Big City Classic

I'm looking forward to the weekend down in New Jersey as the top four ranked teams will all be playing on Saturday at the brand spanking new Meadowlands stadium. You can't ask for more at this point in the college lacrosse season with a little over a month left in the regular season. No matter what there's sure to be some shaking up in the rankings after this weekend's games. Plus.....being a Jets fan, I can't wait to see where the boys in green will be playing all of their future home games at.....we'll have to get some behind the scenes footage to show you on lax-school.com.

There are three college games on Saturday, the first game pits conference rivals vs. each other as #10 Hofstra faces Delaware. The 2nd game is the match up that I'm most eager to see as #1 Virginia plays #2 North Carolina. Both teams are 10-0 and honestly I can't wait to see this game. Last year UVA squeaked out a 1 goal victory against the Heels at the Big City Classic. It was a great game and what I remember most about it was the fact that Billy Bitter broke Ken Clausen's ankles not once but twice going to the cage for two big goals (the highlights made ESPN!). I'm sure Clausen remembers this as well which will make this match up one for the ages. The last game of the day has #3 Syracuse vs. #4 Princeton, which should also be another great match up. Chris Bates has Princeton playing a run and gun style of lacrosse similar to what you're accustomed to seeing with the 'Cuse so there should be some excitement in this high scoring affair. Inside Lacrosse has to be happy with the match ups as any lacrosse fan would be insane to miss this event. This year's Big City Classic has final four "flare" to it and could possibly be a preview of this year's big dance down in Baltimore......we shall see. You can still get tickets at www.bigcityclassic.com

Last night Jack Reid and I were over at Lexington Youth running a practice for the U13/U15 programs to help select their in-house all-star team. Every player there gave it 100% which as a coach you can definitely appreciate. Whenever you're trying out for a select or all-star team the most important thing you can do is hustle and give it everything you have in the drills. You may not have the best stick or be the fastest player or have the best "lacrosse IQ" but coaches look for players who work hard and show that they want to be on that team and fit in a specific role. There are always a few spots for players like this on every team.....keep that in mind.

Speaking of Reider, the Blazers have their last home game this weekend vs. the Minnesota swarm. If you're in town make it down there and give the hometown boys some support! Jack was telling me they have to basically win out (last 3 games) to clinch a playoff spot and a possible 1st round home playoff game. They still have a shot if they win two of their last three but they can control their own destiny with three wins. Go to www.blazerslacrosse.com and get your tickets.

Three weeks left until training camp opens up for the Boston Cannons, I can't wait and get more and more excited each day. Opening weekend at camp is our season ticket holder appreciation event. This is where the season ticket holders get a chance to mingle with players and cheerleaders and it's our way of saying thank you. After that Princeton plays Harvard and then we officially open up training camp. Hope to see you there!

Coaches, make sure you're spending enough time in practice on stick work. If you're pressed for time try combining your conditioning and stick work together. Players need to get used to handling the rock while they're tired, no better way to do this then with running. Need some tips or some drills? Email me at bd@lax-school.com

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