commack

Tim Trenkle was a great player for Commack High School. Trenkle moved on to contribute and play all four years for the SeasWolves of Stony Brook.

Commack

Commack has always been known as a baseball town. Since Jimmy Montana took over the men’s lacrosse program, Commack has transformed to being known to have quality lacrosse. This year, Commack High School will compete in one of the most competitive public school conferences in the country, the Suffolk Class A. This means Commack’s youth will need to keep getting stronger if they plan on contending at the High School level. Coach Montana himself will be marching into the Fusion arena with his Commack 6th grade group in hopes of capturing the first Fusion Town Championship.

Floral Park

Kevin Ford is one of the best to come out of Floral Park. Ford was a stand-out HS Lacrosse Player who went on to have a good career at Hofstra. Who will be that next stand-out from FP? Come to the Fusion Town Championships and find out!

Floral Park

Floral Park has an up and coming youth program with lots of talent. The Knights are developing a lacrosse culture by bringing together like-minded families that share a passion for the sport of lacrosse. The Fusion Town Championship will host the 5th grade Floral Park group that will be coached by Don Ferone. Don is heavily involved in Floral Park’s youth program and has contributed to the development of many players in the community. We look forward to hosting the Knights this Sunday at our Fusion Town Championships!

Harborfields

Mark Millon, known for his low to high cannon, continues to educate youth today. His camps have gotten a stick in the hands of thousands of kids around the country. He remains the greatest to come out of Harborfields.

Harborfields

Harborfields is a community that is desirable for many reasons. Many successful families seek the community for it’s quality schools, athletics, and club programs. The boys youth lacrosse program has a lot of quality athletes who hope to one day play for Coach Glen Lavey’s varsity team. Bill Yorio, father of the current starting goalie for Harborfields, will lead an 8th grade Harborfields group into the Fusion Town Championships this Sunday. FLG is excited to welcome a great program, great mentor/coach, and quality group of young men!

Oyster Bay

Brian Soper, Adelphi All-American and Oyster Bay Head Coach, is the reason Oyster Bay Lacrosse has been on a steady upward trend over the last several years. His passion and knowledge for the game has allowed him to take a program that was non-existent, to one that will compete this year for a Class D Long Island Championship.

Oyster Bay

As a rising lacrosse program on the island, Oyster Bay hopes to make noise in the coming future. The Oyster Bay Baymen Lacrosse Program is lead by FLG coach, Brian Soper. Coach Soper is a committed teacher and coach within the Oyster Bay community and looks to continue building a program that’s seen nothing but consistent improvement. A stout 6th grade group will walk into Nassau Community College’s field house with the intentions of proving they can run with the best towns on the island. Come watch Coach Pat Lough’s 6th grade Oyster Bay group compete for a chance to be crowned Fusion Town Champs!

 

 
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FLG Cribs – Ryan Purcell, Denver University

From Levittown, LI to Denver, CO, hear the story of legendary FLG Alumni, Ryan Purcell! #Studlete

 
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Magnus

In the Netflix Documentary, Magnus, Director Benjamin Ree follows the life of a childhood chess prodigy – Magnus Carlsen. This film captures Magnus Carlsen’s road from childhood prodigy to chess world champion.

As Magnus dedicates his life to becoming the greatest Chess player in the world, the support of his family becomes a vital part of Magnus’ success. Specifically, a key contributor to Magnus’ success comes through the love and support displayed by his father. This story is a shining example of how a father should approach a child who is striving to be the best they can be.

Instead of constantly:

Pushing.

Criticizing.

Worrying.

Comparing.

Yelling.

Cheering.

Magnus’ Father decided to constantly:

Believe in.

Support.

Parent.

Encourage.

Accept.

and Love his son.

A great documentary for studletes looking to be great, parents looking for a shining example of how to handle a talented child who wants to be great, or for a sibling learning how to deal with a family member who is striving for greatness.

Tune into Netflix to learn more about the amazing story of Magnus Carlsen, childhood prodigy to chess champion.

 
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FLG’s Small Group Training

Why training in smaller groups in beneficial:

  1. More repetitions with the ball in your stick
  2. Learn about nuances at each position.
  3. Focus on more advanced concepts
  4. Get more mental repetitions – players listening and absorbing information from the coach
  5. Gives players an opportunity to train while they are tired. Good simulation of playing towards the end of a game or in the 4th quarter.

Learn more about training with FLG by clicking here !

 
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FLG Cribs – Brian Ward, The Ohio State University

Hear Brian’s story about how he got recruited to Ohio State University. After getting plagued with injuries, Brian decided to make the most of his situation. Learn more about Brian’s experience and what he’s up to now by watching the video below!

 
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FLG Fusion Drill – 4v4 Rhino

Next Sunday, FLG will be launching a first of its kind, Small Area Games Town Team tournament. Below is a sneak preview for one of the drills we will be playing at this event!

For more information on our FLG Fusion Town Championships, click here.

4v4 Rhino Drill

 
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