President's Message

To Players, Parents, and Fans:

Welcome to the 2009 minor box lacrosse season.

The Saanich Lacrosse Association looks forward to another enjoyable season of lacrosse.  We have a good group of players returning and are pleased to see many new players taking up the sport.

Last year we focused our efforts on finishing the Lambrick lacrosse box project and putting the box to full use with practices and games as well as working with other user groups and Pearkes Rec Centre to get Pearkes Field House setup to play lacrosse indoors year round.  With two topnotch lacrosse boxes and now a year round indoor facility, we have better practice facilities and more practice time available than the other island associations.

Fortunately we enjoy a strong group of volunteer coaches at Saanich Lacrosse.  Our coaches strive to teach the game of lacrosse so that the players develop their skills to the fullest while building long-term friendships within the lacrosse community.  The experienced coaches willingly share their knowledge and experience with the new coaches that have stepped up to take on this responsibility. 

The volunteer executive directors have been meeting since last October preparing for the upcoming year.  We thank departing executive members Dale Douglas, Brian Mayzes, Shauna Arsenault, Ron Benedict and Al Devlin for the past contributions.  Saanich Lacrosse continues to enjoy a good volunteer base as we welcome new executive members - Lisa Fernyhough, Heather Dhillon, Jennifer Boyd and Shon Ryan. Of course we have the old guard of executives, Linda and Chris Jackson, Brenda Rafter, Darcy Tytgat, Brad Gelsvik, Barry Kelly, John Hamilton, Andy White, Caroline Mace, Danielle McLean and Gary Carrothers,.  They are all a pleasure to work with.

There is one area of concern.  Increasingly, over the past few years, more and more verbal abuse has been directed toward the players and the referees.  Lacrosse is an intense and passionate game.  We must not let our competitive spirit override our good judgment.  The challenge for all Saanich players, coaches, and fans is to provide leadership in eliminating abuse of players and referees. 

Have fun, enjoy the game, and get involved.

Thanks,

Rob Wicks
President
Saanich Lacrosse Association