Saddle Brook Lacrosse: Welcome

All boys players must return their helmet on July 8th at between 6:45pm and 8:15pm at Franklin School.   If the helmet is needed for any camp they are in, let us ASAP and we will make accomodations for them to be returned.  The helmets are expensive and the league must have all of them back in order to keep our league fees going down.  The plan is to lower it again, just like we did the past 2 years.  Your cooperation in this is greatly appreciated.

It looks like we are officially done with our 2009 Season.  It was a great ride.  I am sure by now that some of you are wondering how things went at the banquet or at the superdome if you were unable to attend.  Well, Here we go.....

Our Fiddle Sticks Crew invaded the Superdome and had a great time.   They were fantastic.  After meeting in the dome lobby, we all headed into the field.   Unfortunately many of the players did not attend, but we still had 20 of the players there.  The got right into a soccer game  it was the green team vs the blue team.  There were definitely a few superstars on the rise in that game.  Then it was time for a little KICKBALL.  Go figure!!!  A bunch of the kids got a head start into the game that many of our kids in town will start playing on Monday.   Then we moved on to a game of 2 hand touch football.  The game went well.  Looks like we have a group who really like to run the ball, as the passing part of the game still needs a little work.  Throughout all of the games, the kids took a few drink of water.  Next up was the BOUNCE HOUSE.  That is one thing they all love.  The jumped around like a bunch of jumping beans.  Then the last event of the day was the TUG O WAR!!!   After 3 contests of that, all the players met me at the corner of the field.  Each was presented with their gift which was the Drawstring bag with the SB Lacrosse logo on it that can be used for their school stuff, sleepover clothes or whatever else you feel it can be used for.  They all loved them.  After that we headed into the party room for some Pizza, soda, and GAMES.  Each player received a handful of tokens for the arcade games.  Everyone was so well behaved and it was good time had by all.  I am really hoping most of these players come play lacrosse again next year.  

Now, I move on to the banquet for our older teams.  Every year the suspense builds on what the banquet will be like.  We try to keep it as a surprise and this year was no exception.  The players were introduced individually with their team.  Each player was brought in front of the stage to receive the accolades they so much deserve.  It was definitely a proud moment for them, I am sure.   Each year I do a lot of talking, but this year I did not (Pleasing many ---hahaha).  After a few words from me, we moved on to presenting the coaches with their gift of appreciation.  Then the Mayor came up to stand and said some very nice words about our organization and also discussed the recreation building that is being worked on.   The sponsors were then presented with their plaques of appreciation and then I announced some of the plans for next year.  The following was announced for the 2010 season:

• Lowering the registration fee (It has been lowered 55% since the first year).  It will be $70 to play next year
• A few less games
• Travel to games in towns that are far away will not occur
• Snow tubing again
• More practices during the season when we are playing games

That was then end of the formailities.  We had some food , did some socializing, and now it was time for some Entertainment.  We contracted with hypnotist Jack Laurie.  It was a show that we all will remember.  Captain Pete Lazzaro was very funny in his hypnotic state as he tried to clean the Bird droppings off his shoulder and arm.  Cathy Wilson was hysterical as the lady in the drive thru trying to order herself some fast food.  Of course Brielle Sutter has to be mentioned for two events.  First, her expressions when she was told Maria Witkowski was walking around with her butt sticking our of her pants.  when Maria stood with her butt facing Brielle and then bending over was priceless.  The second event is when Brielle showed us how she can speak in some form of alien speech as a fashion consultant.  The interpreter, my mom-in-law (loretta) brought the house down with the top 10 hit from Planet Exxoneez.  She was loud and in tune, but nothing but garble noises.  It was very funny.  Not to be out done though, Gina DiGiovanni came up and sand in the same language but in a RAP form.  All were moving and grooving to the Gina Rap!!!   After that was the appearance of the Future WWE superstar Amy Higgins.  She spoke firmly and softly throughout her portion of the show. Hey, did someone ever get Jenna Van's belly button.  It seems she thought it was lost after being in a room by herself, but was still talking to someone.  I also loved watching Amy and Jenna almost in tears as they thought they were watching a very very sad movie.  Gina also was very hostile at one point when Billy Byrnes stole her belly button and she threatened to BITE HIM if he didn't give it back.

As you can tell, we really had a good time.   So, the surprise was the gift.  We presented each player with a FATHEAD of themself, a drawstring bag with the sb lacrosse design on it, a plaque with their name and number on it, a lax ball, and still being developed yearbook.  

Every year I look so forward to these events.  It is when I really get choked up by seeing everyone in one place and how realize how big this program really is becoming.  I can't say how Proud I am of every player who goes from start of the season to the end of the season.  It is a big committment from them and their parents.  I know that very well as I too have three boys involved in sports at all different levels.  When you stand where I was in front of everyone, you get the WOW effect and it hits you....We really did something positive and we did it together.  It wasn't just one person, player, coach, etc..  It was a cumulitive effort on everyone's part.  These two events was the leagues way of saying Thanks to all of you.   I really hope you all come back and play Lacrosse next year.  We had a couple of kinks this year, but they will be resolved for next year. 

Thanks again for everything and I look forward to seeing all of you in the days/weeks/months ahead.  Lacrosse planning begins in August....At Least we get a little break.

What a great year!!!   It has been long season.   To think that it really started way back in September with our clinics for the players on those Sunday's.  Our 3rd season just flew by.  It was fun !!!! 

The time now is to reflect on the season that passed.  What a great time we all had at Campgaw.  It was the first outing for the program and 125 of us went tubing, skiing, and snowboarding!!!!  It was so much fun.  We definitely will do that again this coming season.  There was not one face the entire time without a smile.  Then we all crammed into the rec building to get sized for helmets and uniforms.  I must say, that was a lot of kids in one small spot, but we got thru it and when all was said and done, everyone got taken care of.  We also had a blast at Giant Stadium Tailgating in the parking lot and then going to watch the best College games of the season.  It was fantastic!!!  Windy, but fun.  The party at the VFW was huge.  The kids dance and had a blast all night.  Pro Lax Tickets were passed out and hats distributed!!! 

The main thing we probably will remember most about the 3rd year of lacrosse in Saddle Brook was the weather.  It started lousy with the cold and snow, then ended with a slight chill and rain.  To avoid it duing practices, we invaded the High School gym and the Superdome.  It was not the best, but we worked on our throwing and catching.  So much better than trying to do that in 5 or 6 inches of snow.

We then moved on to the games!!!!  Finally !!  The kids were thrilled.  We watched our young men battle all year.  The schedule this year was much more challenging.  We face the better teams in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Highlands, etc....  Each team was was up for the challenge and I think responded very well.  The records are not where they were last year, but the skills are much more advanced than last year.  when you play against better, you become better. 

The year marked the beginning of our fiddle sticks group.  Here's a group of young children (K thru 2nd) who really made an impression on allof us involved.  Over 50 signups!!!!  Truely an astounding number.  They used the first half of the season learning to throw, catch, positioning, etc...   Then it all came together with their first game against each other at Lax Day.  I was amazed watching them.  They played great and the program has a bright future with these little ones coming up. 

The Girls then started their season.  In our second season, the girls came in with 2 squads.  The majority of our girls played for both teams as they helped fill in for both.  They were challenged by much more experienced teams and hung in there in EVERY GAME.  Very impressive.   The girls are a close knit group and next year we hope to have a program that is bigger than this one was this year.  We are hoping for the breakout season and they have the talent to do it. 

We have done so much as a group which I emailed everyone in the program about, so I will not put it in here. 

Remember, we have always stated that "You play to win, but not at the cost of a child".  It is a motto we all follow and I hope you saw that.  Each child played alot. They were all treated with the utmost respect throughout the year.  They were taught about much more than lacrosse.  We stress respect, honor, committment, teamwork, and that hard work brings results.  That is what recreation sports should do.  Learn the game, but also learn the game of life.  Put the building blocks in place for future success.  Everyone wants to win every game, we all understand that.  All of our teams did there best to win every game. Sometimes though, failure teaches more about success than constantly winning.  You win by learning from past mistakes or losses.  I truely believe that.   We won a bunch and we lost a bunch, but in our eyes they all won every game because they learned something every game.  EVERY child matured this season.  That is the positive thing about sports.  It keeps them being a kid, but at the same time helps them grow up to be a responsible adult.

These young men and women are the future of our town.  Someday, the reigns of our community will be passed to them.  We all must do our part, big or small, to get them ready.  I think the lacrosse family did their part, which you all are a part of.  Together we made a huge difference with these children.  I hope you all had a blast.  We had many ups and we also how our downs, but all in all the children had fun.  Enjoy your summer and we will see each other at other events.  2010 Lacrosse starts in 9 months!!!!!  I better start planning and getting those emails out!!!!

Here's a couple of songs that you should watch.  I think both ring true to the impact a parent has on their child and who they really are looking up to and emulating.  Thanks again for everything.

For those who have GIRLS, click this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9M_0aStssU

For those who have BOYS, Click this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K-wmQuWfrs

Hey everyone!!!! 

Your donations for lax day was so huge, we have another day for the kids planned.   We will take over Franklin one day and have a HUGE BBQ and just play games (not lacrosse games).  I will speak to the coaches and we will do something for everyone.   We have so many hamburgers, pretzels, hotdogs, and soda's left that we will have a shin dig with the kids.   Lets keep the good times rolling.

So on Saturday, JUNE 20th at 11:30am, we will all meet at Franklin and just have some fun, eat some BBQ food, play some hoops, play some wiffle ball, play some kickball, and most importantly have fun together.   

Folks, You can always check on the other sports via one website now.   I created a site for Saddle Brook Recreation.   Give a click and check it out.

http://eteamz.active.com/saddlebrookrecreation

Also, look for a Summer Sunday Kick ball league for the kids and possibly adults!!!!!  It should be a blast.

Click the Title of this article and it will take you to a NEW Saddle Brook Lacrosse Store!!!!

Check it out!!!! I will have it up all year round and shipping is quick. There is so much stuff. I will be uploading our image once I get in the right format needed. So, unless you love the item, don't buy it yet until our logo is loaded.

There is everything from clothes for the littlest ones to the biggest ones. There is STADIUM SEATS, Blankets, Womens's clothes, etc.... You can change the logo on the shirt, Make it a mom shirt, a dad shirt, etc....

Cool Stuff!!!!