by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
For the past few weekends the Iroquois Nationals have been holding tryouts for U19 team members to prepare to compete at the U19 Men’s World Lacrosse Championship. The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) awarded the event to take place July 9-18, 2020 at the University of Limerick in Castleroy, Limerick, Ireland. There are also tryouts for younger team members to participate in seasonal tournaments including the World Series of Youth Lacrosse in Denver, CO on July 1-4, 2020.
The Oneida Community Lacrosse team members and coaches traveled the 14 hours by vehicles and less by a train to the tryouts for the past two weekends. This is a first for this to occur and all involved are excited for the potential that is happening with young talent throughout Haudenosaunee Country to come together to play our national game of lacrosse.
“So honored and excited to be part of the big lacrosse weekend held here at Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College,” said Mark ‘Red’ Burnam, Iroquois Nationals U19 Head Coach and Director of Youth Development. “In search of the next Iroquois National superstars. It was the first tryout for youth development teams for the Iroquois Nationals field players ever set up for U13, U15 and U17 Iroquois Nationals developmental tryouts.”
“Overall a spectacular showing with some great youth potential especially representing Oneida Nation in Wisconsin who made the very long journey out again to prove the interest and talent that is growing rapidly out there. Much respect to the youth development, and much to do with coaches and the community backing out there that is a testament to community and truly growing the youth players overnight by leaps and bounds,” added Coach Mark.
“It was a great day for both teams,” said Eric Miccio, head men’s lacrosse coach, Onondaga Community College. “We were able to get better on the day, and I believe they were able to as well. But more importantly, we came together and played a game that means a lot to so many people in regards to their life and culture. That alone was a surreal environment to be in for me personally. Our players talked about playing the game with respect and for the reasons that were important to them today. I thought they did that with grace, creativity, and with great pride. Events like today are an opportunity to celebrate what lacrosse is all about.”
“Seven youth lacrosse players from Oneida, WI attended the first ever Iroquois National Youth tryouts on Saturday, Oct 26, 2019, and will be returning for the second tryout on Nov 30,” said Ernie Stevens III, Oneida U13 coach. “We heard about the tryouts from Mark ‘Red’ Burnam when he conducted a field and box clinic at Oneida last fall so a few parents and I decided to make the trip with a van full of youth to see what we can do.”
Travelling over 14 hours to attend the hour and half tryout session, held at Syracuse University’s Manley Fieldhouse, was more than just a lacrosse event for these young players. “This was one of the best experiences of my life. I’m so grateful that I was able to do this and hope to do more things like this,” said Dane Van Boxtel, 14.
Beyond the tryouts, the Oneida youth experienced many things within the Onondaga Territory. “This community is not far from their original homelands, often known as the ‘birthplace of the Creator’s Game’, and we wanted to show them where some of their heroes grew up and learned the game,” said Coach Stevens III. “We did just that.”
First, they visited the legendary Box field where some of the all time greats played for decades. The boys shot around and played catch before visiting the Onondaga Nation Fieldhouse: https://www.onondagafieldhouse.com/ where they met and spoke with Hall of Famer Russ George. From there, they spent some time at the Onondaga Spillway, where the famous Thompson Brothers Nike commercial was filmed. “My favorite part about the trip was running up the big hill that Jeremy Thompson ran in the commercial,” said Daniel Stevens, 11. “I wish we had a hill like that back home, I’d run it every day.” The boys played wall ball, ran stairs, took pictures, and just enjoyed a place many likely take for granted. “This place is so cool. The graffiti, the scenery, playing wall ball like the Thompsons was the best part,” said Nelson VandeHei, 14. “I want to go back.”
“Tryouts went quick, and were full of Haudenosaunee players from all over,” said Coach Ernie III. “By the end of it, it was clear that these Oneida players had what it took, as they were immediately invited back. It was also clear that the tryout had accumulated the right crowd of players overall.”
“Look around. You guys are the future of Iroquois Nationals,” said Coach Burnham. “You are the future of lacrosse.”
With plans to run the first set of Iroquois Nationals youth teams, U13, U15, U17, this tryout was not only historic but a true indicator of what Haudenosaunee Lacrosse looks like for years to come. The U13 squad will be the sole age level with the opportunity to compete in the youth nationals in Denver, 2020.
“We are excited and honored to be a part of this,” said Coach Ernie III, who will also participate as a U13 coach. “I am so happy for these boys and what they can achieve for their community. We have a lot of work to do.”
“It was a fun and thrilling experience, from the 14 hour drive to playing at the box, the mall, pizza joints, and of course trying out for the youth nationals lacrosse team. I will never forget it,” said Ernest Stevens IV, 14. “I love where this game has taken me.”
The weekend event also included the second round of U19 tryouts and a scrimmage with the defending national JUCO champion Onondaga Community College.
“Callbacks were given to Oneida players who attended the first tryout a few weekends ago,” said Curtiss Summers, Director of Oneida Community Lacrosse. “These included CJ Summers, Hudson King, Richard Summers, and Fox Christjohn. Emerson John also attended because he missed the first tryout.”
“We worked very hard these past 7 1/2 years to get these boys ready to compete at that ‘next level’ and this just shows how well our coaches are working with these young guys and high school boys. And a big shout out to our parents for buying in to our Medicine Game!” added Curtiss.
“I was so impressed with the talent that these young men possess,” said Curtiss. “Coming from the Midwest you don’t get to see the ‘east’ talent up close and personal. If anything, our boys are coming away with an experience that they will remember forever. To tryout for a National team to represent our people is the highest honor for these boys. It’s a dream for these young men, and whether or not they make the team they still have something to strive for. The future of our lacrosse is safe.”
“We’re looking to cut the team down to around 35 and final numbers to 25 but the World Team can only bring 23 plus 2 alternates,” said Coach Mark. “The next group is set to go Nov 30 and I might be coming out to WI before that and do it out there. That will be the real team we bring next time and have a group of legit kids.”
“The boys did very well out here,” said Coach Mark ‘Red’ Burnam.
