How does Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club impact its community. What makes their high school program so successful. Why is their youth development program considered a model for other clubs. How has the club contributed to the growth of lacrosse in New Jersey.
The Legacy of Mountain Lakes Lacrosse
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club has established itself as a powerhouse in New Jersey high school lacrosse. With a rich history dating back several decades, the club has consistently produced top-tier talent and championship-caliber teams. Their success is not just measured in wins and losses, but in the profound impact they’ve had on the sport and the community.
The club’s high school program has been particularly dominant, as evidenced by their commanding 21-5 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven in the 2022 Tournament of Champions final. This win showcased the team’s skill, strategy, and depth, solidifying their position as one of the premier lacrosse programs in the state.
Key Factors in Mountain Lakes’ Success
- Strong youth development program
- Experienced and dedicated coaching staff
- Community support and involvement
- Emphasis on fundamentals and teamwork
- Competitive schedule against top opponents
Youth Development: The Foundation of Excellence
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club’s success at the high school level is built upon a strong foundation in youth development. The club offers programs for players of all ages, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent and fostering a love for the game from an early age.
Is youth participation crucial for the club’s long-term success? Absolutely. By introducing children to lacrosse at a young age and providing them with quality coaching and instruction, Mountain Lakes creates a sustainable model for success. This approach not only develops skilled players but also instills a sense of tradition and pride in representing the club.
Youth Program Highlights
- Age-appropriate skill development
- Focus on sportsmanship and character building
- Opportunities for both recreational and competitive play
- Integration with high school program for seamless progression
- Emphasis on creating a positive and fun learning environment
The Importance of Facilities and Resources
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club benefits from access to excellent facilities, which plays a crucial role in their success. The club utilizes various venues for practices, games, and camps, including Mountain Lakes High School and Wildwood Elementary School.
Having dedicated spaces for lacrosse activities allows the club to offer year-round programming and accommodate the needs of players at all levels. This commitment to providing quality facilities demonstrates the community’s support for the sport and the club’s importance in local athletics.
Facility Breakdown
- Mountain Lakes High School: Main and auxiliary gyms, side parking lot
- Wildwood Elementary School: Multiple classrooms, cafeteria, field/playground
- Additional community spaces for camps and clinics
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club’s success extends beyond the field, as evidenced by their strong community partnerships and engagement initiatives. The club collaborates with local organizations to create a positive impact on the community and promote the sport of lacrosse.
One notable partnership is with the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, which utilizes the high school’s parking facilities for their summer camp staff. This cooperation showcases the club’s commitment to supporting other youth-focused organizations in the area.
Do these community partnerships contribute to the club’s overall success? Indeed, they do. By fostering strong relationships with local entities, Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club strengthens its position as a cornerstone of the community, increasing support and resources for its programs.
Community Initiatives
- Collaboration with local schools for facility use
- Partnerships with youth organizations like the YMCA
- Hosting camps and clinics open to the community
- Volunteer opportunities for players and families
- Sponsorship of local events and charitable causes
The Coaching Advantage: Building Champions On and Off the Field
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club’s coaching staff is a key factor in their sustained success. The program attracts and retains experienced coaches who are not only knowledgeable about the sport but also committed to developing well-rounded athletes and individuals.
The coaching philosophy at Mountain Lakes goes beyond just winning games. It focuses on instilling values such as teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. This holistic approach to player development has resulted in numerous college recruits and successful alumni who continue to give back to the program.
Coaching Attributes
- Extensive playing and coaching experience
- Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
- Ability to adapt strategies to player strengths
- Focus on individual skill development within a team context
- Emphasis on character building and life lessons through sport
The Impact of Competitive Success on Program Growth
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club’s competitive success, particularly at the high school level, has had a significant impact on the growth and popularity of the program. Their dominant performance in tournaments and championships, such as the 21-5 victory in the 2022 Tournament of Champions final, attracts attention from players, parents, and college recruiters alike.
This success creates a positive feedback loop, where talented players are drawn to the program, further enhancing its competitiveness. As a result, Mountain Lakes has become a destination for aspiring lacrosse players looking to develop their skills and compete at the highest level.
Has the club’s success contributed to increased participation in lacrosse locally? Without a doubt. The visibility and prestige associated with Mountain Lakes Lacrosse have inspired more young athletes to take up the sport, leading to growth in youth programs and increased competition in the region.
Benefits of Competitive Success
- Increased interest in youth programs
- Enhanced recruiting opportunities for players
- Greater media coverage and exposure
- Improved fundraising and sponsorship opportunities
- Strengthened alumni network and support
Innovation and Adaptation: Staying Ahead in a Changing Sport
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club has maintained its position at the forefront of the sport by embracing innovation and adapting to changes in the game. The club consistently evaluates new training methods, equipment, and strategies to give their players a competitive edge.
This forward-thinking approach extends to off-field aspects as well, including the use of technology for player development, communication, and program management. By staying current with the latest trends and best practices in lacrosse, Mountain Lakes ensures that its players are well-prepared for competition at all levels.
Areas of Innovation
- Advanced analytics and performance tracking
- Integration of video analysis in coaching
- Customized strength and conditioning programs
- Mental performance training and sports psychology
- Adoption of cutting-edge equipment and training tools
Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club’s commitment to innovation helps maintain their competitive advantage and contributes to the overall growth and development of the sport in New Jersey.
The Future of Mountain Lakes Lacrosse: Challenges and Opportunities
As Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club looks to the future, they face both challenges and opportunities in maintaining their position as a lacrosse powerhouse. The landscape of youth sports is constantly evolving, with increasing competition for athletes’ time and attention from other activities and sports.
One challenge the club may face is the potential impact of specialization in youth sports. Many young athletes are encouraged to focus on a single sport year-round, which can lead to burnout and increased risk of injuries. Mountain Lakes will need to balance their desire for player development with the importance of overall athletic and personal growth.
Can Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club continue its tradition of excellence in the face of these challenges. The club’s strong foundation, community support, and ability to adapt suggest that they are well-positioned to do so. By focusing on their core values and continuing to innovate, Mountain Lakes can navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities for growth and success.
Future Considerations
- Expanding programs to reach more diverse communities
- Incorporating multi-sport approaches to athlete development
- Enhancing college recruiting support and guidance
- Developing partnerships with professional lacrosse organizations
- Investing in facilities and technology to stay competitive
As Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Club continues to evolve and grow, their impact on the sport and the community is likely to expand. By staying true to their core values while embracing change, the club can ensure that future generations of lacrosse players will have the opportunity to be part of this storied program.
Mountain Lakes High School
Color Key:
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
| 8:00am- 12:00pm | Basketball Camp Boys | MLHS – Auxiliary Gym |
| 8:00am- 6:00pm | Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Summer Camp Staff Parking | MLHS – MLHS Side Parking Lotlocation |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm | Rec Summer Camp | Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212 |
| 3:30pm- 5:30pm | Stretch Clinic (Cancelled) | Wildwood Elem. – Wildwood Field/ Playground location |
Thursday, July 13, 2023
| 8:00am- 12:00pm | Basketball Camp Boys | MLHS – Auxiliary Gym |
| 8:00am- 6:00pm | Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Summer Camp Staff Parking | MLHS – MLHS Side Parking Lotlocation |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm | Rec Summer Camp | Wildwood Elem. |
| 6:00pm- 8:00pm | MLHS Basketball Boys Open Gym | MLHS – Auxiliary Gym |
– Classroom 212Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212Friday, July 14, 2023
| 8:00am- 6:00pm | Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Summer Camp Staff Parking | MLHS – MLHS Side Parking Lotlocation |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm | Rec Summer Camp | Wildwood Elem. |
– Classroom 212Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212Saturday, July 15, 2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Monday, July 17, 2023
| 8:00am- 6:00pm | Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Summer Camp Staff Parking | MLHS – MLHS Side Parking Lotlocation |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm | Rec Summer Camp | Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212 |
– Classroom 213Tuesday, July 18, 2023
| 8:00am- 6:00pm | Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Summer Camp Staff Parking | MLHS – MLHS Side Parking Lotlocation |
| 9:00am- 12:00pm | Rec Summer Camp | Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212Wildwood Elem. – Classroom 212 |
| 6:00pm- 8:00pm | MLHS Basketball Boys Open Gym | MLHS – Auxiliary Gym |
– Classroom 217Rumson Falls to Mountain Lakes in Boys Lacrosse T.O.C. Final
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BASKING RIDGE — There is no gentle way to say it. On Monday afternoon, a historic season for the Rumson-Fair Haven boys lacrosse team came to an abrupt and disappointing end.
The Bulldogs fell behind early and outside of a three-goal second quarter were never able to recover as Mountain Lakes played a near-perfect game and handed Rumson a lopsided 21-5 defeat in the 2022 Tournament of Champions final at Ridge High School.
The final Tournament of Champions game, at least for the foreseeable future, began with the talented and tradition-rich Lakers opening up a 5-0 lead after the first quarter. Rumson regrouped in the second quarter and trimmed its deficit to 6-3 with under two minutes left in the first half.
Now, it was a game. Until it wasn’t.
Mountain Lakes, led by th dominant face-off duo of brothers Justin and Jordan Hernando, closed the first half with three goals in a span of 16 seconds to open a 9-3 halftime lead. The Lakers then scored the first six goals of the third quarter and it was that nine-goal run that put the game away and denied Rumson the TOC title.
It was a bitter end to the most successful season in Shore Conference lacrosse history. Rumson defeated Summit to win the Group 2 title and became the second Shore Conference team to win a group title, joining the 2015 Rumson squad. The Bulldogs were seeded No. 1 for the TOC, received a first-round bye, and then defeated Bridgewater-Raritan in the semifinals to become the first Shore team to reach the TOC championship game.
The TOC final was expected to be an even contest but Mountain Lakes played its best game of the season against a Rumson unit that was unable to match the Lakers’ execution.
“They were just better than us today,” said an emotional Rumson head coach Marc Moreau. “Great year, great career, the sun is going to come up tomorrow and we’ll be able to look back and be proud of what they accomplished.”
“(Rumson) is a great team,” said legendary Mountain Lakes head coach Tim Flynn, who has a state-record 715 wins in 43 seasons. “We’ve been saying to our kids all year, “how good can we be?”, because we’ve seen glimpses of it. Against this team, a great program with a great coaching staff and great athletes all over the field, we knew we needed that kind of effort and the kids provided it.”
Senior midfielder Chaz Kotsen scored a game-high five goals, including a first-quarter hat trick, while senior attackman Reid Tietjen delivered two goals and four assists for a game-high six points.
Senior attackman Bradford Goodbar tallied three goals and two assists, senior midfielder Cade Schuckman had two goals and one assist, and senior John Lane scored twice. Senior FOGO Justin Hernando won 9 of 11 face-offs and also scored a goal directly off a clean win and sophomore FOGO Jordan Hernando won 17-of-18 face-offs and provided a goal and an assist.
Junior attackman Quinn Stankovits scored twice, senior attackman Phil Passalaqua had a goal and an assist, and senior attackman Christian Bockelmann and junior defenseman Beau Kemler had one goal each for Rumson.
The game was scoreless through the first half of the opening quarter until Schuckman started the scoring at 6:36. Kotsen scored less than a minute later and again at the 3:32 mark for a 3-0 Mountain Lakes lead. Off the ensuing face-off, Jordan Hernando sprinted to the crease and scored to make it two goals in six seconds and put the Lakers up 4-0. Jimmy Elliot then deposited a feed from Reid Tietjen with 1:32 on the clock to complete a dominant quarter for Mountain Lakes.
All season, Rumson showed an ability to respond to adversity and get better as the game progressed, and it looked like that trend was going to continue during the second quarter. Passalaqua scored at 5:37 and Stankovits scored from long distance at 3:35 to cut RFH’s deficit to 5-2. Mountain Lakes answered almost immediately – a theme throughout the game – when Kotsen struck for a goal at 2:36 to open a 6-2 lead. Rumson had possession with just over two minutes left in the half and called a timeout to talk it over. At this point, a goal to cut it to 6-3 felt like it could begin to turn the tide of the game. The Bulldogs got exactly that when Bockelmann found the top corner off a pass from Passalaqua to pull RFH to within 6-3 with 1:43 left in the first half. But that was as close as Rumson would get.
A transition goal by Ben Buzby with 58.2 seconds left in the first half was the beginning of a nine-goal barrage that turned a close game into a blowout. Jordan Hernando won the following face-off clean and dished to Tietjen for a goal just five seconds later.
Another face-off win led to Goodbar scoring off a deft pass from Tietjen with 42.9 seconds on the clock. Three goals in 16 seconds and Mountain Lakes was off and running.
Rumson was flagged for a penalty with no time remaining in the first half so the Lakers began the third quarter with an extra-man opportunity. Rumson killed off the penalty but Lakes scored one second after the teams were back at even strength on a goal by Kotsen. The Lakers continued to play make-it-take-it with goals by Lane, Goodbar, Tietjen, Giacomo Bevacqua, and Justin Hernando before Stankovits finally broke the run with a goal at 2:30. But by that time, Lakes had opened up 15-3 lead and set the mercy-rule running clock in motion.
“We had that step-on-their throats mentality,” Kotsen said. “We didn’t want to give them any chance. We know how good they are, how high-powered they are, and the kinds of runs they can go on. I’m so proud of the defense for not letting them do that and of the offense for consistently putting the numbers up.
“
For Mountain Lakes, this is its fourth TOC title, adding to the championships won in 2007, 2008, and 2019.
“It means so much to this town,” Kotsen said. “We worked not only all year but all the years. In second grade we picked up a stick and that’s the Mountain Lakes culture. It’s just such a great feeling knowing that trophy is going to be home forever. This game is about as good as you can ask for from a team. I’m just so proud of all the coaches, all the players.”
It will take a while to wash away the sour taste of the final game of the season for Rumson, but the prior 26 games for the Bulldogs were special. Rumson did what no Shore Conference team has done and continues to be the standard-bearer for the boys lacrosse programs in Monmouth and Ocean counties. The idea of a Shore team going through Summit, Bridgewater-Raritan, and Mountain Lakes to win a TOC title seemed crazy on the surface, but the Bulldogs built toward this moment with years of great effort and execution from the youth level right on up to high school.
Building tradition and culture is no easy task, but Rumson lacrosse has done it since its inception in the early 2000s. The pride of putting on the jersey is noteworthy for Rumson, just as it is for Mountain Lakes, a program that has been around since the late 1970s and is one of the state’s blue bloods.
“It’s so surreal,” Kotsen said.”We talked about it, these orange jerseys have so much grit in them. This past week we were watching games of all the guys who did it before us. You see those guys playing 30, 40 years ago in your jersey and it means so much. It’s such a rich culture and you feel like you’re playing for more than just your team or yourself, you’re playing for the whole community.”
Maybe the Tournament of Champions returns one day in boys lacrosse, but for now, it is over. The NJSIAA made the decision to scrap the TOC in all sports for reasons including lopsided games and the same teams winning most years. But that has not been the case in boys lacrosse, which has always played down to one champion.
Many boys lacrosse programs do not agree with the decision and Mountain Lakes is chief among them.
“It’s very, very, very special,” Flynn said of winning the final TOC. ‘This belongs to every kid who’s ever put on the uniform at Mountain Lakes, every parent; great families. But I also have to say it’s a travesty that this is ending. It’s the same teams all the time? Rumson, first time in. Nobody can beat the private schools? Today you had two public schools and, oh, by the way, they’re the two smallest public schools. They’re taking this away from the kids, and not just Mountain Lakes kids. They’re taking this away from all the kids in the state of New Jersey who carry a lacrosse stick.”
Box Score
Mountain Lakes 21, Rumson-Fair Haven 5
Mountain Lakes (22-1) 5 4 7 5 — 21
Rumson-Fair Haven (22-5) 0 3 1 1 — 5
GOALS — RFH: Quinn Stankovits 2, Christian Bockelmann, Phil Passalaqua, Beau Kemler; ML: Chaz Kotsen 5, Bradford Goodbar 3, Reid Tietjen 2, Cade Schuckman 2, John Lane 2, Jimmy Elliot, Kevin Gillespie, Ben Buzby, Owen Pirolo, Jordan Hernando, Justin Hernando, Giacomo Bevacqua.
ASSISTS — RFH: Phil Passalaqua; ML: Reid Tietjen 4, Bradford Goodbar 2, Jake Troisi, Jordan Hernando, Giacomo Bevacqua, Cade Schuckman.
SAVES — RFH: Will Setteducate 3, Alex Baret 2; ML: Jimmy Holda 4, Matt Sentowski 4.
Camp Douglas and Mill Bluff, Sparta and La Crosse, Wisconsin: smzrtski — LiveJournal
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July 10
We are heading northwest parallel to the Mississippi.
Our next stop is Mill Bluff State Park near Camp Douglas.
The Wildcat Mountains rise to the west to the Mississippi, the Great Plains stretch to the east.
Sandstone and limestone outcrops form beautiful bluffs here.
Camped at night on top of one such cliff. I was surprised by the bench when we barely entered it in the dark. As it turned out, they are made by local pioneer scouts, on the benches are the names of the dead soldiers. We sat by the fire on this bench and commemorated a soldier unknown to us. In such beautiful places it is difficult to realize that there is a war somewhere, right now, they continue to die, politicians continue to dodge so that someone continues to die
– at Mill Bluff State Park.
In the morning we were in the camp of the National Guard, and the museum, this is F15B, a bowl from the First World War.
– in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin.
Next is Sparta, a town with a quiet river in the center. And cyclists everywhere – in Sparta, Wisconsin.
West Salem, Wisconsin – in West Salem, Wisconsin.
We are on the Mississippi, near La Crosse and Lake Onalaska – in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
I just took a picture of a small anaconda here with a big camera
Silver weather, 25 degrees – at Lake Onalaska.
A small but comfortable observation deck on the lake – at Lake Onalaska.
Fishermen ran into the anaconda – in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
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Tags: camp_douglas, cross_america2015, la_crosse , mill_bluff, mississippi, onalaska_lake, sparta, summer, west_salem, wisconsin, fb
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World Camps (INT)
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Welcome to the TLC family of camps
Timber Lake West is a traditional co-ed four-week overnight summer camp. We’re compiling the entire summer into an exciting four-week experience for each of our members.
Why we love him
Great program
Various activities
Safe environment
experience
Good to know
Night camp
8 to 16 years old
For girls and boys
Founded in N/A
From 5900 USD to 7725 USD
Maximum 300 people
July to August
English as main language
Timber Lake West is a traditional four-week overnight summer camp.
We turn a fun-filled summer into an exciting four-week experience for every one of our holidaymakers. Nestled in New York’s Catskills, Timber Lake West is just over 2 hours northwest of New York City and 3 hours from Philadelphia. Perched atop a mountain, its 380 secluded acres feature its own spring-fed lake and an outstanding array of summer camp amenities.
Accommodation
Cabins
Dormitories
Maximum N/A person per room
Bathrooms
Room with bathroom
Amenities
Canteen
Gym
Swimming pool
Tennis court
Football court
Basketball court
9 0033 Baseball field
Golf course
Archery
Activity
- Basketball
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- Softball
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Golf
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Ga-Ga
- Swimming
- canoeing, kayaking, rowing, surfing, fun bikes and banana boats.
