4TH ANNUAL DICK'S SPORTING GOODS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS JUST AROUND THE CORNER
(November 25, 2009)
Top teams from across the United Stated and Canada are booking flights, reserving hotel rooms, and practicing hard in anticipation of the arrival of the sport’s only true national championship. On January 1-3, 2010, more than 50 teams across three divisions will descend on Wesley Chapel District Park in Pasco County, Florida to fight for the right to be called the national club lacrosse champion.
The field of teams will include top-ranked programs from the traditional lacrosse areas, and some exciting up-and-comers from emerging lacrosse hotbeds. Tournament organizers expect upwards of 20 American states and Canadian provinces to be represented when the final schedule is released.
“We are extremely excited about the way this tournament is shaping up in terms of the quality and diversity of the competition,” said NDP Lacrosse tournament director Kurt Dzaman. “The fact that the teams have to qualify for an invitation to play makes this event unique. It really is a true ‘tournament of champions’.”
Along with the elite competition on the field, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions offers tournament attendees the opportunity to take advantage of some exciting special events, including a free clinic given by division I coaches that cover a variety of on-the-field skill areas. The buzz has also picked-up around a new wrinkle added to the tournament this year: a coach reception and open discussion about the role of the club coach in the college recruitment process, led by Syracuse University men’s lacrosse assistant coach Lelan Rogers. “We are very proud to offer this benefit to the club coaches in attendance,” said Brian Tatum, NDP Lacrosse Director of Operations. “Club coaches can play such an important part in athletes getting noticed and recruited by college coaches. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the club coaches to get face-time with one of the truly elite college coaches. Lelan is a tremendous resource and will offer top-notch advice and guidance.”
In addition to the clinic and coaches’ reception, the Fan Zone area will offer tournament attendees with the chance to purchase the latest gear, look at tournament photos, and participate in several interactive games. “The Fan Zone this year is going to be the place to be,” said Josh Gross, PR & Sponsorship Manager for NDP Lacrosse. “This year, we’ve added a climbing wall and four-way power bungee jump that will surely cause quite a stir!”
December 1 is the final deadline for teams to submit rosters and player waivers.
Tournament schedules will be released by December 15. They will be emailed to all team coaches and posted on www.laxtoc.com.
|