Go Play at Vashon
Submitted by walax on Sat, 2006-04-29 00:01.
Features
by Jim Anderson
Every year I go out of my way to make sure that our team plays an away game at Vashon. I think that in the 8 or so years of having been involved in northwest lacrosse, we have played at least seven games at Vashon. Vashon games rock for the following reasons. Nice quick ferry rides, fun competitive lacrosse, and Zoomie’s.
It is surprising how many native Northwesterners’ have never been to Vashon Island. Sure it can be a bit of an adventurer trying to navigate through the mean streets of West Seattle to quaint Fauntleroy. Do what you can to try to cut it close and just make the ferry. Otherwise you will be dealing with wild players running around in a pretty tight waiting area. Try checking out the area around Lincoln Park, but right now there is some major construction. Add to that the fact that kids can easily get sidetracked in the woods and miss the boat.
Once on the ferry, it is time for serious team-bonding. Remember, no cleats on the passenger deck. Lacrosse players just dig doing the stroll around the boat with their game jerseys on and their sticks in hand. You miss out on this opportunity when driving to a game. This is the true test of what kind of control and influence the coach has on his team. Thankfully, fresh coffee and donuts are once again being served.
How hard is it to find Vashon High? Get off the boat, drive south on the main road, turn left at the school sign. Some of my parents still get lost anyway. Feel your spine tingle as you pass the K2 factory. Rumor has it that they are dumping skiing in favor of lacrosse gear.
People are just plain friendly on Vashon. They honestly seem to appreciate the fact that you came. Year after year, I have always found that the teams are well prepared and well coached. Charley Rosenberry, one of the true fathers of Washington Lacrosse, has done a great job of building the lacrosse community at Vashon.
Every game that I have seen at Vashon was fun and exciting. There was the time that we took our Middle School game over and just got pounded in a driving rain storm. They took it to us but they did it with class and style. Another memory was when our team won a hard fought victory and three of the Vashon players, who turned out to be girls, all came over and warmly congratulated our guys for our style of play. Classy again.
Post game you want to plan to go to the main hamburger joint in town, mainly Zoomies’. I highly recommend the ‘Big Wally’ burger. Friendly people who are obviously well practiced at handling drop in lacrosse teams.
I spoke with Deb Nicoll, an active Vashon Lacrosse parent volunteer and a parent of a 5/6 player and a HS player. “I think the best thing about Vashon Lacrosse is that we support each other in the sport of lacrosse. Our main objective is to instill a love of the game. The Vashon Club works together, in that the youth teams are supported by the High School players and vice versa. Our Mentor Program between the 5/6 and High School Varsity is just one piece of this support. We are not a 5/6 Program, a 7/8 Program and a High School Program, we are Vashon Lacrosse! Just check out all of the Black and Gold Vashon Lacrosse Bumper stickers!”
On the way back to the boat after the game, ask a local to tell you how to find the famous flying bike. Great work Vashon!
