Tampa Elite Scores National Bids in Lacrosse Mecca

(Tampa, FL – July 17, 2013) Tampa Elite Lacrosse’s Boys team dominated in GA and MD this month, showing teams from around the nation that, yes, Florida teams can compete with the best.

Elite’s U13 Boys squad, comprised of athletes from South Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, Fish Hawk, New Tampa, Weeki Wachee, Sarasota, Valrico, and Plant City, prevailed, winning their second consecutive qualifying championship at the Georgia Southern Shootout July 13-14. Teams from Georgia, Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee went home without a gold medal as our Florida boys triumphantly took first place. Tampa Elite received a bid to the National Championship hosted by Dick’s Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, earning the  opportunity to compete for a national title Dec 29-31 in Pasco County.

“The Tampa Elite U13 team's terrific showing in back to back out-of-state National Tournaments is a testament to these players’ skills being the best in the south and on par with the powerhouse programs of the lacrosse hotbeds in the northeast,” says former professional lacrosse player and Tampa Elite Coaching Director, Brian Lemon.

Less than a week before, Tampa Elite earned their first offer for a Nationals spot just outside of Baltimore, Maryland at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Atlantic Cup Qualifying Tournament July 6-7. Tampa Elite’s first-ever appearance proved to be quite a showing for our state. As the only Florida lacrosse organization participating, Tampa Elite’s teams were the talk of the tournament as they eliminated team after team, demonstrating great strength in an area of the country where lacrosse has dominated for decades. U13 boys made their national mark, beating all but one team to be named runner-up among the 20 teams in their bracket. Their wins in this tournament came against teams from Ontario, Canada, PA, MD, and VA.

“Coach Lemon has quickly assembled a national contender by implementing a complete program," said Howard Frank, Tampa Elite President. "From his summer weekend team retreat, team conditioning, mentorship program, and community service, Tampa Elite is more than just a travel lacrosse program. These young athletes will cherish these experiences for the rest of their lives. To win on the national stage at the Dick’s Tournament of Champions would be the Elite crown jewel.”

Try outs for Tampa Elite girls and boys squads are held every December. Check back at http//www.TampaEliteLacrosse.com