MTSU Looking to join the SELC

[mtsulax]

Yea We would which doesn't help in the convincing of my coach. BUt we wouldn't have to travel as much since Vanderbilt and UT are with in 2 and a half hours.

[NinerCoach]

Yea We would which doesn't help in the convincing of my coach. BUt we wouldn't have to travel as much since Vanderbilt and UT are with in 2 and a half hours.

You'd have the option I believe of playing a season or two in D2, but would be unable to go to the conference championships. (I'd recommend going D1 and then scheduling a decent number of D2 teams, the wins won't help you in the standings but they'll help keep the teams morale up.)

At the beginning of the season We had 15 freshmen come out but alot of them left after they saw that we weren't an organized team.

We had that problem for a while too. Getting strict about dues being paid in the fall and not refunding them helps to weed out the ones that aren't committed and helps retain the ones that do commit. Using that extra cash to buy nice uniforms/gear will help draw out the lacrosse players in the school community that didn't think club lacrosse was worth their time.

Charlotte is about the same size as your school and while we don't have football to cause the D1/D2 head ache, we experienced a lot of what I think you'll see in terms of changing perception of the club and getting quality freshmen out to play (and keeping them there the whole season.)

[nhoskins]

Well this past season we had at the end 15 players total.

We have 16 players at the end of the season, and still managed to string together a number of wins and were fortunate enough to control our own playoff destiny in April (which we blew, unfortunately). I think with good conditioning and player commitment, a small roster doesn't necessarily guarantee failure. Besides, like you said, in an organized league you'll likely have more players sticking around.

[NinerCoach]

Well this past season we had at the end 15 players total.

We have 16 players at the end of the season, and still managed to string together a number of wins and were fortunate enough to control our own playoff destiny in April (which we blew, unfortunately). I think with good conditioning and player commitment, a small roster doesn't necessarily guarantee failure. Besides, like you said, in an organized league you'll likely have more players sticking around.

My first year on the team we played @ NC State with only 11 guys. It was exhausting and frustrating playing with only one sub, but turned hilarious when our goalie got a penalty...

I mean, if we didn't laugh at it, we would have certainly been crying.

We still talk about it to this day. If anything it's held up as a story of how far the program has come in just a few years.

[Hugh Nunn]

The bottom line is that much like the MCLA as a whole, if you build it, they will come. Players will want to be a part of something special...something bigger than themselves. Organization and a strong presence on the sidelines will help move that along faster. One way to get your coaches on your side is to brainstorm and assign organizational duties to the rest of the team and show them how serious you are. Taking this initiative will go a long way to demonstrate your committment. A great place to start is to organize and conduct fundraising activities. There are tons of pages regarding that in the archives of this site. Best of luck!

[mtsulax]

Thanks For your guys input. It has all been very encouraging. I can't wait to start next season. I think it will be a new year and I like that Quote "Build it and They Will Come" I think thats exactly the leap of faith that we will have to take.

[Hugh Nunn]

Thanks For your guys input. It has all been very encouraging. I can't wait to start next season. I think it will be a new year and I like that Quote "Build it and They Will Come" I think thats exactly the leap of faith that we will have to take.

.
Other than Field of Dreams, Sonny has been using that motto for the league for years.

Feel free to PM me if you need anything.

[Sonny]

Don't steal my material Hugh.

[Sonny]

I'm not sure why your 2-3 adult non-playing coaches (that all played competitive college ball) would want to coach a club team that:

1. Wasn't committed

2. Wasn't in an organized ("real") league with the chance to compete for a regional or possibly national championship.

(Seems like a waste of time to me as a coach if I didn't have # 1 and # 2 from above.)

A big part of what makes the MCLA unique & special is the opportunity to compete for something bigger. Something meaningful.

I would encourage your coaches to visit this very web site and get involved with the forums. Many times "outsiders" have no clue how many opportunities exist out there and how developed the collegiate club game has become over the last 10 years.

[mtsulax]

Has any one ever been turned away from the SELC either D. 1 or 2?

[Sonny]

Has any one ever been turned away from the SELC either D. 1 or 2?

Yes.

[CharlotteLAX16]

Has any one ever been turned away from the SELC either D. 1 or 2?

Yes.

I have a follow-up out of curiosity. Are any of those teams that were turned away current members of the SELC? If so, how many seasons did/does it take for a team to become a member?

I'm guessing that acceptance is based off of how organized the team is?