I spent this past weekend at Diamond Nation in Flemington, NJ, coaching two different FLG Girls Teams at The Opener, a tournament run by the T3 Lacrosse Club. I have been coaching at T3 events at Diamond Nation for at least five years now, and am never disappointed. The venue is not too far from Long Island, you are never too far from your next game, the fields are all turf, even the food is great. But the best thing about these events, is the competition. It gets better every time I go there. More and more quality players on more and more quality teams.
While I was very busy coaching, I tried to watch some other games as well. I was very impressed by the level of play all around me. On Saturday, in between our games on Field 1, I was treated to a terrific game between a DewLax Team and an opponent, I regrettably don’t remember right now. I have coached against Coach Wilkins, the DewLax Founder/Director and Coach, a number of times and we have become friendly over the years. I have watched his program grow and continue to improve. He coaches every kid, and no detail, good or bad, goes unnoticed or un-coached. His teams always play with a relentless intensity, that is the trademark of DewLax teams.
I was also able to watch the ADK 2017/18 Team in action against our FLG 2018 Team. ADK was coached by Bill White, also a Founder/Director and Coach. I have known Bill since my daughter was in 9th grade (she is now a college sophomore) and was a guest player on Bill’s ADK Team. It was great to see him on the sideline, as his team put on a beautiful display of transition lacrosse. As is the ADK Style, the ball never stays in one stick very long. Crisp upfield passing and rapid ball movement are the hallmarks of every ADK Team, I have ever seen play. I think I would have been able to tell it was an ADK Squad (and a very good one at that) even if they had been in a different uniform.
Where Coach Wilkins is loud and on top of every second of every game, Bill White is remarkably reserved on the sideline. Two very different styles. Each, very effective in its own way, and each leaving their personal stamp on their teams, their programs and anyone else, if they are really watching. I am glad I have gotten to know them both. The Lacrosse Community is fortunate to have such people.
Hey there Bob –
Very much appreciate the commentary. We believe that it is our duty to share our knowledge about the game we love. It is not about us, and while I have seen Bill, I haven’t met him directly… I am sure he will agree… This is about our young athletes. To me, Life Lessons trumps winning and losing and if you give it your all, every time, you will be better for it, regardless of what the scoreboard reads.
It’s why we do this. It’s why we are proud to work in this space for sure.
Coach Dwayne
DEWLAX
Hey Coach,
I am glad you appreciated it. I love your program, and am really glad you have been able to grow. I fully agree about the life lessons. I know it is about the kids, and that is why your fingerprints are all over DEWLAX, and that is a good thing.
I hope to see you again soon. Maybe, the US Lacrosse Convention?
Bob