Rohrbach Report: Working Harder Than Anyone Else

We are done with our spring tryouts and I am pretty impressed with the level of intensity our squad has shown so far.  Everyone is focused and ready to defend the League title again this year.  This season will be much different than previous years.  We lost a lot of talent and only have 3 returning starters.  We lost a few all Americans and the League MVP, so for most teams it would be a down year, and that's what everyone is expecting. 

I, however, think this year will be very different from what our opponents are expecting.  In previous years we have relied on a few individuals to create everything.  This year, on the other hand, we will have a much more balanced squad where every single individual will be a scoring threat.  We have some seniors stepping up their game and truly becoming the leaders that we need, which is great to see.  From the coaches down through every player we have been positive, which is giving lots of underclassman the confidence to take it to the rack.

I must sound like a broken record, but in order to make a team, get the starting spot, or just make a better line you have to work harder than anyone else.  You don't necessarily have to score the most goals but you have to know your role on the team and fill that niche to the best of your ability.  If you are supposed to be a shooter work after practice and become the best.  Ask the best shooter on the team what he does that's different than anyone else.  Ask the goalies what is harder to see, ask them if your left is as deceptive as your right.

If you are a dodger, learn how to go against different types of defensemen.  Know how to go against a big check guy and know how to go against a body guy.  At the same time, don't focus all of your attention on only one aspect of your game.  It is important to be versatile and adaptable.  Be the guy that gets the ball back after a mistake.  If you miss a pass play tough body D and get it back.  If you're an attackman and get stripped, don't drop your head, ride like hell until you get it back.  Consistency is crucial.
Have fun! I am worried that too many people these days are concerned with how well they play or how to make it to the college level.  Make sure you are playing lacrosse because you love the game.  Make friendships on rival teams.  Know that on the field it is all business but as soon as the whistle blows at the end of the game you run over and give him a hug with a smile on your face whether you win or lose.

I mentioned that I attended a D 3 leadership conference and just wanted to give you guys a bit of what we went through because I really learned a lot.  First off, how many of you know your values and could list them right now?  I know I could talk for an hour about what I believe in, who I think I am, and how I uphold those values. What is truly important to you?  We went through an activity and found our top four values (TRY IT).  Then ask yourself if anyone else would know if those 4 values were most important to you by the way you present yourself everyday.  If they can't than maybe it is time to rethink your values or your behaviors.

Once you have completed this exercise try and find one statement of about 15 words that represents who you are.  Imagine you have 30 seconds on an elevator and instead of looking at the ceiling or the numbers slowly changing you actually turned to the other passenger and told him who you were.  Imagine it as a branding statement much like "Nike, Just Do It."
A fellow student came up with, "I'm the hardest working good time you will ever meet."
I not only focused on my positive attributes but also on my faults so that I know what to change to become a better person and a more effective leader.  I am a hard working, passionate, determined true competitor, although I sometimes let my emotions get the best of me.

Again do you really live every day representing your statement? Do others see this same version of me?  If not, do something about it.
Sorry this article has been all over the place.  Give me some direction so I can talk about the things you really want to hear.  
Keep working hard in the classroom and on the field.
CJR #5

Check back for the game recap of St. Lawrence vs. Onondaga Community College were Daniel Shields and Harrison Valentine play.