AboutJonathan Edwards Expertise There isn`t really a question I can`t answer. If I`m not able to answer a question directly I can certainly point you in the right direction.
Experience I was a high school All-American who was recruited by a number of Division 1 schools. I have also been a coach and ran a high school program for four years. I have coached at summer camps and also run my own website for goalies as well as a lacrosse fitness site.
Awards and Honors I was an All-American and an All-League player as well as the MVP of the East West Prep School All Star Game.
Expert: Jonathan Edwards Date: 6/12/2008 Subject: Leagues for the 'seasoned' player...
Question QUESTION: I'd love to be playing again, but found that most club teams are all guys mostly in their 20s. My Div I play was about 20 years ago, so I'm not sure I can hang with those guys. Are there any teams/leagues for those of us that are, say 35+? I live in NYC. thanks.
ANSWER: David do you live in Manhattan? Also, where did you play your college ball? Or where did you play high school?
Jonathan -
www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com
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QUESTION: Yes, I live in Manhattan.
I grew up playing in Baltimore and went to Calvert Hall College High School. I played at Drexel. I then transferred to Maryland where I (regrettably) didn't go out for the team.
ANSWER: David that's quite the pedigree and yes, shame on you for not trying out at Maryland. I would have killed for that opportunity.
Ok, here's what I can hook you up with. Two leagues, the first might be a bit fast but worth the contacts. The second is actually in Massachusetts.
http://www.americanlacrosseleague.org/index.cfm (This one is a pretty big, and probably fairly competitive league but it is one I used to play in years ago. I'm 36 now but I played for Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club back when I was twenty. Great place to play.
http://www.onell.org/onell_data_page.htm (This league is in Mass. But it is totally taking off. You can either hook up to play up there and make the drive on the weekends or...start your own New York Division. You're probably making a killing in Manhattan (Drexel? I'm thinking you're an engineer or in finance) but if you want a little side business you might want to start your own over 30 and over 40 league. There are so many guys your age in and around NYC who would want to play you'd make a killing!
If you call around to some of the NY teams in the American Lacrosse League they may be able to steer you to some over 30 teams. But if there aren't any, seriously, put the word out on Facebook that you want to start a league and you'd probably have a couple hundred guys to play in about a month.
Let me know what you come up with and if I can help you any more just ask.
All the best and keep on playing.
Jonathan -
www.lacrossegoaltending.blogspot.com
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QUESTION: Thanks for the info. I've since found out that US Lacrosse (www.uslacrosse.org) is trying to start a Masters (35+) and Grand Masters (i think 45+) league(s). I've reached out to Joe Avveduti who is heading up this effort and am awaiting a response.
On another note...just got an updated stick (Gait Torque and yes, my last one was from the late 80s) and am amazed at the change in technology. I can't wait to start playing with it, but I'm starting to understand why these guys can pick the goal apart...it seems the accuracy/consistency is unbelievable.
thanks for your help...and I'll keep you posted as this progress....
oh..one other question...I'm on facebook, but can you recommend a way to reach out to folks as you suggested. Would love to find others who want to do this but not sure how to do it via facebook.
thanks.
David
Answer David that's fantastic. Wish I was back down in New England to play.
I've heard that Craigslist and www.kijiji.com are fantastic for networking. Myspace.com as well. There are a lot of other social networking sites that are out there that I'm not too familiar with. I think one is called Twitter?
Also, shoot me an email at jonathan@lacrossegoaltending.com and we can stay in touch there.
Jonathan-
PS. Yeah, sticks have come a looong way. But the Excalibur is still one of the top selling sticks. It's called the X2 now.
