Cairo Rogers just proved himself wrong and is glad he did.
Rogers, who plays for the Penticton Heat bantam advanced lacrosse team, never thought he had a shot at making Team B.C. to compete for the 2014 President’s Cup (box lacrosse) national championship in Coquitlam Aug. 25-31.
“Honestly, I still can’t really believe what’s going on right now,” said Rogers.
The 14-year-old attended a Team B.C. tryout for peewees two years ago and made the top 30, but then was cut. Since then it has always been at the back of his mind how amazing it would be to make Team B.C. Rogers was disappointed when he was cut and didn’t want to experience that again.
Rogers learned from his previous experience and went into the camp in Langley May 9-11 with the attitude to do his best.
“It was almost like redemption,” said Rogers. “I think I wanted it even that much more.
“When they told me the good news I was just ecstatic, I was on cloud nine,” he said.
Rogers was a bit intimidated during the camp because there was so many good players and said the skill level was “just crazy.”
“It’s fast. It’s always moving. You can’t get caught standing still,” said Rogers.
He quickly learned that players made split second decisions and knew where the ball was going. Rogers’ coach Dan Chetner said the game is played at a higher level in the Lower Mainland, which is where most players selected to Team B.C. are from.
“I think it’s a fantastic accomplishment for Cairo and well-deserved,” said Chetner.
Chetner added it’s not easy to make Team B.C. and Rogers is just the fourth player from Penticton to do so.
“It’s a huge accomplishment,” he said.
Chetner said Rogers’ biggest asset is his willingness to play at the highest level. He has coached Rogers for about six years and has watched the youngster continue to work on his stick skills and understanding of the game, wanting to get the best out of himself and his teammates.
“He’s always been a guy you can count on to work his hardest out there,” said Chetner.
