Note from Coach Seals:
Dear West Morris and Mendham Lacrosse community,
Summer has passed and we are ready to start planning for Summer training for 2012. We had an exciting year of growth this past Summer in our Mendham Future program. Each team worked very hard and competed against very good competition. I am proud of our performances in all our grade levels. I’m most proud of the commitment of our parents and players throughout the program. Each team experienced growth.
Our commitment to the program is vital to the growth of Mendham Lacrosse. Excellent lacrosse programs around the state have adopted the “STAY TOGETHER, PLAY TOGETHER” model. The likes of Summit, Madison, Chatham, Mt. Lakes, Ridgewood, Sparta, and Randolph are just to name a few established programs that have made the commitment of the Futures Model. Mendham lacrosse must go in that direction. These are teams that we play year in and year out.
I would also like to announce that Mendham Future is joining with West Morris Central and Long Valley programs. This combination of these sister programs will ultimately allow our programs to grow. Each program has a rich tradition of lacrosse and a motivated lacrosse community. These communities will combine to make competitive teams with the right commitment. Mendham and West Morris high school coaching staff and alumni will comprise the futures coaches. I am truly excited and welcome the Long Valley programs. West Morris assistant coach, Barry Buchanan, has taken an active role in aiding the recruitment process as well as coaching. His passion for the program and belief in the model is exciting. Coach Buchanan and I are looking forward to the development of West Morris/Mendham Future Lacrosse Club!
West Morris/Mendham Future Lacrosse will be producing teams in 4,5,6,7,8, and two high school. Our teams will be attending three tournaments: Lehigh Laxfest, Future legends and Sweetlaxin. We are adding a fourth grade team that will be attending two tournaments. **** Each Future team will have 2 – 3 practices a week.
All Future members will have the opportunity to tryout for the STEPS Futures All-Star Teams. These teams are comprised of the best players from: Madison, Mt. Lakes, Summit, Chatham, Sparta, Kinnelon and Hunterdon Central. These teams can compete against the Best “Elite” Travel teams anywhere. The STEPS Futures All-Stars were created as a complimentary program to the futures teams. Link to the STEPS Futures All-Star website.
I am proud of our commitment last year and anticipate a strong commitment this year. Our goal is to build a strong foundation for our town teams. The coaching staff and participants have a lot of fun in the process. Our staff has a vested interest in the growth of this program. We intend to build a new tradition that is branded in West Morris/Mendham Future Lacrosse.
Note from Coach Buchanan:
Over the past few years New Jersey lacrosse has become increasingly competitve. Public schools throughout the state have taken their places at the top of the pack. I feel that it is time for West Morris to take the proper steps in order to reach an elite level that I believe is achievable. Aside from increased scrutiny on fundamentals, and strength training I feel it is very important that the boys play together over the summer. I believe that a West Morris futures program will benefit both your sons and our program on many levels. First and foremost a futures program will lead to increased success for our high school program. Putting it simply, win more games, get more recognition, and get more exposure for the boys. It is not a coincidence that young men from the previously mentioned teams find themselves being heavily recruited from the top teams in divisions I, II, and III. Even more generally, success in the spring=college exposure. The futures network of coaches is dedicated to full promotion of the boys during the crucial summer months and continue that dedication into their spring seasons. Also the boys will have the opportunity to face elite competition in the same tournaments as the other clubs during the summer. Lastly Futures is an affordable way for kids to stay active, work on fundamentals, and have a fun and exciting lacrosse filled summer. Along with coach Seals from Mendham we will be utilizing professional coaching staffs from both schools as well as having current and former college lacrosse players from both communities to provide an exceptional coaching experience for the boys. The coaching staff at West Morris has a vision for the future and we are asking you to get on board.
Sincerely,
Coach Barry Buchanan
