Just received word moments ago that the Empire State Games’ fate for 2009 has now been all but sealed.

Though there has been no announcement yet, I’ve been told the decision has been made to cancel this summer’s Games and that coaches have been told they will not be needed this summer.

Needless to say, this will have a huge impact on lacrosse. Since the Games’ fate has been in limbo for months now, many lax players I’ve talked to have made alternate plans for the summer. There is also talk about starting up several showcase recruiting events in the area to give players an opportunity to be seen by college coaches.

We’ll have more info when it becomes available. In the meantime, let’s hear your thoughts.

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5 Responses to “ESG fate now appears to be decided”

  1. slacrosse says:

    Hey Joe,

    Obviously a very bad development as eliminates a prime showcase for Hudson Valley kids.

    What are you hearing about kids in the HV trying out for the Under Armour “Upper NY State” team?? If I was a kid who thought I’d have a shot at HV I’d try out for the team but the logistics and odds are not that good. I think at least guys like Interlichio, Brandofino and McCormack would have good shots!

    We pay the highest taxes in the country (westchester #1 in country) and now this!!

  2. Joe Lombardi says:

    slacrosse –

    It is a very tough development, especially for the kids who are going into their junior and senior years. I’m told they are committed to having the Games return in 2010, but that doesn’t help those who were counting on it as an opportunity to showcase themselves to college coaches. It will be interesting to hear the thoughts of everyone involved in our recruiting seminar, including coaches Joe Alberici (Army) and Andy Copelan (Fairfield), regarding this.

    I have not heard anything specific about the upstate team. I think the next few weeks/months will be very interesting, especially because not only are the ESG Games themselves a showcase, but the tryouts, which are also attended by numerous coaches. I know many players who did not make the final cut who showed enough in tryouts to earn spots at good college lax programs.

  3. LI Guy says:

    This will have a devastating impact on LI where between boys and girls easily over a thousand kids try out for Emps with college coaches at all the tryouts.

  4. slacrosse says:

    LI Guy,

    Well just like Hudson Valley the LI kids can can still compete for the LI Under Armour team. Seems like the big difference would be only 1 or 2 tryouts versus 4 or 5 for ESG (so less exposure to college coaches not good)? Think HV kids have a 3-4 hr drive to make team and not sure if more then 1 tryout day

  5. Fugghhettaboutitt says:

    Looks like its the next best thing to Emps
    Go to Hotbeds with Westrock!!!

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