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#FNDURSUMT Media Tour 2022

Welcome To The Find Your Summit Tour Page - #FNDURSUMT


The Find Your Summit Tour, #FNDURSUMT, will capture and celebrate the authentic experience of lacrosse players and families from across the country as they make their way to each stop along the SLV summer slate. A big thank you to our partners Gait Lacrosse, YETI, Motive Pure, HyperIce, and Hot Crispy Oil for their meaningful support in making the Tour happen. Enjoy following along below!


STOP #10: Lake Placid Summit Classic

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Twenty-four lacrosse teams were crowned champions at the 33rd annual Lake Placid Summit Classic as athletes and families from far and wide celebrated the continent’s oldest sport in the Adirondack Mountains’ storied Olympic region from Aug. 1 to 7. 

An estimated 4,000 players ranging from 13 to 79 years old took the field over the course of the week at an event that has helped define the culture of the game and one that has fostered a far-reaching, tight-knit community within it.

Founded in 1990 by George Leveille and Mike DeRossi, two avid lacrosse players and lifelong friends, the Lake Placid Summit Classic kicked off Monday with more than 70 teams facing off across nine divisions for the scholastic portion of the tournament, which every year draws some of the very best club and high school programs to Lake Placid. 

“This event has become more incredible than we ever imagined—a magical week of enjoying this game in a beautiful place with friends and family,” said George Leveille, whose two sons, Kevin and Mike, grew up attending the tournament and went on to excel as college, pro and international lacrosse players. 

“This was one of the best years we’ve ever had in terms of competition, the family atmosphere, packed sidelines and, thankfully, gorgeous weather. On top of it all, we had several major milestones at the tournament to make it another unforgettable week in the Adirondacks.”

All week long, families lined the North Elba Athletic Fields and the vendor area was bustling with attendees checking out the lacrosse and non-lacrosse brands on site or grabbing a meal, snack or refreshment from one of the food merchants, including some that have been coming to the event for decades.

The final stop and ultimate destination of the inaugural Find Your Summit Tour presented by Gait Lacrosse, the Summit Classic saw the scholastic divisions reach their pinnacle Wednesday afternoon. 

And as the victors were relishing in their achievement, pulling on coveted Lake Placid Summit Classic championship T-shirts and posing for group shots with the iconic ski jumps prominent in the background, teams across some of the eldest men’s division began warming up on the grass. About 130 adult teams would ultimately compete for titles across 15 divisions from Wednesday through Sunday.

In a major achievement for the game, the Summit Classic for the first time fielded complete women’s divisions at the 18+, 25+ and 35+ age brackets. Four teams competed in the inaugural year of the women’s 35+ division, with LuvLax out of Ithaca capturing the title with an undefeated run.

“While we’ve been celebrating the male athletes who compete in Lake Placid for a long time, we’ve been working all the while to increase the opportunities for women to keep playing the game,” said Ashley Gersuk Murphy, CEO of Summit Lacrosse Ventures. Murphy, who starred as a goaltender at Northwestern University, took the field herself this past week as a member of the championship-winning LuvLax.

“It was fulfilling to see the women’s divisional span come to life on the field,” she said. “We hope more women will experience playing this amazing game in this wondrous location as we grow this division and introduce others alongside the existing men’s divisions.”

Thursday saw more history made at the Summit Classic as the event’s first ever 70-plus men’s game was held at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds. Players, several just shy of 80 years old, took the field on a picturesque evening with the Adirondack Mountains overlooking from all sides of the facility. 

Athletes split into two squads for the game, which kicked off with a speech by one of lacrosse’s all-time greatest coaches, Dom Starsia, who picks up the stick each year at Placid as a member of the Ultra Legends. Starsia was joined by numerous friends who ran alongside him as college players almost 50 year ago, including Dave White from nearby Akwesasne. 

Another one of the most respected men on the field just happened to be one of the most senior. Kenny Fougnier, honored later in the night as a Lake Placid Legend, was one of the most active players, showing his age - 78 - to be nothing more than a number. 

“I had the best time as always,” said Fougnier, a standout every year with the Cloudsplitter squads.

George Leveille, a Cloudsplitter teammate of Fougnier’s, said the game was important not just for the participants, but for their loved ones who were there to witness such a special moment. 

“We strive to make this an unforgettable experience for the players and their families, and this year felt rewarding on so many different levels,” Leveille said. “To see these men take the field for what became an emotional, spiritual evening was better than what we could have pictured and we hope it’s the start of an annual tradition.”

Sponsored by Great Jones Bourbon, the 2022 Lake Placid Legends induction ceremony took place immediately following the men’s 70+ contest, and families and friends of inductees gathered in the Horse Show Grounds pavilion for the yearly tradition that speaks to the powerful connection of the Lake Placid Summit Classic attendees and their communal mindset.

This year’s honorees included Fougnier, who was honored with the Travis Solomon Award; Cold Brook Lacrosse coach and Nazareth College alum Dave Basile, the recipient of the Paul Rose Award; longtime officials Chuck Piebes and Anthony Pironti, who were both given the Larry Piatelli Award, and the late Jim Case, the beloved Cornell University athletic trainer whose life was cut short in the spring of 2020. 

A fixture for years at the tournament and a vital member of the Summit Classic’s professional athletic training staff, Case was posthumously honored with the Tom Pillsworth Award for the impact he made on so many athletes not just in Lake Placid, but at Cornell University and through his many other roles as a trainer, mentor and friend. Jim’s wife, Ladeen, their sons Carson and Collin and their daughter Devin accepted the award with his longtime fellow Summit Classic trainers nearby to close out the emotional ceremony.

“We’re lucky to have so many good people involved in this over the years, and this is our way of commemorating them,” George Leveille said. 

Fougnier, who has been coming to the tournament since its inception, was moved by the honor.

“The Legend status is by far the best award that I have ever received,” said Fougnier, who played lacrosse at SUNY Cortland and graduated in 1967 before going on to coach at RPI. 

“I was humbled and honored coming from a tournament where so many great lacrosse players roam the fields. I have the utmost respect for the way Kevin and George successfully operate an event that has so many moving parts. The end result is always the same—many people go home satisfied and happy. Be proud!”

Back on the field, toe-to-toe action intensified into the weekend, culminating with championships held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to create a thrilling atmosphere on each of the sidelines at the North Elba Athletic Fields. 

In one of the most memorable games in the tournament’s wild and colorful history, the Summit Classic Men’s Open Division championship featured a marquee matchup between GMH LC out of Philadelphia and the Team 91 Legends Alumni team from Long Island. With onlookers filling both sidelines, one of the biggest crowds for any lacrosse game ever played in Lake Placid, the finale went into triple sudden-death overtime, capped with a goal by Towson University attackman Nicholas Demaio to give GMH the dramatic win. 

“Every year the competition gets better, the talent is more impressive and the games are more unbelievable, but our message during the championship presentations has been consistent,” said Kevin Leveille, Brand and Event Director for Summit Lacrosse Ventures. 

“The principles of competition, camaraderie and respect are what have helped make this tournament a success and a positive force for the past 33 years. Over the course of the week, we educate those who are new to the Summit Classic about our values. Our goal is to not just help lacrosse players create memories in the Adirondack Mountains, but to strengthen their love for this game that brings us all together.”

Below is a recap of the divisional champions at the 2022 Lake Placid Summit Classic, with the victors presented by Gait Lacrosse, along with each division’s Hot Crispy Oil HCO MVP:

Men’s 65+: Cloudsplitter (MVP: Lee Murphy)

Men’s 60+: Garber’s Gorillas (MVP: Bill Naslonski)

Men’s 55+: Team Harley (MVP: Mike DeMaria)

Men’s 50+: Sailin’ Shoe (MVP: dedicated to John Zulberti and Sean Fox)

Men’s 45+ Gold: Brown State (MVP: Dennis Fitzgibbons)

Men’s 45+ Silver: Pathways Within (MVP: Nick Gotto)

Men’s 40+: Motive Pure (MVP: Doug Shanahan)

Men’s 35+: Black & Blue Jays (MVP: Connor Martin)

Women’s 35+: LuvLax (MVP: LeAnn Karweck)

Men’s 30+: Rusty Buffalos (MVP: Gary Crowley)

Men’s 25+: Dirty Birds (MVP: Jack Rusbuldt)

Women’s 25+: Graph-Tex (MVP: Casey Bocklet)

Men’s Open Gold: GMH LC (MVP: Logan McNaney)

Men’s Open Silver: Heat Lacrosse (MVP: Joe Dugenio)

Women’s Open: Team HLA (MVP: Danielle Pavinelli)

Girls 2022-2025 Nike Northstar: UNC Baby Blues (MVP: Elizabeth Gonnella)

Boys 2023-2024 Gold: Heat Lacrosse (MVP: Crispin Kaye)

Boys 2023-2024 Silver: Baldwinsville (MVP: Pat Otts)

Boys 2023-2024 Summit: FCA Lacrosse National (MVP: Tomas Delgado)

Girls 2023-2025 Gold: Mass Elite Red (MVP: Fiona O’Keefe)

Girls 2023-2025 Silver: Daughters Nation (MVP: Hannah Hoyt)

Boys 2025-2026 Gold: Nation’s Best ’25 (MVP: Dom Paone)

Boys 2025-2026 Silver: Nation’s Best ’26 (MVP: Alex Dimnaku)

Girls 14U 2026-2027: Aces Blue (MVP: Ellie Miller)

View photos of the Lake Placid Summit Classic, including each of the championship squads, via the Lake Placid Summit Classic Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Lake Placid Summit Classic, set for July 31 to Aug. 6, 2023. 

Use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to check out the summer had by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trekked across the country to a total of ten different events. 


STOP #9: Happy Lax

Scenes from Happy Lax, our newest adult championship-format tournament, held this weekend in Saratoga Springs. A group of local squads battled it out on the field and basked in the sunshine together in their down time. Views brought to you by Find Your Summit Tour sponsor @gaitlaxofficial#fndursumt #happylax


STOP #8: Northstar Showcase

COLONIE, N.Y. — Nearly 100 athletes made their way to New York’s Capital Region for the eleventh edition of the Northstar Showcase, a girls training and recruiting opportunity featuring one-on-one instruction led by respected college coaches. 

Hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures, the Northstar Showcase drew members of the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 graduating classes to Afrim’s Sports Park just outside of Albany for a day of high-level training and competition, which included position-specific training with college coaches, along with full-field games and contests held in the “Sixes” format, widely considered to be a path to lacrosse in the Olympics. 

Established in 2012, the Northstar Showcase was created as a valuable opportunity for promising young lacrosse players to learn directly from outstanding, respected coaches and then put their skills and IQ on display in front of those coaches with the goal of playing at the next level. 

In addition to the college coaches, four current Division I college lacrosse student-athletes were on staff as counselors to serve as Northstar team coaches and to provide the athletes with both on-field instruction, and advice to navigate the recruiting landscape, develop as a student-athlete, and succeed at the next level. 

The day began with intensive positional training, and the athletes learned from and interacted with the dozen college coaches at breakout and buildup stations that progressed athletes from 1v1 to 6v6 play and then from 2v1 to 6v5 scenarios. Attackers and middies learned offensive techniques from some of our country’s all-time greats in USC’s Lindsey Munday, Army’s Michelle Tumolo, and Albany’s Katie Rowan. Defenders learned from Florida and Team USA’s Regy Thorpe, and Hopkins’ Tim McCormack, while goalies received dedicated training as well.

The second half of the day gave way to full-field games as participants were broken into four squads that built on the training sessions and put it all together on the turf. 

“We created the Northstar Showcase to offer an impactful, game-changing experience for the athletes,” said Summit CEO and President Ashley Gersuk Murphy, who was a standout at nearby Albany Academy for Girls before heading off to star at Northwestern University as a four-year Team Captain and All-American goalie. 

“There are so many young, talented girls lacrosse players coming up the ranks and for those who aim to play the game in college, the Northstar Showcase has become a crucial stepping stone. By working closely with college coaches, in an extraordinary ~5:1 ratio of athletes to coaches, and competing against other promising athletes, these girls better themselves and take a meaningful step toward playing at the next level. Lacrosse has given me so much personally, as an athlete, and professionally, and I love this opportunity to share what I have experienced with the next generation.”

During game play, college coaches lined the sideline to watch the athletes give it their all in the heat, under a beautiful partly-clouded sky. Attending institutions are hand-picked based on Summit’s relationships, to include the University of Southern California, Princeton University, the University of Florida, Johns Hopkins University, Colgate University, Army West Point, the University at Albany, University of Massachusetts, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Le Moyne College and more. “The lacrosse world is a close-knit community, and nothing is more important than the relationships built over time; we are very grateful for our friends and colleagues in the coaching ranks who support our vision for Northstar and make it such an exceptional experience for attending athletes,” said Murphy.

After game play concluded, coaches and staff met to tally votes for the day’s All-Stars, and teams were announced just before two All-Star games were held in the Sixes format, with college coaches lining the sideline between the adjacent small-sided fields.

Girls from as far away as Oregon, Colorado and Illinois traveled to the event, which was the eighth stop on the inaugural Find Your Summit (#FNDURSUMT) Tour sponsored by Gait Lacrosse, a company headquartered in New York’s Capital Region. 

“We even had Canadian representation as we appreciate that Northstar has become an important trip for girls who want to put themselves on an upward trajectory to play lacrosse in college,” said Murphy, who helped lead the Wildcats to their first NCAA championship in 2005. 

“Like every year, we had a world-class staff, including numerous coaches who’ve worked on professional and world teams, and we structure the Northstar Showcase similar to a college or pro training day. We’re thrilled to make a meaningful impact on the next crop of up-and-coming talented girls lacrosse players. The skill level and camaraderie this year was impressive and inspiring.”

To view photos of the 2022 Northstar Showcase, including the All-Star teams, visit the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Northstar Showcase, which will be announced shortly.

Use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we travel across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


STOP #7: Niagara Lacrosse Classic

YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y.— Ten different teams celebrated championships in historic Old Fort Niagara as part of the fifteenth annual Niagara Lacrosse Classic, the seventh stop on the inaugural Find Your Summit Tour (#FNDURSUMT) sponsored by Gait Lacrosse. 

Established in 2007 as a family-friendly lacrosse tournament, this year’s Niagara Lacrosse Classic featured 86 teams from all over the continent competing on July 16 and 17 across 13 different divisions. In 2021, girls divisions were added, broadening the experience and making it a convenient tournament opportunity for many families.

Action got underway early Saturday morning as families filled the gorgeous park, which sits at the mouth of the Niagara River and overlooks Lake Ontario with—depending on the time of day and weather conditions—views of the Toronto skyline some 30 miles across the water.

Founded by Michael Wright, Director of the Buffalo Lacrosse Academy, the event gives families the opportunity to experience nearby Niagara Falls, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and so much more that Western New York and the international corridor has to offer. Meanwhile, the event has drawn since its start college recruiters from all over the map. Meanwhile, since it's start, the event has drawn college recruiters from all over the map. 

In 2019, Wright partnered with Summit Lacrosse Ventures to manage operations of the growing event, now one of the largest lacrosse tournaments in the state. 

“This has evolved into exactly what we’d hoped, and that’s a place where teams can come to compete at a high level and be seen by recruiters,” said Wright, who was on the fields as a coach with Team Buffalo squads throughout the weekend. 

“This park has it all, even a swimming pool, a hiking trail and so much more to help make this the perfect place for a family to spend the weekend celebrating this game.” 

Kevin Leveille, Brand and Event Manager for Summit, applauded Wright for his vision to create an important, family-friendly lacrosse event that has only gotten better since its inception. 

“Mike created a terrific event with the Niagara Lacrosse Classic and we were more than happy to join forces with him to make it the best it can be every year,” said Leveille, a longtime pro and international player from New York’s Capital Region.

“Buffalo and all of Western New York is an area with so much lacrosse, so many talented players, a weekend like this brings out the best in it and we’re proud to work with Mike and his team,” Leveille said. “But it’s also a spot that’s convenient for teams from non-traditional regions, and it’s exciting to see the game growing through our attending teams.”

The sun was shining bright and the sidelines were full as boys and girls teams competed throughout the day July 16 and into the following day, with an eye toward one of 10 division championships. Meanwhile, college coaches were scattered about on the sidelines at many of the fields throughout the two days. 

Gait Lacrosse, the lead sponsor of the first ever Find Your Summit Tour, had a strong presence on site in the bustling vendor and food truck area by way of Albany-based retailer Precision Lacrosse. When they weren’t cheering from the sidelines, families were grabbing a bite to eat, relaxing under the shade of the massive trees within the park or enjoying its many attractions. 

Championship teams gathered on the small hill overlooking the playing fields—dubbed the park’s “summit” for the weekend—where they celebrated the occasion with families taking photos and commemorative hats distributed to the victors. 

What began as a tournament featuring local squads has grown to a nationally recognized destination tournament with this year’s participating teams traveling from as from as far away as Montana.

“We decided to bring our boys and girls to Niagara this summer for a couple reasons,” said Kevin Flynn, a Director with Treasure State Lacrosse based in Montana. 

“Most importantly, we know Kevin (Leveille) and the folks at SLV run great events and focus on the right things. It was a very cool experience for us playing at a unique venue and getting to see new teams. The tournament was a great fit competitively for the boys and girls and everyone had fun. Not much more you can ask for.”

Below is a recap of the divisional champions at the 2022 Niagara Lacrosse Classic, presented by Gait Lacrosse:

Boys 2023: Unity Lacrosse 2023
Girls 2023-2025: Quaker Lax Varsity
Boys 2024: Black Bear 2024
Boys 2025: Black Bear 2025
Boys 2026: Burning River 2026
Boys 2027: Burning River Maroon 2027
Boys 2028-2029 Gold: Evolve 2028-2029
Boys 2028-2029 Silver: NEO Nation Nomads
Boys 2030-2031 10v10: RedBlacks 2032
Boys 2030-2031 8v8: 256 LC

View photos of the Niagara Lacrosse Classic, including each of the championship squads, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Niagara Lacrosse Classic, set for July 15 and 16, 2023. 

Use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we travel across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


STOP #6: LAXFED Members Cup

NORTH EAST, Md.—Four champions were crowned at this year’s Lax Federation Members Cup, culminating two days of lacrosse on July 7 and 8 in Maryland’s Cecil County and the sixth stop on the inaugural Find Your Summit Tour (#FNDURSUMT) sponsored by Gait Lacrosse. 

Lax Federation teams from as far away as Western New York and Ohio made their way to the Mid-Atlantic for action that kicked off Thursday morning despite inclement weather that came through the area early in the morning and forced field and schedule adjustments. 

Regardless of the wet start to the day, the clouds parted and teams were on the field by noon on July 7 at Calvert Regional Park, North East High School and Perryville High School. 

“This turned out to be a solid couple days of lacrosse and we certainly appreciate the understanding of the players, coaches and families as we flexed into a new schedule and new locations,” said Kevin Leveille, Brand and Event Manager for Summit Lacrosse Ventures. 

“The camaraderie was truly energizing and showed on the fields. We did our best to adjust on the fly in order to offer the best tournament experience possible.” 

Founded in 2018, the Members Cup is meant to bring Lax Federation teams and families together, creating annual rivalries and the opportunity for attendees to meet and interact with different teams and players. For the high school-aged players, it offers a shot at the Lax Fed National Teams. As the Members Cup is held during the week, it allows teams to attend other events over the following weekend to make the most out of travel during the busy tournament season. 

“The Members Cup is important to our teams and they really gave it their all to go after these championships and for the individual players to showcase their skills for potential National Team involvement,” said Cory Malampy, Co-Founder of the Lax Federation.

Malampy, who played lacrosse at Widener College, pointed out that, despite the logistical changes, teams and athletes put it all on the line on the field. 

“It was a thrill for us to see such a competitive showing the whole time.”

Mike Wright, who runs the Buffalo Lacrosse Academy in Western New York, helped launch the event and was on the sidelines throughout the event as a coach with numerous Team Buffalo squads. He said the Members Cup is a valuable trip for teams from out of the area that travel to Maryland and experience club lacrosse at a high level. 

“I look forward to bringing my squads from Buffalo annually to compete against likeminded programs that play and develop with different styles,” Wright said. “Our group is learning and developing more so in this environment than say just a regular event. You can tell the players have a respect for the guys on the other side of the ball here.” 

Lax Federation, established in 2018, partnered with Summit Lacrosse Ventures in 2021 to manage event operations of the Members Cup, with an eye toward growing the event in the future. 

“We were excited to see teams from a bit further out like our squads and to also see so many enthusiastic families in the stands at all three facilities,” Wright said. “Lax Fed and Summit did a great job navigating the weather challenges to provide an outstanding tournament experience.”

On July 8, the sun shined as families rooted for teams competing for titles, which were decided at the three different locations, each with their own festive atmosphere.

“This is a meaningful partnership for us for a lot of reasons, but the main one being that this creates a crucial opportunity for teams from Maryland and beyond that want to compete with the same goals in mind—develop and learn in a family-friendly environment,” said Leveille, who starred at UMass and went on to storied pro and international career. 

Leveille said that Summit—the host of the popular Lake Placid Summit Classic—prides itself on working in a professional manner to handle the unpredictable nature of weather and other critical factors that can force changes on a tournament. 

“In some situations, as an event organizer, you unfortunately might have no choice but to postpone or cancel, but in every case, we try to use all our resources to make sure that teams can get on the field and play and have a great time,” Leveille said. “We’re fired up we got all of the games in.”

Below is a recap of the divisional champions at the 2022 Lax Federation Members Cup, presented by Gait Lacrosse:

Boys Varsity: Team Buffalo
Boys 2025: Haymakers 2025
Boys 2026-2027: Hustle 2026
Boys 2028-2029: Native 

View photos of the Lax Federation Members Cup, including each of the championship teams, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Members Cup, scheduled for July 6 and 7, 2023.


STOP #5: Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic

23 For 23

By Ryan Powell 04/13/2023, 9:30am EDT

Win A Free Stick

For the past 22 years, my brothers and I have been lucky enough to run lacrosse camps all over the country.  While 22 is a great number, we couldn’t stop the fun there – Powell Lacrosse camps are back and better than ever for the summer of 2023.

To show our gratitude for those who have helped us achieve such a milestone, we will be randomly selecting 23 names to receive a Powell Lacrosse giveaway via Instagram LIVE on May 1st at 2pm (EST).   How do you enter the contest, you ask?  It’s easy!  Sign up for a Powell Lacrosse camp by midnight (EST) on April 30th and you will automatically be entered to win.  While I may be bias, I promise you will not want to miss out on this giveaway.  Sign up now at www.powelllacrosse.com/events

Now you may be wondering, why Powell Lacrosse?  What sets our camps apart from the rest? The answer is simple. Here at Powell Lacrosse our focus is, and always will be, FUN. We pride ourselves on hand selecting world class players and coaches for our staff to not only assist with the necessary fundamentals of the game, but also ignite that same passion and love for lacrosse. There is a reason our camps have been in operation since 2000, and that is largely in part to our passion.  We are passionate about lacrosse and its growth.  We are passionate about the undeniable fun lacrosse has to offer.  We are passionate about the lifelong friendships, real world lessons, and places lacrosse can take us.  This game goes far beyond the endline and carries on long after the last blow of the whistle. We're here to support the culture, push the future & pull the past.

In our mission to grow the game, it is with great pleasure I announce we have expanded our summer repertoire to 35 camps spanning across 21 states. If your son or daughter is looking to elevate their game to its highest potential, while being trained by the best, look no further than a Powell Lacrosse camp. 

Girls Camps:

June 4th - June 8th / Flagstaff, Arizona (overnight)

July 18th - July 20th / Syracuse, New York (day)

June 27th - June 29th / Saratoga Springs, New York (day)

May 31st - June 2nd / Houston, Texas (day)

June 20th - June 22nd / Shelburne, Vermont (day)

Register For Day Camp
Register For Overnight Camp

Boys Camps:

May 31st - June 2nd / Houston, Texas (day)

June 4th - June 8th / Flagstaff, Arizona (overnight)

June 6th - June 9th / Ft. Myers, Florida (day)

June 6th - June 8th / Boca Raton, Florida (day)

June 13th - June 15th / Lexington, Kentucky (day)

June 13th - June 15th / Lynchburg, Virgina (day)

June 13th - June 15th / Cincinnati, Ohio (day)

June 13th - June 16th / Huntersville, North Carolina (day)

June 20th - June 22nd / Portland, Maine (day)

June 27th - June 29th / Syracuse, New York (day)

June 27th - June 29th / Saratoga Springs, New York (day)

July 11th - July 13th / Mt. Olive, New Jersey (day)

July 16th - July 19th / Collegeville, Minnesota (overnight)

July 18th - July 20th / Edmond, Oklahoma (day)

July 18th - July 20th / Saratoga Springs, New York (day)

July 18th - July 20th / Swampscott, Massachusetts (day)

July 18th - July 20th / Medway, Massachusetts (day)

July 18th - July 20th / Syracuse, New York (day)

July 23rd - July 26th / Springfield, Massachusetts (overnight)

July 25th - July 27th / Haverhill, Massachusetts (day)

July 25th - July 27th / Knoxville, Tennessee (day)

August 8th - August 10th / Syracuse, New York (day)

August 8th - August 10th / Hicksville, New York (day)

August 8th - August 10th / Pittsford, New York (day)

August 8th - August 10th / Hull, Massachusetts (day)

August 15th - August 17th / Binghamton, New York (day)

August 15th - August 17th / Saratoga Spring / New York (day)

Register For Day Camp
Register For Overnight Camp

Directors:

Casey Powell
Ryan Powell
Blaze Riorden
Madison Cook
Brian Silcott
Reid Jackson
Tyler Simser
Tony Ventiquattro
Ben Trenosky
Gavin Donahue
Matt Alrich
Garret Thul 
Terry Goetz 
Tim Byrnes
Tucker Durkin

More directors & staff announcements coming soon…….

As you can see, my brothers and I are extremely driven to bring the sport to new heights.  We hope to spread the joy of lacrosse to those who have yet to experience it and nurture it in those who have.  Good luck with the rest of your school seasons and don’t forget to sign up by midnight (EST) on April 30th to be entered into the contest.  We hope to see you on the lacrosse trail this summer Exploring The Field with Powell!

All the best,

Ryan Powell

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STOP #4: Saratoga Lacrosse Shootout

SARATOGA, N.Y.—Seven champions were crowned this past weekend at the ninth annual Saratoga Shootout, a boys lacrosse tournament co-hosted at Gavin Park by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and Syracuse-based Rhino Lacrosse. 

Crowds of families and friends were gathered along the sidelines and underneath the shade cast from Gavin Park’s massive pine trees as games at the Saratoga Shootout kicked off the morning of June 25 and ran through the afternoon of June 26. 

Boys divisions ranging from 10U to a high school 2023-2025 bracket featured more than 50 teams from as far away as Georgia, Illinois and Canada competing for titles and the chance to celebrate in the winner’s circle with the tournament’s founders on Sunday afternoon. 

Vendors and Summit Lacrosse Ventures partners, including 2022 Find Your Summit Tour (#FNDURSUMT) lead sponsor Gait Lacrosse, were on site all weekend, creating a carnival on the Gavin Park green as families made their way to and from each contest. 

First held in 2013, the Shootout was established by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and Rhino Lacrosse as a family-friendly championship style tournament with the aim of bringing people together to honor the game in a peaceful, relaxed setting and to offer young players the chance to compete and develop alongside their teammates. 

“The Shootout is one of our favorite tournaments every year because of the family atmosphere and the fact we get to see up-and-coming teams finding their stride together,” said Kevin Leveille, Brand and Event Manager for Summit Lacrosse Ventures. 

Leveille, who shined as a college, professional and international lacrosse player, credited fellow star Ryan Powell, the Founder and Director of Rhino Lacrosse, for conceiving the idea to host an event in one of New York State’s most adored locations—one not far from Cap City, historic Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Race Course and its famed thoroughbred horse racing, the Adirondack Mountains and countless other attractions. 

“Saratoga and the entire Capital Region is an ideal area for lacrosse teams and their families to travel for a weekend of competition that we hope becomes a memorable vacation for them as well,” Powell said. 

Powell, who was on site all weekend with Leveille, pointed out that the event is meant to allow athletes and teams to compete in a non-recruiting environment, offering a more inviting and encouraging opportunity to players who are still new to tournaments or even the game itself. 

On Saturday, athletes took their turn in the Powell Lacrosse Fun Zone, a high-flying, interactive demonstration of eye-popping lacrosse skills led by Powell and with a special guest appearance from his older brother and fellow Syracuse University star, Casey.

On Sunday, Ryan himself greeted each championship squad near tournament headquarters. 

“What’s your favorite kind of ship?” a grinning Powell would ask each winning team, young players gazing up at him in awe.

“CHAMPIONSHIP.”

And the celebration was on for the victorious squads, as families gathered around for team photos. In what’s becoming a #FNDURSUMT tradition, some clubs slapped team decals on a Yeti Tundra Haul Hard Cooler keeping items cold at all Summit Lacrosse Ventures events this summer. 

The fourth stop on the #FNDURSMT Tour presented by Gait Lacrosse, Leveille considers this year’s Saratoga Shootout another testament to the Summit Lacrosse Society and its efforts to instill the values of camaraderie, competition and respect in all event attendees. 

“We want to run the best possible events and offer the best experience for our attendees and their families,” Leveille said. “In order to do that, we strive to make sure participants understand that this game is special and that playing it is an opportunity to be cherished.” 

Below is a rundown of each divisional champion at the 2022 Saratoga Shootout, presented by Gait Lacrosse:

Boys 2023: Cold Brook Lacrosse 2023
Boys 2024-2025: Upstate Rebels
Boys 14U 2026-2027 Gold: Jersey Thunder Lacrosse Central 2026
Boys 14U 2026-2027 Silver: Edge Lacrosse Canada
Boys 12U 2028-2029 Gold: Stars and Stripes National 2028
Boys 12U 2028-2029 Silver: Adirondack Timberwolves 5/6
Boys 10U 2030-2031: Jersey Thunder Lacrosse West 2030-2031

Check out photos of the Saratoga Shootout, including each of the championship teams, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Saratoga Shootout, slated for June 24 and 25, 2023. 

Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trek across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


STOP #3: Northstar Capital City Classic

ALBANY, N.Y.—Sixty girls lacrosse teams took the fields of the University at Albany this past weekend for the 8th annual Northstar Capital City Classic, the third stop on the 2022 Find Your Summit Tour (#FNDURSUMT) sponsored by Gait Lacrosse. 

Established in 2014, this year’s Capital City Classic was the first to be held in the tournament’s original location since 2019 as the two-day event drew players, fans, coaches and spectators alike to the pristine UAlbany multi-sports complex, including the spectacular Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, now home to the Great Danes men’s and women’s Division I lacrosse programs. 

“The University at Albany is a remarkable venue and with approximately a thousand families making their way here to enjoy the tournament, the atmosphere was festive and exciting for the many competitive games played over the course of Saturday and Sunday,” said Summit Lacrosse Ventures CEO and President Ashley Gersuk Murphy, who along with co-director Blake Schierer was on site for the action-packed weekend. 

After needing to cancel the Capital City Classic in 2020 and then last summer hosting it across three different venues in Albany, the Summit Lacrosse Ventures staff was elated to welcome teams back to the event’s birthplace—and the iconic towers of the UAlbany campus served as a marvelous backdrop for the competition across nine different divisions, ranging from 10U through the high school graduation class of 2025.

Clubs and families relaxed underneath pop-up sun shelters arranged adjacent to the playing fields, and the lawn was transformed into a colorful, bustling tent village of sorts underneath bright, warm sunshine on consecutive days. 

“You couldn’t ask for a better setting than this one,” said Murphy, one of Northwestern University’s all-time greatest goaltenders and a star on the Wildcats’ first NCAA championship team. Before leaving for Evanston, she graduated from the Albany Academy for Girls after having developed her love for the game in the Capital Region. 

"The Capital City Classic is particularly special to me, as I take pride in hosting a quality event in my hometown and bringing programs from around the region to compete locally," Murphy said.

Albany is a short and convenient drive for many outstanding club programs, and an impressive list of teams from Upstate New York, the Tri-State area and New England participated this past weekend. 

“It was a thrill to see many returning groups, along with new attendees, enjoying themselves and a rewarding weekend of lacrosse,” Schierer said.

The Capital City Classic—one of four events in Summit Lacrosse Venture’s Northstar series—was held concurrently with the Saratoga Shootout, a nearby boys tournament co-hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and Syracuse-based Rhino Lacrosse. 

“The game of lacrosse as a whole, especially the girls’ game, benefits when young teams can compete at an appropriate level, learn and develop in a positive and encouraging setting,” Murphy said.

“We started Northstar a decade ago to create exactly that kind of opportunity, and it’s gratifying to see the excitement of these players during this special weekend as they take the field with their families cheering them on.”

The third stop on the inaugural #FNDURSUMT Tour saw lead sponsor Gait Lacrosse boasting a strong presence on site and with some of its newest, most sought-after heads and handles on display and, through local retail partners, for sale to Northstar attendees. 

“It was another weekend that absolutely aligned with the Summit Lacrosse Society’s guiding principles of camaraderie, competition and respect, and we’re already looking forward to coming back to UAlbany in 2023,” Murphy said.

Visit the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page for images from the Northstar Capital City Classic and be sure to mark your calendars for next year’s event, slated for June 24 and 25, 2023. 

Remember to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trek across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


STOP #2: LAKE TAHOE SUMMIT CLASSIC

TRUCKEE, Calif. — Eleven different champions were crowned this past weekend at the eighth Lake Tahoe Summit Classic, a youth and scholastic-age tournament co-hosted by Summit Lacrosse Ventures and ADVNC Lacrosse out of the San Francisco Bay Area, and the second stop on the 2022 Find Your Summit (#FNDURSMT) Tour. The Lake Tahoe Summit Classic is supported by North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and Visit Truckee-Tahoe.

Established in 2014, this year’s Tahoe Summit Classic was the first to be held in the tournament’s original location since 2019 as the event drew more than 90 teams to the shores of breathtaking North Lake Tahoe for two days of competition on June 18 and 19. 

“Lake Tahoe is an amazing destination for the many lacrosse teams and their families who’ve made this tournament an awesome tradition every year,” said Summit Lacrosse Ventures CEO and President Ashley Gersuk Murphy, who was on site for the action-packed weekend. 

After needing to cancel the event in 2020 and then last summer hosting it in Carson City, Nevada, the Summit Lacrosse Ventures staff was thrilled to welcome teams last weekend from as far away as Idaho, Texas and Arizona in the event’s initial setting, with the magnificent, bright blue waters of North Lake Tahoe just a short drive from the playing fields. 

“The cheerful and supportive atmosphere on the sidelines and the competition across all divisions speaks not just to the growth of lacrosse on the West Coast, but also the passion for the game and a hunger to play it as much as possible,” said Murphy, one of the all-time leading goaltenders in Northwestern University’s storied history and a member of the Wildcats’ first NCAA championship team. 

“These teams, players and their families realize it’s a special opportunity to play this game in such a beautiful place against great competition. We’re thrilled to be back in Tahoe working with so many good people at terrific facilities and with Big Blue and countless other nearby attractions for attendees to enjoy.” 

The Tahoe National Forest and the Sierra Nevada and Carson mountain ranges cast picturesque backdrops as action across eight boys divisions and three girls divisions got underway Saturday morning at three different facilities in the North Lake Tahoe region: Truckee High School and Riverview Sports Park in Truckee, and North Tahoe High School in Tahoe City. 

The second tournament on the Summit Lacrosse Ventures 2022 #FNDURSMT Tour sponsored by Gait Lacrosse, the event drew vendors and food trucks from throughout California and Nevada and weather was at its best come championship time on Sunday, with bright sunshine, only a few clouds and colorful jets and prop planes buzzing overhead, decorating the sky as they took off from Truckee Tahoe Airport. 

Chris Rotelli, Director of ADVNC Lacrosse, said that the return of the Summit Classic to the North Lake Tahoe area reestablishes it as an important event for the many young players from all parts of the western United States. 

“The Lake Tahoe Summit Classic is absolutely a huge weekend for ADVNC Lacrosse and our many players and families, but also for so many other programs from the West Coast, and that’s why we wanted to establish the tournament in the first place,” said Rotelli, who starred at the University of Virginia and won the Tewaaraton Award in 2003 as the nation’s most outstanding college lacrosse player. 

Despite the positive vibes of the event, Rotelli along with the entirety of the ADVNC Lacrosse and Summit Lacrosse Ventures staffs entered the weekend mourning the recent loss of Todd “TK” Kelly, one of the driving forces behind the Lake Tahoe Summit Classic and a key part of its organization and execution each year. 

Tragically and unexpectedly, TK passed away on June 14, just days before the event. He was 52 years old. 

At a staff dinner on Friday night in Truckee leading up to the event, Rotelli and members of both the ADVNC Lacrosse and Summit Lacrosse Ventures staffs paid tribute to the late Kelly and made the promise to dedicate the Lake Tahoe Summit Classic to him every year moving forward. 

“TK was such a great person and friend to us all,” Rotelli said. 

“He’s been a part of the tournament every year since it started eight years ago. In that time, he became close friends with all of us and was always looking to help in every way he could. It’s hard to imagine putting on this tournament every year without him by our side. But his spirit will always be here with us and will shine brightly at all future Lake Tahoe Summit Classics.” 

This year’s championship team members—including three Alcatraz Outlaws teams, two ADVNC Lacrosse squads and two from the High Sierra Avalanche program—were each presented with custom commemorative Lake Tahoe Summit Classic tumblers. In an inspirative Father’s Day celebration, many players posed for photos alongside their dads and some even presented their father with the “trophy” as a sign of appreciation. 

“The atmosphere this past weekend at the Lake Tahoe Summit Classic is exactly the type we hope to foster at Summit Lacrosse Ventures events,” Murphy said. 

“This weekend epitomized the Summit Lacrosse Society’s guiding principles of camaraderie, competition and respect, and we’re already looking forward to coming back to Tahoe in 2023 and working with the ADVNC Lacrosse team on this spectacular tournament.”

Below is a rundown of each divisional champion at the 2022 Lake Tahoe Summit Classic, presented by Gait Lacrosse:

Boys HS 2023-2024 Gold: Vegas Stars Elite
Boys HS 2024-2025 Silver: ADVNC SF 2025 AA
Girls 2023-2025: High Sierra Avalanche 2023-2024
Boys 14U 2026-2027 Gold: TNT Arrowheads
Boys 14U 2026-2027 Silver: True Idaho 2026
Girls 14U 2026-2027: Lakeside Lax 2026
Boys 12U 2028-2029 Gold: Alcatraz Outlaws 2028
Boys 12U 2028-2029 Silver: Alcatraz Outlaws 2028-2029
Girls 12U 2028-2029: ADVNC Girls 12U
Boys 10U 2030-2031 Gold: Alcatraz Outlaws 2030
Boys 10U 2030-2031 Silver: High Sierra Avalanche 2030-2031 White

View photos of the Lake Tahoe Summit Classic, including each of the championship squads, via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Summit Classic, slated for June 17 and 18, 2023. 

Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trek across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


STOP #1: ROCKY MOUNTAIN JAMBOREE

ARVADA, Colo.—Summit Lacrosse Ventures kicked off the 2022 #FNDURSUMT Tour this past weekend just outside of Denver with the 27th annual Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Jamboree, a two-day youth lacrosse event that has since its inception brought together hundreds of youth teams on the heels of the spring season to start the summer in a celebratory, family-friendly setting.

With a few of the Rocky Mountains still capped in snow and serving as a breathtaking backdrop for the weekend, 25 girls youth teams and 56 boys youth teams turned out June 4 and 5, respectively, for two back-to-back days packed with action at the Stenger Soccer Complex. 

“The Jambo was an awesome start to our busy summer slate with so many teams and players, as well as their families, excited about two days of competitive lacrosse,” said Summit CEO & President Ashley Gersuk Murphy, who was a star goalie at Northwestern University and a member of the program’s first team to win a national championship. 

The Jamboree, founded in 1995 by Ted and Nancy Baruch through the Lacrosse Outreach Foundation, has always been a gathering of the youth teams from all across Colorado, including mountain towns like Steamboat, Telluride and more.

Teams came from as far away as Albuquerque this past weekend, and the fields at the immaculate Stenger facility were bustling for two consecutive days as typical Denver weather created the ideal sideline experience for the many family members who came to support the young athletes on the field. 

SLV partners were on site for the launch of the first ever #FNDURSUMT Tour, including title sponsor Gait Lacrosse. The Albany, N.Y.-based leader in lacrosse heads, handles and equipment showcased an assortment of today’s most innovative sticks, including The Air 2, The Draw 2 and The Defense, garnering attention from the girls teams in attendance.

“It’s gratifying to see the players and their parents have a great time at the Jambo each year, and the atmosphere is that much more festive when your partners go out of their way to bring something special to the field that really excites the attendees,” Murphy said. 

“We aim to gather teams from all over Colorado and beyond to deliver a fun, competitive and consistent lacrosse experience that we know is beneficial to young and developing players, and to the sport as a whole in our state,” said Jamboree Director Eric Witmer. “We’re fired up about the feedback we received and know this was a great beginning to our adventurous summer ahead.” 

View photos of the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Jamboree via the Summit Lacrosse Ventures Facebook page, and mark your calendars for next year’s Jambo, slated for June 3 and 4, 2023. Be sure to use the hashtag #FNDURSUMT to follow Summit Lacrosse Ventures and our partners as we trek across the country hosting a total of ten different events this summer.


Hot Crispy Moment

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YETI SPOTTING