“We evaluated the top players at every position in terms of lacrosse skill, athletic ability, commitment and leadership – players who can represent Northern California in the best way possible both on and off the field,” said Coach Doug Appleton.
The NorCal team to represent NorCal Chapter at the US Lacrosse Boys’ U-15 National Championship was selected on January 16 at Sequoia HS, Redwood 
City. After an impressive 4th place at the 2010 U-15 National Championship, NorCal is eligible to compete in the National event and bypass the Regional tournament play-in. The 2011 U-15 National Championship finals will be played at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with the girls’ event on July 20-22 and the boys’ event on July 22-24.
NorCal tryout invitations were based on a combination of coach recommendation, recommendations and feedback from other coaches, the player’s tryout application, and the position played. There were over 100 applications of which 70 players were selected to try out. The competition and skill level among the players was very high and the process to select the final team difficult. The 15 evaluators were top area youth, high school and college coaches, as well as professional and club lacrosse players.
“Last year our NorCal national team was seeded first going into the semi-finals and was 2 seconds away from a championship appearance when a turnover and quick goal ended our championship run”, commented Coach Appleton. “We beat several tough East Coast teams in the tournament, including Maryland and Long Island. We know what it takes to compete at that level.”
The NorCal team is comprised of players from Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association (NCJLA) and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) schools. US Lacrosse permits the eligibility of 9th graders provided they meet the age requirements. The team will be coached by Doug Appleton, Nick Mayle and JC Reid.
NorCal Boys U-15 National Championship Team
Austin French Scorpions U15A (attack)
Chris Hill Marin Catholic HS (attack)
Duncan Hoskinson Sacred Heart HS (attack)
Joe Rodrigues Bellarmine HS (attack)
Robbie Stern Acalanes HS (attack)
Alex Castro Sacred Heart HS (defense)
Aran Roberts San Ramon Valley HS (defense)
Grant Shepardson Novato HS (defense)
James Harrison Palo Alto HS (defense)
Niko Souza San Ramon Valley HS (defense)
Liam Bourke Redwood HS (LSM)
Colin Rutan Walnut Creek U15A (midfield)
Finn Barry Central Marin U15A (midfield)
Joe Reid Casa Grande HS (midfield)
Kian Reno Davis HS (midfield)
Kyle Rodney Walnut Creek U15A (midfield)
Nick Hallmark Marin Catholic HS (midfield)
Peter Aliman Ross Valley U15A (midfield)
Sean Mayle Sacred Heart HS ( midfield)
Ben Parietti Jesuit HS (midfield/attack)
Austin Appleton Firehawks U15A (goalie)
Christian Champie Novato HS (goalie)
Josh Miller Foothill HS (goalie) (alternate)
Media Contact:
Heidi Faith
Communications Chair
Northern California Chapter of US Lacrosse
650.386.6746
heidi@norcallacrosse.org <mailto:heidi@sfdragons.com>
# # #
NorCal Lacrosse Foundation:
The Northern California Lacrosse Foundation is a regional Chapter of US Lacrosse, the national governing body of lacrosse. The Northern California Lacrosse Foundation is an independent non-profit corporation which is dedicated to promoting and supporting the growth of lacrosse in Northern California. The Chapters supports the leagues, clubs, teams and organizations which operate in Northern California by offering start-up loans, scholarships, loaner equipment, coaching and officiating development programs and educational events.
www.norcallacrosse.org <http://www.norcallacrosse.org>
US Lacrosse:
US Lacrosse was founded on January 1, 1998, as the national governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse. As such, US Lacrosse provides a leadership role in virtually every aspect of the game throughout the United States, and offers a number of programs and information services to its national membership and more than one million lacrosse enthusiasts throughout the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game.
www.uslacrosse.org <http://www.uslacrosse.org>
Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association:
The Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association (NCJLA) is a governing body for boys and girls youth and high school club teams.
www.ncjla.org <http://www.ncjla.org>
California Interscholastic Federation:
California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is a governing body for boys and girls high school Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.
www.cifstate.org <http://www.cifstate.org>
Heidi Faith
President
Communications Chair
Northern California Chapter of US Lacrosse
650.386.6746 o
650.575.5814 c
heidi@norcallacrosse.org <mailto:heidi@norcallacrosse.org>
http://www.norcallacrosse.org <http://www.norcallacrosse.org/>
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