2011 SLL Warm Up

Last night was the official start of the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association's 2011 Summer Lacrosse League.  To kick off the new season, we continued the tradition of the Week 1 warm up game.  Last night was a semi-competitive pick up style game geared towards brushing the rust off of guys that have not touched a stick since box wrapped up or longer.  Rather than jumping in cold, players are able to re-familiarize themselves with the game and meet their teammates and opponents.
About half the league (around 30 players) came last night, including two of the four goalies.  Teams were split into Demons & Gargoyles vs Aces & Crease Monkeys, with a few from the former joining the latter due to the absence of the bulk of the CM team.  The split was fairly even and gave everybody a chance to assess the talent they will be playing with and against this season. The level of adult talent moving to Des Moines is pretty strong, and quite a few of these gentlemen have opted to join the league this summer.  Having made the rosters beforehand, I had to guess at their ability levels to make fairly even teams.  After last night, I have to say that the 2011 SLL will be significantly more competitive and higher quality than last year.
Following the game was a captains meeting.  Unfortunately due to other obligations Harrington and Sundermann were not available for CM, but both will be forwarded the specific information.  The items discussed include absences, cancellations, referee commitments, and captains' power.  Unlike last year where Zach and I ran everything, we are utilizing captains to help run the league and regulate their respective teams.
At this point, everybody in the league should familiarize themselves with the rules (available here).  Our guidelines this year should ensure two referees and two bench officials for every game.  The refs will each work half the field and monitor a sideline.  Trailing refs will watch for offside players and support the lead official's decisions regarding goals, out of bounds, etc.  Referees have been instructed to focus on severe and obvious infractions and to make calls at their discretion, keeping the game flowing as much as possible.  Respect them as they are mostly untrained as officials and are volunteering.

Quick notes:

• Competitive SLL games begin next week.  The Demons face the Crease Monkeys at 5:45.  The Aces face the Garoyles at 7:00.
• If your team does not have enough players (minimum of of 5, including goalie) within 15 minutes of the schedule start time, you will be penalized.  If at least five players are available at that point, the game will start in the second quarter with the opposing team up by two goals.  If there are not five players present, then the opposing team wins be forfeit and a scrimmage may be held for the remaining time.
• We are officially at Valley Southwoods for all games.  Based on the reactions last night, this is a major improvement.
• I literally just got off the phone with our supplier (The Total Athlete).  Our reversibles are being shipped today from Michigan and should be in my hands Monday.  I will be at the field around 5:15 on Wednesday to hand them out.
• The Youth Program begins next Wednesday at 4:00 pm.  Zach will be coordinating volunteers.  This will also be at Southwoods, immediately preceding our SLL games.

2011 Summer Lacrosse League Preview

It's Memorial Day Weekend.  The Nebraska High School Lacrosse League season wrapped up last week and the NCAA season is finishing later today.  In just over a week and a half (June 8, specifically) the 2011 Summer Lacrosse League will be underway.  This season looks to be even better than last year with four teams boasting competitive rosters (on paper anyway).  Here's how they break down.

Gargoyles

The rechristened defending champions boast a back line built around captain Shelton.  The big man returns with a loaded offense consisting of the Brothers Griess, Bostwick, Ben Couch, Harrington, and others.  Shelton can choose between the Tornberg and Mundus brothers on defense and has the added security of Valley's former varsity keeper Hunter Couch in the cage.  With their roster depth, experience together, and attitude, the Gargoyles have a solid shot at the 2011 title.

Aces

After running a team of Valley's youngest last summer, Zielonko gathered up his coaching staff to build a more competitive team this season.  Based on the concept that the organizers should be able to play with their buddies too, nearly everybody on the team is involved in the coaching, organizing, or operations of Valley Lax and/or CILA.  The strong midfield and attack options are somewhat hindered by myself, but the upcoming birth of my child may keep my from being a nuisance in games down the stretch.  Goalie Fitch joins the team after spending 2010 with a bunch of Drake guys.  His understudy will be newcomer Abbott, who will also see time at the other end of the field.

Demons

While the Gargoyles and Aces may be the early favorites, the Demons should not be counted out.  With three Iowa State players (DiGangi, Van Dyke, Catron), Drake's former captain (Shoff), a former Wisconsin Stevens Point Player (Blay), and a host of guys with some level of experience, the Demons have the potential to leapfrog the favorites.  DiGangi is a solid and intimidating goalie and will be a strong leader from the cage.  Shoff proved his leadership abilities when he formed and ran the Drake team; he is also a very capable defender.  Blay was one of the toughest d-poles in the league last season and is also vocal from the back.  Swailes is rapidly developing into a quality attackman and Dyke continues to improve at midfield.  Kaufman is the epitome of a solid journeyman utility player.  The rest of the roster is largely unknown, but loaded with potential.
Crease Monkeys
After reading about the strong players on the other teams, it would be easy to overlook the Monkeys.  However this team packs a deadly mix of youth, experience, and skill.  Captains Harrington and Sundermann have a strong offensive arsenal at their disposal including the Arends brothers, Crew, and a host of up-and-coming players.  Taylor will share net minder duties with the versatile McDougal, who will also contribute to the defense and midfield as the team's needs dictate.  With a good number of players able to fill multiple positions, it is conceivable that we will see different line ups every week.  This might be the key to the Monkeys finding their way to the early game on August 10, something that this team is entirely capable of with focus and communication.