Central's Coach

[Ken Lovic]

This is a tricky issue.
A lot of it is history. The bigger programs in the MCLA do not deal with Rec Dept a lot of time. They are under athletics- which can be a bonus.

As a Sport Club Director (SCD) and coach myself I can tell you it is VERY difficult for this to happen with out some time and effort. Many clubs are under watchful eyes of SCD. There are a few reasons this level can be hard to obtain:
1- SCD does not care to differentiate. Every club is the same in their eye.
HOW DOES THIS CHANGE- constant and repetitive meeting and updates with your SCD. Have them check out websites, show them the positive features of elevating clubs based on levels (ie hockey, crew and sometimes rugby are other clubs that typically have a great national organization helping the sport grow from "club" status). We and collegiate hockey are very similar and you should latch on to them (if you have a hockey club) and go at it together. We run leagues that end with a national championship, not non-connecting tournaments all year long (like frisbee, soccer and many others). Power in information is a huge. How do you change the SCD (my colleagues I hate to say at times) attitude?

There is no one answer to this. Keys are to educate- show them the recruiting, requirements and demands of coaches, travel, organization, MCLA requirements, and FINANCES that it takes to put this whole show on. Be patient but consistent and don't make it a one year issue. Some things take time so be sure your next officers know the importance of this and be sure they are committed to keeping the conversation going with the SCD. It is also HUGE to get the coach to have a relationship with the SCD. The SCD is like the AD in essence. Have the coach meet bi-weekly or so to update the SCD on what is going on from their end. This can also educate the SCD on issues related to the team and show your commitment to the program.

to avoid rambling I will end there. there is more that can be done. If asked I can elaborate over the phone and post more info. I actually would love to see us (and this can come from me next year) present at the annual Recreation conference on MCLA lacrosse and the aspects dealing with college club lacrosse. I went to a symposium last summer and was just cornered for 2 hours from many SCD about the MCLA. It turned into a positive meeting cause I think they thought a lot you were overstating the importance of the MCLA and the requirements. They had no idea what we do and were blown away. Do we have some holes? Yes, but they are issues we are working on to fix.

pphhewww... sorry for long post but please be patient. SCD are a sticky bunch as many of you know. I know a lot of your SCD and would be happy to speak with them if you think it would ever help. Be open, positive and excited about our sport and the MCLA when speaking with them and treat then like an AD, which is what they essentially are- just minus the HUGE athletic staff to assist with every little detail. They will come around......

[PigPen]

2. Form an outside organization (booster club, alumni council, advisory board) that has responsibilities to oversee some aspects of the team, such as budget and spending, coaching hires, etc.

BINGO!

[Ken Lovic]

that is a key part too. It really is all about culture. there are many multiple parts. The students are a part of it and must buy in. If they don't you will fail. But once you start it, it can really build on itself.

Build a culture of organization, support, finances, management etc,,, Those things can be bread into the players each year and it keeps the cycle going and growing.

[Zeuslax]

I actually would love to see us (and this can come from me next year) present at the annual Recreation conference on MCLA lacrosse and the aspects dealing with college club lacrosse. I went to a symposium last summer and was just cornered for 2 hours from many SCD about the MCLA. It turned into a positive meeting cause I think they thought a lot you were overstating the importance of the MCLA and the requirements. They had no idea what we do and were blown away. Do we have some holes? Yes, but they are issues we are working on to fix.

Ken, thanks for the sharing the insight. I think that is a great idea! Secondly, I would love to hear more about some of the questions you received.

[John Paul]

Ken's main theme is spot on - it takes a lot of effort and time. But the payoff is absolutely worth it. Most importantly, you need a coach who is dedicated, politically astute and very, very patient.

It took about 5 years of constant effort for us to get our rec sports and athletic departments to buy into the concept. We had four dedicated coaches from four sports (men's lacrosse, men's rowing, men's water polo and men's soccer - which went varsity the year our varsity club structure was finally approved) working very closely together to get it done.

Ken, our Rec. Sports people here have presented at NIRSA conferences in the past about the Varsity Club tiered system. Might be a good one - two punch if you presented on the MCLA (I'd be glad to help with that if appropriate) and our people presented on the tiered club sports solution at the same event. I'm sure there are other schools have similar setups in place that could contribute as well.

[Ken Lovic]

i sent a note last night to a list serv about people helping me with a presentation on that topic (tiering) for next years conference.
Great response already- so next year we will do a tiered SC presentation with the MCLA being a huge component of it.

[Zeuslax]

I'm not sure how much help I could be, but I would chip in with some research or leg work if needed.

JP, could dig up that presentation? Or some of your proposal doc's?

[Zeuslax]

Here's a suggestion. What about a yearly conference call for admin and other club sports directors lead by some of leaders and others that could bring something to the table the way Ken could? Some of our silver tongue brethren! Just another thing to add the plates or our volunteers, I know.

[Grant Neeley]

When I coached at Miami, the team received funding from Student Government, not Rec Sports. Competing for $$ against every other club (social, academic, etc.) on campus is a very different animal than having dedicated funds that a Rec department disburses.

Not sure how widespread this model is.

[Jolly Roger]

Lot's of teams will have this additional hurdle - particularly at smaller institutions.

[Gvlax]

When I coached at Miami, the team received funding from Student Government, not Rec Sports. Competing for $$ against every other club (social, academic, etc.) on campus is a very different animal than having dedicated funds that a Rec department disburses.

Not sure how widespread this model is.

That is how we get our minimal funds from school. The process of all competing club teams in one room debating who should get less money and who gets more makes for interesting 2, 3 hour debates.

[lgriemsman]

I have not heard one statement or official announcement. What is going on?

[MidwestLaxer]

There was a lot of hype from the Central coach before the season. What happened?

[wheelz33]

There was a lot of hype from the Central coach before the season. What happened?

I was curious about this as well. Judging from the score of their game vs GVSU, people did not seem to be on the same page. Central has had a solid team in the past, and the result from the game was a surprise to say the least (no disrespect for GVSU, a very very solid division II team)

[Gvlax]

There was a lot of hype from the Central coach before the season. What happened?

I was curious about this as well. Judging from the score of their game vs GVSU, people did not seem to be on the same page. Central has had a solid team in the past, and the result from the game was a surprise to say the least (no disrespect for GVSU, a very very solid division II team)

more games are needed to see if the hype was legit or not. Too early in the season, although this is black eye for their team and if i was their next coach i would definitely remember what happened to the last coach that the players didnt like. Tough situation for that guy.