OLD NEWS

GREENSBURG, PA. - Dec. 20 - The Seton Hill University's Women's coaches and players will be hosting their Preseason Kick Off Clinic for high school girls on January 31. Morgan Cain, former Fairmont Senior star, is now an assistant coach at Seton Hill. If you need more information about the clinic, you may contact Coach Cain at 724-552-1710 or cai8298@setonhill.edu

GIRLS WINTER CLINIC FLYER CLINIC REGISTRATION FORM

WHEELING - Jan. 2 - Wheeling Central joins Buckhannon-Upshur to be fully funded lacrosse teams beginning the 2015 season. Central's head coach, Kevin Maloney reports that they will also be part of the Under Armor contract for the school, when they need new uniforms.

NOTE CORRECTION JAN 4 ---->

WHEELING - Jan. 4 - CORRECTION! - Wheeling Central is NOT fully funded by the school as reported here two days ago. The school has made them a varsity sport. They provide some assistance with transportation and some funding, but the team still needs to fundraise in order to operate, like most of us. They are part of the school's Under Armor contract, should they chose to participate.

EDITORIAL - ON PLAYING JV GAMES
Jan. 6 - The WVSLA does not require that teams have a "pure" JV, meaning JV players can only play JV games. I think in the big leagues like Baltimore, New York, etc. (you know, the places that have over 100 kids coming out for a team) once a player plays up (varsity) he cannot go back (to JV). Out here, on the frontier, we want as many kids playing as we can get on the field.

When you have 25 to 30 or more players on your roster, there are gong to be about 15 kids who do not get much playing time. How do you hold their interest? Get them their own game! If you are fortunate to have a third midfield, you know they usually don't get much playing time. I make them the starters on the JV, then divide the playing time equally with everyone else. Give different players a chance to faceoff. (If you are not used to it, it's difficult to be the single player in the middle of the field, with everyone in the stands focusing on your play.) I am not going for the JV Championship of the World. I am giving kids valuable playing time. I don't even keep track of JV scores. (I bet they do though.)

In the past, I had 6 "JV" defensemen. At the midpoint of each quarter, I changed the defense. They all had fun and gained valuable game experience.

Last season, we scheduled a JV game at Morgantown, when their varsity was playing another team that did not have enough players for a JV. I got to have a practice at home that day with only the varsity. After practice I went to Morgantown to help my assistant coach the JV. When I got to the game, I was surprised to see no subs on our sideline. Some players had decided not to go, for whatever reason. We were playing with only 10 guys! Coach Bart did a nice job of shifting the players around and resting the middies on attack or having them play defense. Oh, and using timeouts wisely.

The benefit? NONE of them complained about not having playing time. They were pooped! They got valuable playing time at different positions and Morgantown got a JV game. It was good for both teams.

When I've been able to have a JV game before a varsity game, I've asked the players if they wanted to stay suited up for the varsity game. Sometimes they say, "No", because they are too tired.

I urge any coach in a similar position to try and play some JV games. You do not have to travel to the far away places, just try to get your kids a few games with local teams, if there is such a thing here on the frontier.

Jeff Dreisbach
Bruceton Mills

WINTER LACROSSE AT SOUTHPOINTE

Members of the Morgantown and University teams combined to play box
lacrosse at the Iceoplex in Canonsburg, Pa. winning a majority of their games.

COACHES WANTED!

VIENNA - Jan. 13 - Ohio Valley Youth Lacrosse (OVYL), will launch it's operation in the late spring with a clinic and a training program. They are looking for coaches with lacrosse experience to help introduce both boys and girls lacrosse to the Mid Ohio Valley (Williamstown, Parkersburg, Vienna, Mineral Wells, Marietta (Ohio).

OVYL will be offering a variety of part time paid positions that carry different levels of responsibility including General Managers, program directors, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Clinicians. Pay is based on the level of experience and the level of responsibility of the position. All positions will be required to attend a leadership program and coaching clinic.

Interested Candidates should send resume which includes all lacrosse playing and coaching experience and any leadership experience as well and a list of three references to OVYlacrosse@gmail.com.

MORE WINTER LACROSSE
THURSDAY NIGHTS AT THE CHARLESTON YMCA

Members of the Capital, Saint Albans, & Hurricane lacrosse teams

Members of the Kanawha Valley lacrosse team

Members of the Kanawha Valley & George Washington lacrosse teams