The annual Halloween Tournament last Saturday in Orem was another great day of lacrosse, displaying the best local lacrosse talent. With 26 teams in action, there was non-stop action from 9am to 5pm.
The local clubs were out in force with Advantage, Blackhawks, Utah Starz, HEADstrong, Jolly Rogers and NU Thunder bringing their ‘A’ games to the event. Lone Peak, Pleasant Grove and a team of BYU recruits filled in the gaps at the high school level, enhancing the competition. Utah State, Westminster, BYU and Utah rounded out the event, displaying their newest recruits and schemes.
“This is the second year I’ve done the tournament,” said Orem Recreation Youth Sports Coordinator Mark Resch. “Last year we had 15 teams and this year we have 26 so I think the overall tournament has improved. We want to bring more teams and with the lacrosse scene in Utah growing, I can’t see anything but good things happening and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Blackhawks Attackmen Chantz Roberts Shoots Past Flying Starz Goalie
The Blackhawks U13, U15 and U19 teams won the championships and took second in the U17 bracket, losing to a pesky Advantage Blue team.
“We played well and moved the ball well,” said Advantage Blue Head Coach Marty Wescott. “We’ve really emphasized the team aspect of play and I think it showed today. It’s fun to win the championship on such a great day. It’s good to have the level of competition that exists in the state today. It only makes everyone better.”
In the U15 bracket, the Blackhawks went 4-1, only losing to Jolly Rogers. The U17 Advantage Blue team went 4-0, beating Lone Peak, Starz 2, and the Blackhawks twice. The U19 bracket pitted the Starz against Blackhawks, but the Starz forfeited due to lack of players, giving the Blackhawks the championship.
Mike Isbell, the Blackhawks Program Director said, “The BYU Halloween Classic was just that, Classic! I cant say enough about the great job the tournament organizers did. The facilities were top notch, the weather was perfect, and the competition was the best I have ever seen this state offer at a single tournament of all Utah players. It really is remarkable how far lacrosse in Utah has come and I am excited to see where it is going. I was extremely pleased with the performance of the Blackhawks in each division, the level of play by the other club teams made us play that much better. My hat goes off to the Utah Starz, Advantage Lacrosse, Jolly Rogers, Northern Utah Thunder, and the rest of the teams that competed. These players all know each other or know of each other. They are teammates for their school teams and select teams, and love to play against each other, it was great to witness. It’s great to see a local tournament with nothing but Utah players. Every team in the state should come to this tournament. They will not be disappointed.”
