Early Thoughts on the 2011 Summer League

I know the Box Lacrosse League just wrapped up a few weeks ago. I know that the Valley season won't begin for another month. But I also know that I have to get ahead on future leagues. I am always thinking about our next lax league during the current leagues. I have really begun working to get the whole thing put together.
The Nebraska High School Lacrosse League will wrap up on May 21, freeing the Valley players and coaches. The 2011 Summer Lacrosse League will start sometime after that - most likely around June 1, 2011.
Like last year, the league will be open to high school and adult players. Games will either be om Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday depending on field availability and other factors. After the dissatisfaction regarding last year's reversible jerseys, teams will probably be responsible for providing their own uniforms. There still may be a ball and net replacement fee, but it will be much less than last year's fee.
Last year's teams may remain in tact, particularly Team Lightning Wear(league champions).  A permanent referee solution will have to be made.  We also had a player shortage issue last summer, which I would like to limit this season as much as possible.  One solution would be to permanently adopt the two defenders, two attack set up we ended up with last year.  That is not set in stone; it is just an early thought...
Adding to the attendance issues, I know that I stand a fair chance of missing games in late July and the odds of my absence only increases as we approach mid-August.  Jim has volunteered to help run things during that time, but I am definitely interested in getting additional help, maybe even from some fresh blood.  I thought about making a captains council to help keep things going while I am out...
I will continue to work on the logistics of this year's league.  Hopefully improvements can be made to give everybody an even better experience than last year.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with your comments and suggestions.

Easy Access

If you are a regular reader, then you probably noticed the little tab things just under the Lacrosse Monkey ad and above the blog text.  These little tabs will take you to information pages.  One of my goals for 2011 is to make essential information more easily accessible from this blog as well as the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association website.
Although they are not all complete yet, that will change as the appropriate information becomes available.  Most of the information will also be posted as a blog or at least a small update notice will be posted.  Some of it will come directly from the CILA website.  Additional categories may be added as needed.  I will eventually add links to the appropriate CILA page as well.
Right now you can click on the Womens Lax, Boys Lax, and Referee tabs for the most current information.  The HS Boys tab will be updated with Valley's schedule and some other information soon (hopefully by Sunday).  Hopefully this will make it easier for everybody to find the relevant information.
As always, contact me with your feedback, suggestions, or questions.

Clothing Makes the Man

I recently stumbled across what I quickly decided was one of the best lax t-shirts ever. A quick verification of the bank account later and it shipped out last Thursday afternoon. It arrived on Tuesday, but I did not open it up until last night.
The Nike Lax Legacy T-shirt is made of loose fitting Nike Dri-fit. In addition to the sweet buck on the front, the word "Legacy" adorns the back. You can purchase one here for $25.00 ($22.50 for Club Lax). It also comes in red and sky blue.

Valley Season Begins in March

The 2011 Valley Tigers Lacrosse Club schedule is nearly complete. Right now it looks as though all of our home games save one will be held at Valley Stadium, a significant upgrade over last year's location. Aside from watching the action on the luxurious new field turf, fans will be treated to real seats, adequate parking, and accessible restrooms!
While I cannot disclose the entire schedule* at this time, I can provide some highlights. The Tigers will open their home campaign with a post Spring Break two day tournament featuring two teams from Minnesota and one from Wisconsin. Following that, Valley will play five league games over three dates in April. Junior Varsity games will also be played at the stadium.
Valley will also have five away games in Omaha this year. The Nebraska High School Lacrosse League playoffs begin May 7. Unlike last year, the state semi-finals and finals will be split over two weekends. Just like last year, the Tigers intend to become the first Iowa team to win a Nebraska championship.
*All opponents, dates, and game times will be announced at a later date.

Living in a Fantasy Land... Part 11b

Last time I did a Lincoln mock up, I mentioned that the school changed its color scheme a bit since I graduated nearly 14 years ago (yeah, that's right; many of the players I coach where in diapers when I graduated). In the spirit of this being my fantasy land, I decided to revisit Lincoln. If I was setting the program up and making the relevant decisions, I would definitely revert to the retro color scheme.
I really feel that the athletic gold shorts pop in contrast with the maroon jersey. I have never really embraced the monochromatic look in sports, whether we are talking about lax, soccer, or football (it works in basketball though). So why not use the team's secondary color for the shorts?I chose to stay with the same pattern from the original post because its classic look seems to fit with the "Railsplitters" name. You may have noticed that the pattern continues seamlessly from the jersey.
With so many teams these days opting to wear black or white helmets, the gold helmet gives the Rails more personality. In addition to the maroon chin and mohawk, my dream helmet includes a maroon back panel with "Railsplitters" written in white and custom Abraham Lincoln and/or state of Iowa logos on the sides.
Because this is one of my favorite color schemes, I also mocked up some Warrior Wrath gloves:
Keep watching for more "Fantasy Land" posts. They will appear as inspiration hits me. Click here to start at the beginning.