The 2009/2010 British Columbia Field Lacrosse playing season has now officially come to a close with the Tier 1 Provincial Tournament wrapping up in Burnaby this past weekend and the Tier 2's last weekend here in Victoria at the University of Victoria.
Pacific Rim was well represented at Provincials this year with 7 teams qualifying for Provincial play. A great deal of experience was had by those whom attended these season ending tournaments. Knowledge was obtained by all in attendance and 'new' friends were made by those competing. The U8's had a successful season playing with Victoria Field Lacrosse and it is the hope of the association that we can again field a U8 team as well as a full U10 team next season; along with other associations. The U12's had a rocky season with Victoria and Pacific Rim fielding 2 teams but other associations folding theirs, creating a final 4 team league. Pacific Rim will continue to promote these younger divisions and help boost registrations for the U8's, U10's and U12's for next season. The U14 division had 3 teams; with the Tier 1's winning 'gold' and the Tier 2 (team #2) winning 'bronze'. Our U16 teams both attended Provincials with both teams having a successful and productive seasons end. Wrapping up our association is the U19's; they defeated Nanaimo at Provincials to win 'gold' in the Tier 2 division.
The growth of field lacrosse has been experienced by many associations across the Province. Pacific Rim experienced a growth of 24% over the 2009 season and can only attribute this to good leadership at all levels of the association as well as great experiences by the players and word of mouth to their box lacrosse friends. This past season saw a higher set of expectations set by coaches of their players, players on themselves and the executive to the membership. Irregardless of winning a medal, Pacific Rim grew as an association and 'won' as a whole group in 2010.
A joint effort put forth by the VIYFLL; the Island hosted the Tier 2 Provincials with huge success. A quote from our Island Chair (Rick Higgs) commenting on our efforts; "Job well done by everyone! I went away from this feeling pretty good. I am deeply impressed with the positive attitudes, and the willingness to fill a hole and help with the work load, we all came together to make this happen. It was a pleasure working with you all. Again, many thanks to all of you and anyone you are associated with that isn't receiving this, that was able to lend a hand."
It has been a good season for our association and after a month of rest; we will be back at making the 2011 season bigger and better than this season. Good luck to all in box lacrosse season. To those members (executive, parents and players) who will be moving on... "Thank you" and best wishes on your future endeavours.
