Nike Elite Lacrosse Camp Storm Through Denver

Zone Ready Press Release 6.15.09

Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps Storm through Denver

Denver, CO – Before the routine spring afternoon thunderstorm, the Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps rained down on Denver Colorado in mid June.  In their 2^nd season, the NELCs (Nike Elite Lacrosse Camps) are a chance for elite high school lacrosse players to improve all facets of their game, from sports performance development to full field play.  Dick’s Sports Complex in Denver would be the first stop on a tour that is planned to bring the best sports performance and lacrosse coaches to select West and East Coast cities.

This Nike project brings together two very familiar organizations – ESPN Rise and ZoneReady to provide a four hour event that brings out the best in high school lacrosse.  ESPN Rise, who consistently sets the standard for high school sports combines and educational/competition camps; is aided by ZoneReady’s unique approach to integrate sports performance training with specific sport skills and competition.  Add in half a dozen of the best players at various positions from the Major Lacrosse League (MLL) and the participants are in store for a lacrosse experience like no other.

ESPN Rise member and MLL Denver Outlaws defenseman Brett Hughes is the impetus behind NELC’s growing popularity.  “Our intention is to provide an educational experience for the college bound lacrosse player,” admits Mr. Hughes.  “Players come to this camp to get the best instruction on sports performance training and lacrosse skill and strategy.  This is ‘Priority One’ – it’s what differentiates us from other camps that are purely for playing experience or recruiting status.”

Brett’s sentiments are echoed in the voice of his instructors.  Outlaws midfielder, Lou Braun couldn’t say it any clearer.  “This is an elite camp!” he proclaims as passing drills proceed amidst his watchful eye.  No time for being a babysitter, a referee, or spectator – the NELC’s coaches are entrenched in their work to provide high level instruction at every turn.  Top effort, positive attitude, and a high level of lacrosse aptitude are prerequisites for every athlete’s invite and entry.  No time for crawling today – the NELC asks that its athletes fly high.

With a high level of lacrosse skills being the operating standard, how do these laxers adapt to the high performance demands of sports performance specialists from ZoneReady.  Coach Doug Gizzi from the cutting edge sports performance company comments:  “If we get 100% effort and a positive attitude, the athlete will improve.  For the NELC; we’ve created safe, impactful, and fun drills to improve general athleticism and lacrosse specific movements.  Sports performance training is new for lacrosse; we want to show them how easily it can fit into all the other training they must engage in to improve their game.”

When the four hour long Nike Elite Lacrosse Camp is done, there is no question that the full gambit of everything it takes to be a successful collegiate lacrosse player is covered.  Athletes are overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge they were exposed to in a short period of time.  They enjoy a unique “lax-perience” where education is the focus and they are coached from current stars like Kyle Harrison, Sean Campbell, and Max Seibold just to name a few.  The future of lacrosse camps is here and it is doing more every time out to catapult America’s fastest growing sport to another level.

To see this article on ESPN.COM click here