By Mike Loveday

A release by IMG Academies yesterday states that they have come to terms with the National High School Coaches Association to create an official high school national championship tournament.

The deal includes championships for 7-on-7 lacrosse, 7-on-7 football, boys' and girls' team tennis, and boys' and girls' team golf and is expected to begin at the Bradenton-based Academy in summer 2010.

The NHSCA currently holds national championships for 7-on-7 football, weightlifting and wresting with plans to expand to baseball, basketball, cross country, hockey, soccer, softball, track and field, and other sports in upcoming years.

You can read the full press release here.

By Mike Loveday

In today's Lacrosse morning report, we take a look at a high school win its fight to get funding for lacrosse, the best Delaware team of 2009 and story about at South Carolina senior.

In New Hampshire, a budget meeting resulted in Gilford High School receiving funding for the boys and girls lacrosse teams. 

In the GreenvilleOnline.com newspaper today there is a good story about a rising senior that has already made his college choice as the team gets ready for the season.

The votes have been tallied at DelawareOnline.com and the best girls lacrosse team of 2009 is ...

In St. Louis, a Suburban Journal reporter makes some predictions about what the next decade has in store. Among his list is a prediction that lacrosse will make huge gains in the area.

Mike Loveday is an editor for ESPN RISE and can be reached via e-mail at Michael.Loveday@espn.com

By Mike Loveday

There is a pretty good story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune this morning on Parker Michel,  middle school student, who plays for the Suncoast Spartans.

Mike Loveday is the Contact Sports Editor for ESPN RISE and can be reached via e-mail at Michael.Loveday@espn.com

By Mike Loveday

It appears to be a bit of a slow news day, but this small bit of information came across my desk this morning.

The Chicago Daily Herald is reporting that officials in the Glenbard High School District will help pay for a $1.6 million project to install synthetic turf at Glenbard West's Memorial Field.

The field will be used for multiple sports, including the recently added girls lacrosse team.

By Mike Loveday

There seems to be a theme in this mornings Lacrosse morning report and with the US National Lacrosse convention signaling the unofficial start of lacrosse season it seem fitting that the theme is new beginning.

An article in the Myrtle Beach (SC) Sun News looks back on the start of lacrosse in the state and looking ahead to the first year of it as a sanctioned high school sport.

At the College of St. Rose in Albany (NY), lacrosse is the newest addition to the school's athletic program, according to the Times Union. The schools will begin play as a Division II program in the 2011-2012 season.

Concussions will be a big discussion today at the US National Lacrosse Convention in Baltimore (Md.). This article in the Baltimore Sun takes a look at the hot topic.

By Mike Loveday

A new feature making its debut appearance on ESPN RISE Lacrosse is the daily morning report. Here you will find a collection of stories, news items or random notes related to high school lacrosse. 

If you have anything you would like to see highlighted on ESPN RISE, e-mail Mike Loveday at Michael.Loveday@espn.com

This happend a week ago, but it's still worth posting. The Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions crowned its national champions.

Schools in Scarborough County (Maine) are cutting back on some of its sports programs, including boys and girls lacrosse.

In California, the girls head lacrosse coach at La Costa Canyon has resigned after posting an 80-7 record over the past four seasons.

Have a thought on any of the stories above? Go ahead and leave a comment below.

By Mike Loveday

Lacrosse season may be a couple of months away, but this weekend in Baltimore (Md.) it gets an early start.

The 2010 US Lacrosse National Convention will be held on Jan. 15 through 17 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The convention is an educational opportunity and is expected to have more than 5,000 coaches, officials, program administrators and vendors in attendance.

Former Notre Dame head football coach Lou Holtz will be the Keynote speaker on Friday night.

Complete information about the convention can be found here.

Mike Loveday is the Contact Sports editor for ESPNRISE.com. He can be contacted via e-mail at Michael.Loveday@espn.com

 

Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

 

I had a chance to catch up with Brian Sullivan for a quick profile as we highlight some of the best juniors in the game. These are the boys will fill up recruiting pages for the next couple lacrosse seasons and will bust on to the NCAA scene in only a couple short years. Sullivan is a Long Pole headed to North Carolina to play for Joe Breschi. The Buffalo native is also the highschool QB and one of only a few to make the 1st team all western New York. Coaches have all given him great marks on being a class act, which is probably why he has been class president Freshman, Sophmore, and Junior year cureently. Get to know Sullivan a little more here.

Favorite TV show: 

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

What's in my iPod: 

I listen to a lot of Eminem and Blink 182.

iPhone or Blackberry?: 

I have the original EnV still, but an iPhone sounds cool.

Mac or PC? 

I use my sister's old lab top and that seems to be holding up still so PC.

Dream car: 

I already drive my parents Ford Torris, what more could you ask for?

Dream date: 

Meghan Fox

Dream college: 

I am committed to UNC, and it surpassed any dream college i could ever think of before.

Favorite vacation spot: 

My family really doesn't go on vacation, but going down to the UA games in Maryland last year was really fun.

Favorite meal: 

Chicken Finger Pita-Pocket from Pete-n-Pauls.

Favorite movie: 

Miracle.

Favorite sports team: 

Buffalo Sabres.

What I'm reading: 

Right I am reading Hamlet for school, but my two most favorite books would have to be the Outsiders by S.E. Hilton and Frankenstein by Mary Shelle.

On my bedroom walls: 

I have a lacrosse collage up on my one wall I made a while back that is still standing.

One thing I'd grab from my burning house: 

Probably my stick, I'd hate to have to use someone else's before I get a new one.

Worst habit: 

Forgetting to wear my contacts.

Most embarrassing moment: 

The other day we lost 8-4 in hockey in our home opener for hockey, everyone was there.

Love to trade places for a day with: 

Tom Brady.

My heroes: 

My youth coaches, like Mike White and Bobby Whaelen, and my highschool coach Mike Burke. I would have never really started playing without them, nor would I be half the player I am today. I owe everything to my coaches.

Talent I'd most like to have: 

Maybe be able to play guitar.

Favorite athlete to watch: 

Either Paul Rabil or Billy Bitter, they absolutely dominate.

Pregame ritual: 

Listening to some Eminem.

Best player ever competed against:

John Greele.

Goal for the season: 

Improve all aspects of my game, especially off ball.

Biggest rival: 

Canisus

Best advice from a coach: 

Coach Burke has given me too much to point out the best, besides maybe to just run.

Favorite Lacrosse player:

Nick O'Hara. He is a local guy who made it big and played the same position as me, even though he went to Duke.

Favorite lacrosse stick:

Sc-Ti with a profile.

Best player on your team we don't know YET:

My goalie David Scarcello. He clears the ball good and can talk, which I see as the two most important qualities in a goalie, besides saving the ball obviously. I think no matter where he goes to school for college he will excel both in lacrosse and academically. Dave is a good friend of mine and I am excited to see where he will end up playing.

Posted By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

ESPN RISE released what it feels are the Top 10 Stories of the decade in high school sports. Check it out here. 

Also, click here on "more of the decade's biggest news" stories to see the RISE OF LACROSSE cracking our list and our very own RISE UP BOY Josh Matanin getting some photo love.

In the lacrosse world I would say a top story is the changing of recruiting practices. With the calendar the way it is kids are committing earlier and earlier. Now, we see most of the top players already committed by the time they start their JUNIOR season. Making unofficial visits their official visits for decision making.

Posted by Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Our good friend Terry Foy was at the IMLCA convention this past weekend and has a few shots of new Under Armour and Adidas equipment that Michigan and Notre Dame will be rolling out this next year.

We will check in with Terry this week to hear his thoughts on the convention, and some of the highlights from his hours on the floor.

NEW GEAR 

By Brett Hughes, Senior Editor

Malvern Prep (Pa.) senior midfielder Bobby Hill has just been announced to the Mini Maxwell Award list for the Tri-State area. The UVA commit is beast on the field for Malvern and as 1-4-1 Funder John Christmas said, "The Mighty Mouse, Maurice Jones-Drew style player deserves the recognition."

Check out this article for the list of all the Mini Max award recipients. 

Posted By Brett Hughes

I had a chance to write about another one of my favorite sports, BASKETBALL! I love the game of basketball, but i think i love the athletes playing the game even more. It's just amazing to see what these guys are capable of. I believe they relate to lacrosse players more than any other sport (minus the sheer height of these boys). There is a mix of physicality and athleticism that relates to our sport. 

So I just got a few minuetes to rant on the NBA, and obviously mention my boy LeBron James and the amazing stuff the guy does every night. (although the last couple games have been rough)

Check out Brett vs. NBA 

RISE UP BOYS Holiday editions.

Our boys are winding down some amazing seasons this fall. The Mountain Lakes football team took home the State Championship last Saturday in Giant Stadium, Carl Walrath and the Haverford Fords took home a share of the league championship as he passed the 1000 yard rushing mark on the season, The Haley brothers and Tyler German had a big month of football as Jake and Quinn got some nice press following the Thanksgiving holiday.
 
The Holidays are coming so we have a bunch coming from the boys as they prep for a big spring. Question one for the boys was simple, considering the time of year. 1. What is the best Holiday movie of all time, and 2. the most exciting thing to see in a lacrosse game?

Tillman Johnson (UVA Captian, National Player of the Year, Goalie of the Year, NCAA Championship MVP)
Best movies is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Clark Griz is the man. "Little full, lot of sap!"

Carl Walrath
Haverford, PA.
The Best Holiday Movie is A Christmas Story.
 
Will Campbell
Worthington Kilbourne, OH.
The best holiday movie, is Elf.  Seriously, what could make people happier than Will Ferrell in a Elf costume?
 
Jimmy Bitter
Deerfield, CT.
Best Holiday Movie? No question, the best holiday movie is "A Christmas Story". It's a classic.
 
Quinn Haley
Queen Anne's, MD.
Best Holiday Movie?
Elf  
 

	Matanin Family
	Josh Matanin will lead one of Marylands top teams this spring.

Joshua Matanin
St. Paul's, MD
The best holiday movie is definitely Elf.  It is hilarious and I laugh every time I see it.
 
Jack Reilly
Christian Brothers Academy, NY
Favorite holiday movie: the original tv version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas
 
Tanner OttenBreit
Regis, CO.
Best Holiday Movie is Bad Santa!
 
Greg Danseglio
St. Anthony's, N.Y.
Best Holiday Movie has to be A Christmas Story
 
Craig Goodermote
Sachem East, N.Y.
Best Holiday movie has to be hands down A Christmas Story.
 
Jake Haley
Queen Anne's, MD.
Christmas Vacation. Of course.
 
Mark Brashears
Broadneck, MD.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
 
Paul Harrison
Dematha, MD.
Best Holiday Movie?
Any of the Home Alone movies, Christmas Vacation, Elf.

Zach Rogers
Palos Verdes, CA.
Best Holiday Movie... It's a Wonderful Life …without question
 

By Brett Hughes

A recent article over at Lacrosse All Stars had me thinking of the whole idea of dyeing your lacrosse head. I  flipped-flopped on the subject many times and I think it can be a pretty sweet when done right. However, it is pretty tragic when done wrong.

I remember lining up as high school kid, while playing for a college Vail team, right next to Casey Powell with a fresh head that looked like the chesire cat got caught in a blender. He just looked down and said, "Hey Brett, (we had met at a couple camps and needless to say I thought he was pretty amazing... who didnt) sweet stick!"

Then the whistle blew and we charged toward the face-off to snag the gorund ball. After my shift I came off, took a second look at my stick and realized how stupid it was and that a money symbol on the top was a sure way to be made fun of.

Point being, when done bad, people take note and it really isn't cool, but hey we all make mistakes.

On the other end I just had a head sent last summer to Kyle Harrison, Max Seibald, and I with the "LIVESTRONG" logo on it and it was about as cool as any stick I have ever seen.

Here is a couple good ideas for how to make your stick look smooth, just dont forget to spend time making your game smooth, too. Big rule of thumb is not to throw and catch with a flashy dyed stick...until you can throw and catch with a flashy dyed stick. Or check this video out on how to dye.

What are your thoughts on the lax head with flair?