Kyle and Owen share their experiences from a summer packed with lacrosse tournaments and coaching. Kyle, broadcasting from a hotel in Scarborough, Maine, discusses his summer schedule, highlighting various tournaments like the New Hampshire-Vermont All-Star Game and the Legacy Tournament in Devens, Massachusetts. He also touches on the evolving dynamics of club teams and recruiting trends. Owen recounts his coaching stint with the Eastern Mass Hawks, detailing the challenges and joys of coaching 2026 players. The duo also explores the importance of fitting in the right college both academically and athletically, shares insights on handling social media in recruitment, and offers tips for parents in the recruiting process. The episode wraps up with a preview of Kyle's upcoming coaching stint at the Lake Placid tournament and news of a coaching change at Clark University.

Topics

00:42 Summer Lacrosse Tournaments Recap

01:49 New Hampshire vs Vermont All-Star Game

02:51 Coaching and Tournament Experiences

05:39 Advice for Lacrosse Parents and Players

07:21 Service Academies and Early Commitments

14:10 MIAA vs ISL All-Star Game

21:27 New England Lacrosse Showcase Insights

26:38 Parental Expectations and Player Performance

26:57 NLS Tournament Highlights

27:45 Challenges of Coaching JV Teams

28:50 Commitment Updates and Recruiting Trends

31:45 Coaching Experiences and Reflections

34:00 Club Coaching Insights and Anecdotes

36:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

47:04 Upcoming Coaching Events and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen welcome Ralph Nelson, a key figure in Maine's lacrosse landscape. It’s a comprehensive conversation revolving around the foundation and growth of Maine's lacrosse community. The trio discusses the successful creation of a summer league for college athletes, the challenges faced in organizing it, and the overwhelming buy-in from players. Ralph shares his coaching journey, from his initial role at various schools to building the lacrosse program at Waynflete School. The discussion also touches on the logistics of maintaining a lacrosse team in smaller schools, the challenges of balancing a tight-knit player community, and exciting plans for a fall high school league future.

Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production.

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Topics

00:49 Introducing the Guest: Ralph Nelson

02:40 Maine Lacrosse Summer League: The Origin Story

04:16 Challenges and Logistics of Running the League

06:24 Community and Player Buy-In

19:35 Ralph Nelson's Lacrosse Journey

23:14 Balancing Social Life and Lacrosse

23:29 Early Coaching Career

23:52 Challenges of Coaching Lacrosse

24:41 Transition to Club Coaching

25:49 Building a Lacrosse Program

27:32 Struggles with Team Numbers

30:39 Coaching Philosophy and Challenges

41:02 Future Plans and Initiatives

The guest is Winchester High School head lacrosse coach Phil Reuland. The conversation covers several topics including the trials and tribulations of coaching, the impact of injuries, and the importance of adaptability in coaching strategies. Coach Reuland shares anecdotes from his extensive coaching career, emphasizing the need to tailor strategies to the strengths of the players, highlighting memorable wins, and discussing how the sport has evolved over the years. They also touch upon the unique challenges faced by public schools in the evolving landscape of lacrosse, particularly in contrast to private and prep schools.

Topics

01:17 Welcoming the Guest: Coach Phil Reuland

01:35 Coach's Lacrosse Journey

03:39 Transition to Coaching

05:18 Challenges and Achievements as a Coach

11:13 Impact of COVID on Lacrosse

14:41 Public vs. Private School Lacrosse Dynamics

23:18 Future of Lacrosse Divisions

26:35 Challenges of Managing Lacrosse Injuries

27:15 Impact of Injuries on Team Dynamics

33:07 Memorable Wins and Coaching Highlights

36:51 Coaching Philosophy and Strategies

45:41 Adapting to Changes in Lacrosse

52:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The guest is S.L. Price, the author of 'The American Game'. The discussion delves into the rich history and cultural significance of lacrosse, including Price's personal journey from sports outsider to deep admirer of the game. Topics covered include the recent semifinal losses experienced by the hosts, the unique traditions and spiritual connections in lacrosse, the rise of the women's game, and the sport's unique spot in American culture. Price also shares insights from his extensive research and interviews, such as the inclusive spirit of lacrosse, the Native American origins, and compelling personal stories like those of Miles and Kyle Harrison. The conversation underscores the deep passion and commitment that unite the lacrosse community.

Topics

01:41 Introducing the Guest: S.L. Price

01:53 S.L. Price on Lacrosse Culture

04:10 The Spiritual Connection to Lacrosse

07:21 Challenges and Growth in Lacrosse

12:54 Duke Lacrosse Case and Its Impact

26:00 Lacrosse's Democratic Nature

29:12 The Editing Process: Cutting Down the Manuscript

31:09 Receiving the Final Book: First Impressions

31:34 Interviewing Lacrosse Legends: Personal Experiences

32:21 Bill Tierney: A Complex Figure in Lacrosse

33:12 Covering Sports Greats: From Michael Jordan to Lacrosse

35:46 The Human Side of Lacrosse Legends

39:20 The Harrison Family: A Story of Legacy and Reconciliation

42:53 Lacrosse's Unique Cultural Significance

49:47 Writing a Lacrosse Book: Challenges and Insights

54:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen are joined by BC High head coach Marcus Craigwell who delves into the challenges and strategies of managing a successful high school lacrosse team. They discuss the differences between New Hampshire and Massachusetts lacrosse seasons, the impact of spring break on practice schedules, and the importance of putting in the hard work. Marcus shares his experiences with winning and losing championships, explaining how emotional and intense these games can be for both players and coaches. The episode also highlights the importance of having a strong youth program and the role of consistent coaching in building a successful lacrosse culture. Other key topics include managing player roles, handling recruitment, and integrating club and high school lacrosse priorities. The conversation ends with a discussion on improving the game, including innovative suggestions for referee involvement and fitness.

Topics

01:04 Guest Introduction: BC High Coach Marcus Craigwell

01:48 The Emotional Impact of High School Championships

08:42 Building a Winning Team and Philosophy

16:35 The Importance of Youth Programs

23:34 Building Trust and Setting Expectations

23:56 Success Stories and Trust in Coaching

24:35 The Importance of Discipline and Order

28:35 Handling Social Media and Player Recruitment

31:02 Balancing High School and Club Lacrosse

37:11 Developing Coaching Styles and Player Growth

40:03 Challenges in Scheduling and Competition

47:43 Final Thoughts and Improving the Game

Kyle and Owen engage in a lively discussion with James Foote, the assistant lacrosse coach at Flagler College. They delve into Foote's journey in coaching, from his beginnings in lacrosse sales to his current role at Flagler, a burgeoning program that has rapidly ascended the ranks of Division II lacrosse. Foote shares stories about overcoming early challenges, the significance of building relationships with players, and integrating various tactical philosophies learned from different coaching influences. They also discuss the broader landscape of Division II lacrosse, highlighting the growth and excitement surrounding the sport in recent years. The episode sheds light on the dedication and passion required to build a successful lacrosse program from the ground up.

Topics

01:25 Introducing the Guest: James Foot

01:43 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching at Flagler

03:50 Building a New Program at Flagler

11:11 Coaching Dynamics and Relationships

17:10 Moments of Success and Reflection

23:04 Family and Coaching Balance

23:20 Early Coaching Struggles

25:49 Transition to Sales

27:31 Recruitment and D2 Lacrosse

34:22 Coaching Philosophies and Tactics

40:08 The Growth of D2 Lacrosse

43:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle welcomes guest Dan Arestia to discuss the Connecticut high school lacrosse scene for the 2023 season. They cover the class structure and the top teams. The episode delves into key players, team strengths, and potential state title contenders. They also touch on the PLL draft and the likely number one pick.

Topics

00:40 Connecticut Lacrosse Overview

03:29 Fairfield Prep Team Analysis

06:06 Cheshire Team Analysis

09:04 Darien Team Analysis

13:23 Ridgefield Team Analysis

15:31 Staples Team Analysis

16:52 New Canaan Team Analysis

17:21 Michigan's Defensive Powerhouse

19:17 Wilton's Rising Stars

20:45 Daniel Hand's Challenges

21:49 New Fairfield's Dominance

23:01 Joel Barlow's Strong Lineup

25:49 Simsbury and St. Joe's Contenders

27:47 Final Four Predictions

29:34 Top Pick in the Draft

31:20 Where to Find More Content

Kyle and Owen discuss the upcoming MIAA Division 2 and Division 1 lacrosse seasons. The show kicks off with a review of the top teams in Division 2, including an in-depth analysis of Redding Memorial and their standout players, as well as game strategies. Transitioning to Division 1, Kyle and Owen spotlight powerhouses like St. John's Prep and BC High, discussing their rosters, coaching philosophies, and potential to dominate the field. The episode wraps up with predictions for the final four teams in both divisions and a look at some key matchups to watch. This episode is a comprehensive guide for lacrosse enthusiasts eager for the MIAA season.

Topics

00:20 Season Kickoff and Game Recap

00:32 MIAA Division 2 and 3 Preview

01:04 Westwood and Redding Lacrosse Teams

06:03 Billerica Lacrosse Team Insights

10:53 Duxbury Lacrosse Team Analysis

13:52 Marshfield Lacrosse Team Overview

17:40 Hingham Lacrosse Team Breakdown

21:42 Longmeadow Lacrosse Team Dominance

24:11 Legendary Coach and NE10 Lacrosse

24:34 Top Division 2 Lacrosse Teams

25:44 Standout Players and Teams

27:25 Division 1 Lacrosse Insights

27:55 St. John's Prep Dominance

32:10 BC High as a Challenger

35:48 Xaverian's Rise

38:28 Lincoln-Sudbury's Passion

41:50 Acton-Boxborough Rivalry

43:41 Andover's Potential

46:02 Predictions for Division 2 and 1