Development was key in the success of the Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association in 2014.
The PMLA had its midget B, bantam A1 and peewee C teams advance to provincials this season.
“While having teams compete at provincials is an important success, the most important measure of success is every player developing, improving and enjoying the game,” said outgoing PMLA president Dan Van Os. “Providing a proper and positive teaching and learning environment is very significant in determining an organization’s success.”
Players showed improvement in skill development and team play. Van Os said that having two practices a week is important to develop skills, while game play reinforced what has been learned and what needed more work.
Lacrosse also continues to grow in Penticton.
The larger increase was seen in field lacrosse which grew from 25 players to 40, while box increased from 104 to 106.
The association also received $10,8000 from the provincial government, which can be used for equipment, training and development.
On the field, the association has Connor Ramage on Team B.C.
“It’s amazing, it’s great,” said Ramage. “It feels good to be able to represent my province for lacrosse.”
Ramage attended a camp in Langley during Thanksgiving weekend and said he learned a lot while also meeting several people.
Ramage will begin playing for Team B.C. next September. He was joined by Trenton Henson at the camp.
Dan Chetner, who coached Ramage in the U14 Interior Field Lacrosse League, said it was a great opportunity for both as they have had tremendous seasons.
“Both players have improved and worked hard at their positions,” said Chetner.
During their annual general meeting, the association handed out awards. Winners are as follows:
Midget: Head Coach – Dan Van Os
MVP: Michael MacLean
Most Improved: Tyler Koppe
Most Sportsmanlike: Dyawen Louie
Bantam A: Head Coach – Dan Chetner
MVP: Cairo Rogers
Most Improved: Connor Ramage
Most Sportsmanlike:
Freddy Harbinson
Bantam B: Head Coach – Cliff Shortreed
MVP: Matt Carson
Most Improved: Adam Lacroix
Most Sportsmanlike: Tayedra Koppe
Peewee A: Head Coach – Del Halladay
MVP: Rowan Brown
Most Improved: Finn Halladay
Most Sportsmanlike: Keagan Allen
Peewee B: Head Coach – Allan Pawliuk
MVP: Clinton Marsden-Blackface
Most Improved: Rhys MacDonald
Most Sportsmanlike: Meghan Cote
Novice: Head Coach – Chris Danby
MVP: Connor Danby
Most Improved: Fredo Monaghan
Most Sportsmanlike: Chay Gettens
MiniTyke/Tyke: Head Coach – Mike Wood
MVP: Brendan Becker
Most Improved: Luke Wood
Most Sportsmanlike:
Noah Schwab
