July 23-24, 2011
Glastonbury, Connecticut
2004 Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament Report
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Photos and article by Ron Paice:
This was the year for the locals at the annual Glastonbury Lacrosse Tournament held at the GHS campus over the July 17-18 weekend! With a number of new teams to the event, and a few sporting new names, two of the three divisions were dominated by squads representing former GHS grads.
The tournament dates back to the late 1980's, and now benefits both the National Multiple Sclerosis and American Cancer Societies. The event is recognized as one of the largest and best in the country. With games being run simultaneously on six fields, 81 games were contested; finalists are required to play seven games each over the course of the two-day competition. Their prize - a plaque and bragging rights among the lacrosse community for another year! These teams play for the love of their sport!
The "GLT" draws top talent from around the country as well as many local stars. It is known as a player's tournament, with teams often formed around cores of top local and national collegiate competitors. Some are backed by corporate sponsors, while just as often the teams are self-funded by the members themselves. The variety of collegiate helmets on the field attest to the representation by many of the top Division I, II and III schools around the nation.
The tournament is divided into three highly competitive divisions based upon team submissions as to their players' qualifications, colleges attended, etc. The tournament seeding committee takes all of this information into account in placing teams in one of three divisions, Green, Blue or elite Red. Returning champions from the prior year are required to move up to the next level by tournament rules. Over the years as the caliber of lacrosse has climbed, some of the distinctions around skill levels have all but disappeared except for the Red Division. At times, squad size and player age have as much to do with the outcomes as do pure lacrosse skills. Over the course of Saturday's play down round, there were 11 tie games, and 12 decided by two goals or less, attesting to the parity among the teams. The top eight teams in each division go on the play offs on Sunday.
This year the Red Division found teams from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. When all the preliminary games were over, two of the Massachusetts teams, the Boston Crabs (aka Atlantic Lacrosse) and North Shore Lacrosse faced off in the championship event. True to form, this final was clearly the most exciting and competitive of the entire tournament, finally decided by sudden death overtime. Led by former GHS star and collegiate All American, Keith Flanigan, the Crabs captured the final by a score of 9 - 8. Every year, there are some teams that you love to see in the competition, win or lose, and Andy Mazzola's North Shore squad is one of them. After taking the overtime loss, their response was a gracious thank you to the tournament organizers and a promise to be back next year and "do better"! Both squads played an exceptional game, and represent exactly what this sport is all about.
In the Blue division, last year's Green champions and one of the long time tournament loyalists, New Haven, found the move to the next level tough, but made it to the playoffs before bowing out. Likewise, perennial power, the Juiced Moose lost in the first round of Sundays' competition to a powerful newcomer, Com Lax. Two local squads, Silver Sounds, led by John and Brian O'Leary, and The Gorillas, organized around Scott Hinchey unfortunately met in the semi's with The Gorillas taking an 8-4 victory. That set the stage for Com Lax and The Gorillas in the final. The game was tied almost to the end of play. Tournament Director Joe Cooper noted that after almost 20 years of the tournament, a team comprised of primarily former Glastonbury players brought in the championship, winning 10-8 with two goals in the final minute of play.
Another Cinderella story came out of the Green Division, as the local Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club Masters faced off against the perennial favorites, The Stoutmen for the championship. Brought together by former GHS and Drew University star, Matt Cooper, this year is the 18th season that the team has made the journey to Glastonbury for the tournament. Only New Haven/HARP can claim a similar long standing participation. The CVLC Masters, led by Rob Peterson with Ken Pietrasko in goal had an outstanding tournament, but ran out of steam against The Stoutmen by a 15 - 1 deficit, taking the runner up plaque.
Hoping that we have not forgotten anyone, The Glastonbury Tournament Committee would like to extend its appreciation to a long list of parties who helped make the event a success by donating their services or products: All Waste, Avon Lion's Club, Breakaway Sports of Latham, Brine Sports, Classic Tent, Docusource, Gastonbury Hills Country Club, Giovanni's Pizza, Johnny John's, Jerry's Artorama, Katz Hardware, Lacrosse Unlimited of Norwalk, Monaco Ford, O'Riley's Wine & Spirits, Quality Name Plates, Rudder Building Supply and Stop and Shop.
A special thanks goes to Eastern Rehab, who provided trainers for the entire tournament. Also, to the Glastonbury Parks and Recreation and Glastonbury High School for the great facility to host the tournament, and the Glastonbury Police Department for their assistance and signs. And, a word for all the Glastonbury Youth Lacrosse players who stood in the hot sun behind the cages and chase the errant shots - you all deserve awards yourselves! Finally, to all the other unnamed volunteers (and you know who you are) who manned the tent, cooked the food, organized the referees and did a hundred other chores, our sincere thanks for all your efforts! Your hard work will pay great dividends as the proceeds of the event go to support the efforts of our two charities.
We'll see you all next year! For now, tournament results and photos will be posted to our website within the next couple of weeks. Please dial into the tournament web site at: www.glastonburylaxtourney.org
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