Westlake Lacrosse

Hello Parents                                                                                                                                                                    

Thank you for your interest in being a part of the 2011-2012 WHS Lacrosse season.  We are gearing up for the new year and want to let you know about the Fall schedule.  Interest in the WHS Lacrosse program is at an all-time high, which is a good thing for the long term wellbeing of the program.  However, we have a limited number of opportunities to participate and only so much field space on which to practice.   Based on email responses thus far, we are looking at approximately 90 kids interested in playing with only 75 or so available spots on the three teams ( JV, D2 Varsity and D1 Varsity).    So, limiting the number of kids who can participate is unavoidable.  The coaches and Board would love to have everyone participate, but the limitations we must work within just don’t allow for a larger club.    As a result, we will hold a competitive TRYOUT to field our teams this year.  This is a new process for all of us, so we will hold a Q & A session on Monday, September 19, at 7:00 pm, in the Chap Room,  #245, to answer any questions you may have. 

In the meantime, the following is our intended schedule:  

1. TRYOUT REGISTRATION  FIRST STEP

Registration will be a multistep process.  In order to try out, you will need to begin the FIRST STEP OF REGISTRATION by going on the team website www.whslax.net  between  Wednesday, Sept. 7 and Friday, Sept. 30.   (NO MONEY REQUIRED)  Players who have not registered and filled out all necessary paperwork will not be allowed to try out.   

2. WHAT TO EXPECT

Tryouts will begin Saturday, Oct. 1 and end Thursday, Oct 6 at the turf practice fields.   All potential and current players will be expected to participate, with the exception of Varsity football players who will be given another opportunity to try out in January.  

SATURDAY, 3:45- 5:45 pm  and MONDAY, 7:00-8:30  

First Hour of Practice:   Coaches will be conducting drills and  scoring the players individually based on Stick Skills, Athleticism, Field Vision, Speed, Attitude, Ability to Absorb the Curriculum and, lastly, Team Needs.  (Returning Players - Academic performance also comes into play as the program cannot reserve spots for players who have a history of missing part or all of the season due to poor academic performance.)  

Last half hour of Practice: Coaches will either run full field scrimmages or situational drills and the players will be graded on their performance in the drills and in the scrimmages.  

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY  7:00 to 8:30pm AND THURSDAY 6:00-7:30

Coaches will begin to split players off into smaller groups allowing them to see how some of the boys play with and against those of equal or higher caliber.

FRIDAY, Oct 7, teams will be posted on the team website by 8PM. 

3. REGISTRATION SECOND STEP (FOR THOSE WHO MAKE THE TEAM)

Once teams are named on Friday, you will then be able to proceed to the SECOND STEP OF REGISTRATION and pay for equipment/team fees.  All registrations should be completed within two days - by  midnight, Sunday, Oct 9  at www.whslax.net so that practice participation can begin that week.   ***This includes having submitted a physical.

4. ORIENTATION RALLY NIGHT

On Monday, October 10, 6:30 in the Recital Hall at the Performing Arts Center, the club will hold its annual Rally Night.  Here you will pick up available purchased equipment, meet the coaches and other parents and learn about what’s in store for the year. 

We know this is a stressful time for you and your boys.  The coaches will try to make the experience as positive as possible.  Feel free to contact me or any of the board members should you have questions.

Thank you.

Rob Edwards

President