Kyle and Owen interview Kevin Orcutt, head coach of Marshfield Boys Lacrosse. The discussion starts with an update on current sports events and transitions into a detailed conversation with Coach Orcutt about his journey from being an 'Army brat' in Germany to becoming an influential lacrosse coach. Highlights include his various coaching roles, how he self-educated in lacrosse, and the inspirational figures he met, like Stu Curran. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of elitism in youth lacrosse, the importance of multi-sport athletes, and Marshfield's successful run to the state finals. Finally, Orcutt discusses his expectations for the upcoming season and the critical role of nurturing underdog players in the sport.

Topics

00:53 College Lacrosse Highlights

01:21 Interview with Coach Kevin Orcutt

03:32 Learning and Coaching Philosophy

06:24 Challenges and Success Stories

20:04 Club Lacrosse and Player Development

32:34 Celebrating Student Successes

33:21 The Challenges of Coaching High School vs. College

33:44 Navigating the Overload of Coaching Voices

34:47 Balancing Club and High School Coaching

36:18 The Club Team Landscape in New Hampshire

37:49 The Problem with Elitism in Lacrosse

38:56 The Importance of the Right College Fit

40:47 The Value of Multi-Sport Athletes

42:57 The Joy of Coaching and Player Development

44:36 The Role of Elite Players in Youth Development

47:23 The Impact of Good Coaching

58:50 Preparing for the Upcoming Season

01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Kyle and Owen converse with Mark Puzzangara, the head coach of Scituate High School's lacrosse team. The discussion covers various coaching philosophies, the importance of fostering young talent, and building a resilient team culture. The episode also delves into Scituate's significant run to the state finals, marked by emotional challenges, the impact of losing two assistant coaches, and the community's support. Puzzangara shares insights into maintaining team morale and staying competitive, providing listeners with both strategic advice and a heartfelt narrative about perseverance in sports.

Topics

02:20 Coaching Journey and Background

03:40 Youth Programs and Player Development

08:09 Defensive Strategies and Philosophy

12:31 Challenges and Adaptations in Lacrosse

19:56 Depth and Team Dynamics

22:42 Unique Home Field Advantages

23:44 Coaching at a Small School

24:20 Challenges of Multi-Sport Athletes

25:55 Division Realignment and Competitive Play

27:03 Post-COVID Turnaround

27:52 Impact of Freshman Talent

32:16 Innovative Drills and Training

39:30 Emotional Journey to the State Finals

47:02 Conclusion and Farewell

The guest is Acton-Boxboro Coach Pat Ammendolia on his journey and philosophies since taking over the program, including the importance of fostering a fun, hard-working culture. Coach Ammendolia shares insights on implementing zone defense, developing young talent through the 'buddy program,' and navigating the challenges of the high school lacrosse landscape, such as players reclassing and transferring to prep schools. The episode closes with a talk on the significance of the Players Cup and its impact on high school lacrosse in Massachusetts.

Topics

01:53 Building a Winning Culture at AB

03:43 Challenges and Strategies in Coaching

08:53 Youth Programs and Community Engagement

12:01 Playoff Formats and Opinions

17:07 Zone Defense: A Deep Dive

21:46 The Wesleyan Zone Defense

22:37 Coaching Challenges and Strategies

23:36 Zone Defense in Action

26:52 Balancing Offense and Defense

29:09 Reflecting on Playing Career

31:58 Team Rules and Philosophy

34:34 Challenges of Player Retention

37:38 Debating Reclassing in Lacrosse

42:59 The Impact of Roster Limits

44:06 The Importance of April Break Tournaments

45:44 Conclusion and Farewell

In this engaging episode of New England Lacrosse Journals Chasing the Gold podcast, hosts Kyle Devitte and Owen Hart are joined by Sacred Heart Men's Lacrosse Head Coach Jon Basti. The conversation covers a wide array of topics, including the specifics of preseason practice, transitioning between conferences, and adapting game strategies. Coach Basti dives into the mental and emotional aspects of coaching, recounts memorable victories, and discusses the implementation and implications of the Transfer Portal in college sports. Along the way, personal stories and humorous anecdotes, including a heartfelt moment with former player Tim Fallon, are shared, giving listeners a comprehensive view of what it takes to build and maintain a successful lacrosse program.

Topics

00:48 Countdown to College Lacrosse

01:36 Interview with Coach Jon Basti

02:48 Journey into the MAAC

06:21 Philosophical Shift and Season Challenges

09:15 Turning Point and Team Resilience

15:34 Coaching Philosophy and Mindset

30:04 Discovering a Coaching Connection

30:34 Memorable First Coaching Experience

31:29 Building a Strong Team at East Con

32:46 Emotional Challenges in Coaching

41:32 Dealing with the Transfer Portal

48:37 Reflecting on Wins and Losses

55:01 Tim Fallon Story and Closing Remarks

Kyle and Owen sit down with Coach Dave Barton, head coach of Falmouth High School's lacrosse program in Maine. They discuss the development of the sport in Maine, the importance of building a strong community and youth program, and how playing competitive out-of-state teams can elevate local lacrosse standards. Coach Barton shares insights into his journey from a high school goalie to a successful coach, the challenges of overcoming repeated playoff losses, and the joy of finally winning a state championship. The conversation also touches on the impact of recruiting and developing local talent for prestigious NESCAC schools and how it can shape the future of lacrosse in the state.

Topics

01:09 Guest Introduction: Coach Dave Barton

03:41 Coach Barton's Lacrosse Journey

05:08 The Unique Role of a Goalie

06:04 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics

17:14 Maine Lacrosse Overview

22:19 The Challenge of Defense and Offense

22:35 Overcoming the Championship Hurdle

24:39 The Pain and Motivation of Losing

27:17 Building a Lacrosse Community

28:14 Strengthening Competition Through Out-of-State Games

30:25 Developing Lacrosse in Maine

33:18 The Importance of Quality Coaching

36:43 Youth Engagement and Program Building

43:03 The Role of Social Media and Local Recruitment

48:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen welcome Brian Powers, the new head coach at Middlesex School, as their guest. Brian shares his journey from playing lacrosse at Tufts University to coaching at Middlesex, detailing his sporting background in New England. The discussion covers a range of topics including the unique nature of lacrosse seasons, the culture of teams from Winchester, the ISL's competitive landscape, and the specific dynamics of coaching at one's alma mater. The conversation also touches on the challenges and philosophies of coaching, transitioning from player to coach, and high school sports rivalries. Brian reflects on his experiences and the high aspirations he has for his first season back at Middlesex.

Topics

00:34 Fall Ball and Lacrosse Season Transition

01:12 Interview with Middlesex Head Coach Brian Powers

01:45 Brian Powers' Background and Coaching Journey

03:26 Winchester Lacrosse Culture

04:53 Teaching and Coaching at Middlesex

06:17 Challenges and Successes at CM

13:15 ISL Coaching and Rivalries

15:18 Playoff Atmosphere and Player Utilization

26:16 Rivalries and Memorable Games

37:15 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Connection

39:55 Closing Thoughts and Movember Fun

The guest is Sam Cleveland, the head coach at Lawrence Academy. They discuss Sam's lacrosse journey from playing in Arlington, Mass to his collegiate career at Colgate, and delve into his coaching philosophy at Lawrence Academy. Topics include the challenges and rewards of high school lacrosse, the impact of club lacrosse and prep schools, and the importance of player development and love for the sport. The conversation also touches on recruiting, reclassifying, and how high school coaches can better support their players in navigating the complex landscape of collegiate lacrosse.

Chasing the Goal podcast from New England Lacrosse Journal is a Seamans Media production.

Find more daily lacrosse news at New England Lacrosse Journal: https://www.laxjournal.com/

Topics

00:44 Introducing the Guest: Sam Cleveland

01:45 Sam Cleveland's Early Lacrosse Journey

04:01 High School Lacrosse and Club Struggles

05:58 College Lacrosse Experience at Colgate

08:08 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

17:40 Challenges of Coaching in the ISL

20:50 Recruitment and Team Building at Lawrence Academy

25:49 Balancing ISL and Out-of-League Games

26:43 Reflecting on Last Season's Highlights

27:23 Playoff Strategies and Challenges

29:31 The Importance of Academic and Athletic Balance

33:10 The Role of High School Coaches in Recruitment

35:55 Debating the Reclass Phenomenon

37:28 Challenges in Lacrosse Development

47:40 Opportunities for Improvement in Coaching and Recruitment

50:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts