Edmonton School Program Returns
December 2, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---It's back to school time for Edmonton Rush players Andy Secore and Corey Small.
As the first week of December sees training camps break across the National Lacrosse League, it also marks the return of the popular Edmonton Rush Lacrosse school program to the greater-Edmonton area.
For Secore and Small, though -- the duo will see double duty -- under the watchful eye of Professor Derek Keenan at the five-week training camp -- and through many youngsters' eyes as the new and improved school program makes it way across elementary and high schools.
While both players look to make an impression as part of the 36-players attending the Rush camp starting Dec. 5th at the Leduc Recreation Centre in preparation for the new season, the tandem also looks to score points with younger fans in schools by spreading the news of lacrosse and the Rush.
The program -- now in its fourth year -- thanks primarily to Rush captain Chris McElroy -- is a highly interactive order of events that melds the messages of Rush players and a hands-on approach to lacrosse.
"Andy and Corey will talk about lacrosse and the history of the sport as well as provide a demonstration of skills. And then a hands-on portion as well -- getting sticks in the hands of the kids and having them learning the basics," said McElroy, the program's co-ordinator and the Community Relations guy for the Rush. "We'll also continue to send messages about healthy living, the importance of education and staying in school."
The one-hour session also contains the viewing of a Rush highlight video, a question and answer period and a Rush ticket give-away to students.
"The program has really blossomed the last couple of years," said McElroy, 27, second in tenure with 69 games played for the Rush. "It's a great way to get out and expose kids to the game of lacrosse and try to spark interest at the grassroots level,"
"Ultimately, it's our goal to get more kids involved at the grassroots level and continue lacrosse to grow in the city," chipped in Secore. "We'll teach them the basics of the game from cradling to passing and shooting, If the kids get the sticks in their hands and learn the basics of the sport, maybe they'll sign up for lacrosse in the summer."
Both Secore and Small were involved in coaching clinics and school programs for youths in their respective lacrosse pasts and this opportunity allows the players to pass on positives messages and get enjoyment from witnessing the enthusiastic reaction from the children.
"Last year working with Chris was a big bonus," said Secore, who tallied 63 points in 16 games last season. "He showed me the ropes. This season, we thought we'd improve it by bringing the sticks right into the gyms and letting the kids see and feel what lacrosse is all about.
"Most of the kids really enjoy it. They get a stick in their hands and get to fire the ball around the gym and have a blast out there," he added. "With lacrosse being a relatively new sport to many kids, hopefully we can get the game jumping here."
Beyond the visit to the schools and the interaction between the athletes and students, the children then get to take the experience further as every student receives a free admission to a Rush home game at Rexall Place.
"With the whole experience, the kids are pretty stoked," said Captain Mac on the strong communication bond between the Rush and the students.
Secore, in his sophomore season as a Rush player, acts as the study buddy for freshman Small as the 2010 season quickly approaches. The two Golden Horseshoe products: Secore is from Hamilton, Ont., while Small hails from nearby St. Catharines, Ont. Both players relocated to Edmonton in the off-season to prepare for the student school program and the new Rush campaign.
Just as there are new wrinkles in the community program, Secore is also fired up for the new-look Rush squad that features many different faces -- including NLL star names the likes of Brodie Merrill, Gavin Prout and Ryan Ward -- all acquired by Edmonton in the off-season.
"I'm excited. I can't wait for things to start out," said the 5-11, 200-pound, left-handed sniper. "We have made a lot of off-season moves. The guys we brought in are huge names in this league. I just want to get to camp and jell with these players and get things started here."
Secore, 25, will be reunited with Ward in Edmonton's offensive machine. The duo shared success together in Minnesota in 2008, when Secore racked up a career-best 76 points in only 14 games. He also spent time with recent Rush forward acquisitions Dean Hill in Minny and Derek Malawsky in Arizona.
For Small though, this will be his first NLL camp after a whirlwind 2009. The Rush first-round selection (9th overall) at the recent NLL draft, graduated out of the University of Albany program, where he notched 109 goals and 137 points in 51 games, including a whopping 31-goals in 10 games in 2009. Being the new kid in class is almost status quo for him of late. He played four games this summer with the MLL field lacrosse champion Toronto Nationals and spent time with the Kitchener-Waterloo Kodiaks of Ontario's Major Series Lacrosse.
"I've been all over the place. It's been a lot of fun though," said Small, 22. "Getting to play with Toronto and winning a championship there was awesome. And playing summer ball with a lot of NLL players has really prepared me for this season.
"The game will be a lot faster and I've prepared myself," said the product of the St. Catharines Athletics Jr. A program, who worked out with Secore and Jimmy Quinlan in preparation for the Rush season.
"He's a really skilled, extremely fast offensive kid," Keenan said. "He's a four-year college guy and he's played a couple of years of senior lacrosse in Ontario."
While Small has an impressive resume, he's in tough to get carpet time on the Rush with an offensive top seven in Secore, Prout, Ward, Quinlan, Ryan Powell and Jamie Floris.
"I'd like to make a difference out there anyway I can. I just want to play at the best of my ability and see where it takes me from there," Small said. "I'm very excited. So far everyone's been great. I can't wait for camp to open and I'm looking forward to being in the schools, as well."
The Rush start the 2010 season on the road Jan. 15, 2010 at the Washington Stealth, while the first home game is set for Jan. 23 at Rexall Place against the Buffalo Bandits.
Schools interested in participating in the Rush Lacrosse school program can contact the Rush office for more information.
Training Camp opens Saturday, December 5 - Training Session 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. is open to the media. GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan and players will be available for interviews at 3:00 p.m. Training Camp will be held at Leduc Recreation Centre, 4330 Black Gold Drive, Leduc, AB.
National Lacrosse League Stories from December 2, 2009
- Roughnecks Training Camp Begins Saturday - Calgary Roughnecks
- Bandits Announce 2010 Ticket Promotions - Buffalo Bandits
- Edmonton School Program Returns - Edmonton Rush
- Bandits Sign Frank Resetarits - Buffalo Bandits
- Boston Blazers Announce 2010 Season Schedule - Boston Blazers
- Northern League Transactions - Philadelphia Wings
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