First Chicago combine a success
Published on January 23, 2007 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chicago Machine News Release
From the sidelines, coaches from the top Division III lacrosse programs in the country observed over 100 high school lacrosse players from the Chicagoland area as potential prospects for their recruiting classes. The First Look - Last Look Lacrosse Combine was the first lacrosse combine ever hosted in the Chicagoland region and it proved successful as representatives from Adrian College, Bowdoin, Cortland, Kenyon, Middlebury, Ohio Wesleyan, Salisbury, Tri-State, Tufts, Washington and Lee, and Wittenberg traveled to observe the local talent. There were also a few representatives from area collegiate club teams included University of Illinois which has a program comparable to a Division III program.
The selection of players was exclusive and the competition fierce. Each of the 100-plus players competed in five lacrosse games and ran through a series of drills to assess their speed and agility that was documented for the college coaches by Athletico.
"It's great to see the kids on the field with this opportunity to be seen by college coaches," stated Lyons Township Head Lacrosse Coach Eric Nuss. Coach Nuss began his coaching career in football but soon realized the potential of lacrosse and decided to start the team at Lyons Township. He has since brought his team to a state championship game and continues to be one of the areas top high school boys programs.
"In the past, lacrosse players from this area were forced to travel out East if they wanted any coaches to get a look at them," said Chicago Machine President and Fenwick High School Head Coach John Meister. "Our intention in hosting this combine was to show the talent in this region is competitive and it's worthwhile for coaches to travel to Chicago and see these kids firsthand. We had over 10 Division III programs represented at the combine demonstrating that the colleges are aware of how competitive the Chicago area has become in the last five years and that we have a market for future college players."
Bob Reusché stood on the observation balcony watching his grandson Bob Selbe participate in the combine. Mr. Reusché was a student coach for the Ohio State club lacrosse team back in 1947 and has seen the progression of the sport firsthand.
"Back when I played, it was only wooden sticks," said Mr. Reusché as he was writing down some numbers of standout players on the field. "Ohio is still ahead of Illinois by some years, but its great to see how much the game has improved in this region and continues to grow."
High school players participating in the First Look - Last Look Combine were drawn from each of the area high school lacrosse programs and were coached by Chicago Machine players and staff.
For more information about the Chicago Machine and future events, contact the Chicago Machine Front Office at 312.255.1522 or visit www.chicagomachine.com.
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