N. Colorado's final consolation game is kaput

[wapiti]

Add 30% - 35% of pollsters not voting in the final poll, Division A and B.

Just seems to me that that all of these topics may be somehow related in terms of committments of participants and at all levels. The MCLA is a good organization, but some of these 'bugs' need to be ironed out. I don't know what the answer is, but it should make for some interesting topics at off - season meetings......

[Gvlax]

3 teams in 2 years who show less then 100% commitment to the league and we talk about throwing out the B championship. Not fair to the 90 some other teams that would/have killed to be there right now (and actually have went and played all games whether it was playoff or consolation game).

[Hi-Line Lax]

did Sonny really just suggest that we drop the entire B tournament altogether... wow. I understand your frustration with teams dropping out but how do you not want this whole thing to grow bigger and bigger. In my opinion that suggestion shows a real lack of class... no tip jar for you.

[OAKS]

3 teams in 2 years who show less then 100% commitment to the league and we talk about throwing out the B championship. Not fair to the 90 some other teams that would/have killed to be there right now (and actually have went and played all games whether it was playoff or consolation game).

3 teams in 2 years is a lot for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. They knew what they were getting into when they joined the league.

did Sonny really just suggest that we drop the entire B tournament altogether... wow. I understand your frustration with teams dropping out but how do you not want this whole thing to grow bigger and bigger. In my opinion that suggestion shows a real lack of class... no tip jar for you.

How is suggesting that we re-organize the league's structure low-class? Sheer growth is not a mission of the league.

[Andy Sharp]

How about we drop the entire Div. B Tournament all together?

You'd have trouble justifying the ~$94,000 in MCLA dues paid by the Division B teams then. (Div A paid ~$99,000)

[Sonny]

I'm just making suggestions folks. Please realize, that I'm not in an official position of MCLA authority. I don't think the Div. B tourney will be eliminated, but I do think there is a very strong chance it might be downsized next year.

I realize the B Division is a work in progress, but it is ridiculous to see all the hard work MCLA people and local volunteers put into this event ALL YEAR LONG - to see some Div. B teams crap the bed at the very end.

The B teams cry on the message board for legitimacy, but some (not all) fail to deliver when it's time to put up or shut up.

[culax]

The B teams cry on the message board for legitimacy, but some (not all) fail to deliver when it's time to put up or shut up.

I am that guy, the guy that "cries on the message board for legitimacy" for the B Division. It is very unfortunate that some teams (3 over the past 2 years) have failed to meet their obligations. I am as disappointed about that as anyone, but the fact remains that the majority of the Division B teams take lacrosse and their membership in/commitment to the MCLA seriously. While I suspect that Sonny and some members of the national exec board are probably in favor of dropping the B Division, doing so would be a mistake. With over 90 dues paying teams chosing to participate in the B Division there is clearly interest and need for it.

Salem St. (2006) and Calvin and Cal-Irvine this year will be strong arguments against expanding the B Division National Tournament in the future. But, Andy makes a good point regarding MCLA dues and financing. Division B teams contribute almost half of the MCLA dues. I look forward to learning more specifics about the MCLA and National Tournament budgets. Maybe, the national exec board could post the budget along with the new MCLA bylaws/operating procedures.

Humbly, I will continue working on the growth and development of collegiate, high school and youth lacrosse.

[lil lady lax fan]

Keep in mind that UC Irvine is in the middle of their spring quarter so returning for classes might have factored into the team's decision to return early.

Not making excuses, just pointing out a possible factor in their choice.

[Gvlax]

I agree that something needs to be done to insure that all teams who play for the MCLA actually go and play all of the games that they are given with a AQ or AL to the national championship. But if the B championship is taken away then how many B teams would drop out because they would have to pay thousands for no national championship. A lot of B teams would never be able to play at the A level but would still want to compete for a national championship. Something needs to be done but even throwing out something like dropping the B tournament is not going to solve anything.

And yes 3 teams in two years does seem like a lot but compared to the teams that would love to take their places it doesnt seem like a lot. Punish the teams that dont follow the rules not the ones that follow them.

[Gvlax]

Keep in mind that UC Irvine is in the middle of their spring quarter so returning for classes might have factored into the team's decision to return early.

Not making excuses, just pointing out a possible factor in their choice.

Every team knew that if they didnt win their first couple games that consolation games were going to happen. After all the the Calvin controversy going on you would think a team would know that this is not the year to fool around with the B division because consequences are going to be severe.

[Champ]

Keep in mind that UC Irvine is in the middle of their spring quarter so returning for classes might have factored into the team's decision to return early.

Not making excuses, just pointing out a possible factor in their choice.

A lot of schools are in finals week (if not this year, past years. When I played nationals was during finals week all 4 years), I would think it is much more feasible for a team to miss classes during a term than a team to miss finals.

(so to me, that is less of an excuse than other teams have)

[CATLAX MAN]

Keep in mind that UC Irvine is in the middle of their spring quarter so returning for classes might have factored into the team's decision to return early.

Not making excuses, just pointing out a possible factor in their choice.

Every other team at the tourney has this issue. That is not a valid excuse for not honoring their commitment.

[Chris Gaffney]

Keep in mind that UC Irvine is in the middle of their spring quarter so returning for classes might have factored into the team's decision to return early.

Not making excuses, just pointing out a possible factor in their choice.

I know Oregon is on the quarter system, and you don't see them complaining about missing class. I went in 04, we lost in the quarters, but we stayed and played a fun consolation game with UM. Missing class is easy, all you need to do is talk to your professors in advance (like the start of the term, even if you're not a lock for the tournament).

I missed the last 5 weeks of school in 2002 to go on the USA West trip. It was no problem because I made arrangements with my professors to complete the coursework at an accelerated pace.

Honestly, I think it's disrespectful of Irvine and Calvin to leave early/not play in the tourny. It makes the B division seem bush league.

Seriously, who goes to college to go to class anyways

PS. I don't post a lot, so I don't know how the fancy quote box thing works.

[scooter]

anyone one else up for a mandatory 1 yr ban, followed by a probation period for anyone who fails to show/leaves early/comes ill-equipped to the tourney?

Seriously, this is getting ridiculous

[Brent Burns]

PS. I don't post a lot, so I don't know how the fancy quote box thing works.

Chris, you did fine with the quote thing.

Anyway, the key word for any tournament, be it NCAA or MCLA or whatever is commitment. For example, on a non-lacrosse item, I know that Ohio State is NCAA Div. I and is on a quarter system, so I am sure the coaches and the players plan in advance to work something out with the professors. I'm referring to the Ohio State's men's tennis team which is in Georgia right now playing in the NCAA men's tennis championships. Anyway, Chris made a point that it is a great idea to let the professors know at the beginning of the quarter or the semester about the possibility of you missing a class by the time a tournament comes around. It is not only the commitment, but planning ahead of time is also important.

It is our human nature that we don't like anything that reflects badly on us or on the team or on the conference or on the whole organization such as MCLA.