Fall Training for Successful Freshmen: Same Work, Different Programs
Washington’s Lacrosse players differ in culture and ability, similarly to every climb and place in our state. Nothing could tell the story better than the largest class of Lacrosse players yet produced in Washington, this year’s freshman class. Each of these players have different stories, communities, success stories. Freshman Blake Samuel from Bellevue high school asked some of the talented players from these different communities just what they do to prepare themselves in the off season. Here is what he found...
Carlos Barrios, a freshman at Mercer Island High school is lucky enough to receive special help, “one way that helps me be a better goalie is to ask for some of the varsity players shoot on me.” Having support from upper classmen certainly helps develop, but it isn’t the only way.
One younger player, Matas Veitas from Bellevue said “I shoot in my back yard every day, and play a lot of catch with my friends and work on my left hand.” He has older brothers that play, but invests in his wall ball.
There are many different styles in which to train for lacrosse, Queen Anne’s Cedric Rhodes on the 7th and 8th grade team said “I usually just play lots of wall ball with other people on my team, and I also jump rope to help my feet get quicker.”
Cooper Rosenthal from Eastlake also works very hard on conditioning. He explained how he frequently goes on runs to stay in shape for lacrosse, building better endurance. Cooper also is going to be a freshman at Eastlake. I happen to run cross country to stay in shape and work on my stick regularly.
One last player, also a freshman at Bellevue High, Sam Leggett, said that “I play wall ball every day and sometimes go on runs. I also play football and the conditioning is great for lacrosse. And whenever I hang out with friends we almost always are in my yard shooting around or playing catch.”
Though these players come from different places, they are all working in the off-season to become better. Each of these players lead different lives, play different styles, but all work on getting better, and all enjoy playing with people. What do you do in the fall to get ready for the spring?
contributed by Blake Samuel (pictured above)