2006 Florida Lacrosse Classic

OWU Legends Lacrosse Team to Compete in the 5th Annual Florida Lacrosse Classic

The OWU Legends Lacrosse Team assembled in Ft. Lauderdale this January to compete in the 5th Annual Florida Lacrosse Classic. This is the fourth year we have represented Ohio Wesleyan and the first year the OWU Lacrosse Alumni Association ran the event. Since the first tournament in 2001, over 100 alumni friends and family have either worn a Legends uniform or come out to support the team.

This year’s tournament recycled many of the players from earlier teams while adding a new face to the Legends ranks. Former alumni players who returned to the fold were Dan Gleason ’78, John Gower ’83, Tim Tuttle ’81, Howard Lessel ’81, Andy Sigler ’81, Andy Stringer ’73, and Fred Watkins ’74, while Mark Shipps ’70 joined the group for the first time. Fred Watkins and Andy Stringer came back from “retirement”, proving that you can find the magic once again. The core group consists of 16 players who always make the show—this year we had two fly in from the west coast, one from Texas, three from Ohio, and the rest trekked in from all over the eastern seaboard.

One of the biggest challenges in these events is trying to put together a scoring offense during the early games when everyone is a little rusty. However, when the connections are made and the stars become aligned, a powerful bond is formed. It’s a feeling you don’t get playing golf, it’s a team effort, and a gratifying experience for all of the players involved.

In addition to our growing lacrosse alumni network, we are blessed with a great group of friends from outside of OWU who supplement our squad and give us the numbers we need to field two teams in the Grand Masters (age 45+) and Super Grand Masters (age 50+) divisions. We are proud to call them teammates and their enthusiasm for the game makes the OWU Legends a memorable experience for all who don the black and red uniforms.

One thing is evident: the friendships renewed by competition and bolstered by teamwork add a dimension to our lives that is truly rewarding. In addition, we have a lot of fun and the South Florida party atmosphere soothes the aches and pains from the renewed lacrosse battles over the three day tournament play. Couple that with the never-ending grin that comes from once again being able to play the game we love—and you quickly realize why we say to our former teammates who have yet to join our ranks: “Be Somebody, Be a Legend”. You can do this—and it is well worth the effort!

If you are interested in playing, coaching, supporting or just being on the OWU Legends email list, contact Steve Corrigan ’74 at stevecorrigan2@hotmail.com. Also contact Steve if you are interested in joining our fundraising efforts to support the current OWU lacrosse squad—you can make an immediate impact by purchasing “Legends Wear” apparel (our hooded black sweatshirts can be seen in the Legends picture from the tournament). Visit our Web site for the full Florida roster, and the 2006 schedule of upcoming LAX events.

Steve Corrigan
171 County Road
Vernon, NJ 07421
SteveCorrigan2@hotmail.com
973-271-7688 cell
973-853-3505 home