FCA Lacrosse

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Lacrosse Ministry has gotten off to a blazing start in 2011. They recently brought home Championships at the NDP Tournament of Champions (U-15 and U-17) in Wesley Chapel, Florida as well as the Adrenaline Challenge (High School) in Del Mar, California.

While people were celebrating the New Year's holiday weekend, and winter was settling all over the country, a pair of FCA Lacrosse teams (U-15 and U-17) competed in the 2011 Dicks Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions in Tampa, FL. The tournament is an invitational event featuring teams which qualified by winning select elite tournaments around the country.

Off the field each team along with the parents were blessed to spend time in fellowship together while concentrating on the theme of the week which was God’s Wisdom. Players, Coaches and Parents focused their journey together around the book Wisdom Walks – 40 Life Principles for a Significant and Meaningful Journey together. A real highlight of their time together was hearing from former Maryland great, Frank Urso (4 x 1st Team All American). Frank's story of success on the field, the challenges of life, and faith was incredibly powerful. They were thrilled with the many new relationships that were started and strengthened with Christ together down in Florida.

In the U-15 Gold Medal Championship game, the FCA U-15 Team defeated Breakers Lacrosse of Baltimore, 6-3. The FCA U-15 Team was made up of the following individuals: Lucas Bailey (NY), Alexander Ballatori (NY), Philip Boukas (NY), Brendan Collins (MD), Jack Falk (DC), Danny Fowler (NY), Peyton Garrett (CA), Trevor Hodgins (NY), Scott Kirchner (NY), Blake Knoblock (CO), Samuel Lynch (MD), Hugh Mosko (MD), Garrett Parsons (CA), Riley Peters (MD), Jack Prutting (MD), John Puckhaber (MD), Colin Riehl (VA), Winston Robinson (CA), Jake Stevens (MD), Aaron Trowbridge (PA) and Vail Urso (PA). This team was coached by Coach Andrew Stimmel, Coach Frankie Kelly, and Coach Drew Wardlow.

In the U-17 Gold Medal Championship game, FCA got off to a fast start building a 5-0 lead, but the advantage dwindled to 6-3 at the half. Team Florida continued to battle back and actually took the lead late in the second half and went up 9-7 with approximately 3-1/2 minutes remaining in the game. FCA then had a late run tying the game with less than a minute to play and netted the game winner in OT.

The FCA U-17 Team as made up of the following individuals: Preston Anderson (MD), Tyler Avallone (NJ), Bear Altemus (MD), Weston Butcher (MD), Sean Donnelly (NJ), Peter Laco (MD), Brett Pearce (MD), Matthew Verderamo (MD), Zac Cooper (MD), Austin Hafdell (CA), Jon Heneberry (MD), Alec Hoag (CA), John Simms (MD), Johnny Kelly (MD), Stephen Kelly (MD), Thomas Carroll (MD), Colson Castilla (TX), Tyler Mayes (MD), Scott McGowan (CA), Ryan Norton (MD). This team as coached by Coach Josh Hoffman, Coach Frank Kelly, Coach Scott Hodgson, and Coach Jake Bailey.

Next, it was off to so more sunny weather at the prestigious Adrenaline Challenge Tournament in Del Mar, California. FCA Lacrosse had two High School teams competing in the event which has become one of the top recruiting tournaments on the West Coast.

Off the field each team along with the parents were blessed to spend time in fellowship together while concentrating on the theme of Pride and Humility. Specifically, players, coaches, and parents concentrated on Proverbs 13:10 “Where there is strife, there is pride,but wisdom is found in those who take advice”. They took and in-depth look at the differences between Quarterback Vince Young (Tennessee Titans) and Andy Dalton (TCU) after their Rose Bowl Victory performances.

The FCA SoCal Blue team ended up winning the high school division, defeating Orange County Force, in the Championship Game. The FCA SoCal Orange Team, were semi-finalists as well losing to the eventual championship FCA team in an epic battle. What a display for all as both teams, coaches, and even referees gathered for prayer at midfield prior to the game.

The Championship FCA Socal Blue team was made up of the following individuals: Ryan Cole (CA), Jared Ferrell (CA), Blane Sando (CA), Jake Lucier (CA), Chris Kazimi (CA), Ryan Lampman (CA), Aaron Blanchard (CA), Nick Reem (CA), Walter Wakeman (CA), Will Ross (CA), Teddy Ochai (CA), Trevor Jackson (CA), Alex Kieullian (CA), Jake Johnson (CA), Trevor Forsyth (CA), Max Satossky (CA), Chris Bauer (CA), Bennett Jonas (CA), Troy Brown (CA), Jake Craycraft (CA), Sam Marano (CA).

The Semi Finalist Orange team was made up of the following individuals: Robbie Burns (CA), Peyton Garrett (CA), Tanner Jones (CA), Jonathan Kassity (CA), Chase Williams (CA), David Anthony (CA), Riley Hudack (CA), Stone Sims (CA), David Fleischman (CA), Brandon Suchand (CA), Joe Fuller (CA), Scott McGowan (CA), Winston Robinson (CA), Warren Case (CA), Ryan Falbo (CA), Connor Herrell (CA), Bret Miller (CA), Jordan Riggs (CA), Mason Rosenau (CA), Austin Streeter (CA), Aaron Self (CA), Hunter Eddington (CA).

All of these participating players, as well as their families involved were blessed with another championship experience both ON and OFF the field. God is Good!

The FCA Lacrosse Ministry is for any athlete, coach, fan orfriend of the lacrosse community who loves lacrosse and hasan openness or desire to grown in his/her relationship withGod. If you are interested in getting involved with the FCA Lacrosse Ministry please check them out at FCALAX.com or email FCALAX@gmail.com.