The Verona Lacrosse Club  Welcome to the official site of the Verona Lacrosse Club and Verona Wildcat Lacrosse.  The Verona Lacrosse Club celebrates its 10th year in 2010 of providing competitive lacrosse programs for players grades 3-12 in the Verona Area School District with over 200 players and coach members in 2009.  We offer programs from High School Varsity and JV Boys and Girls programs to co-ed youth programs for grades 7/8, 5/6, and 3/4 .  The Verona Lacrosse club was the first youth lacrosse program in the Madison Wisconsin area and a leader in the promotion of the sport statewide.  Welcome to veronalacrosse.com, dig into our site to see what we are all about! Join the fastest game on two feet - Register today!

 

by posted 03/09/2010
 

    

by Webmaster posted 02/10/2010
 
You now have the option to look great wearing Verona Wildcat Lacrosse gear, all without leaving your home!  Check out the online store, place your order and your kids can brng it home from practice.

If you wish to order the old fashioned way we have a downloadable form just for you, fill it out, write a check and send it in.

Orders placed online and via form are placed with our vendor on the two dates below.  It will take approximately 2 weeks to deliver the gear so get your order placed as soon as you can.

Order date 1: Friday February 12th
Order Date 2: Thursday March 18th

If you have any questions or need sizing help contact Melanie Slaby at or call her at 845-1361.

You will look "Marvelous" in WILDCAT WEAR!

    

by posted 02/08/2010
 
Having 3 boys that play the game, I have watched a large number of kids get involved in lacrosse for the first time.  Regardless of sex and age I have some universal observations about learning to play the game.  I thought I would share a few of my thoughts to help those that are concidering playing the game.

The first thing I like to tell kids and parents is that lacrosse is a sport unlike any other.  It takes a unique set of skills to be able to play the game.  Generally the more athletic an individual is the faster they will become effective with these unique skills.  Almost universally it takes a player about a month of regular practice to grasp the basic skills of picking up, throwing and catching the ball.  During that time it is frustrating but it always ends.  The reality is that no matter how good you get, you will never master the skills of the game.  

It is never too late to start playing.  Like I said above, it takes about 30 days to learn to play.  By the end of one season most new kids are close to or at the level of their teammates.

The game is exciting to play and fun to watch.  Everybody on the team must play.  Having your kid play the game is not like watching your kid get stuck in the outfield or bat 3 times per game.  Your child will be engaged most of the game, regardless of the position played and they will be challenged from the first time they touch the ball until their career ends many years later.  Kids who play the game fall in love with the fast action and the team play.

The gear does not make the player, the player makes the gear.  Lacrosse is the only sport I know of where how the gear feels when you use it is more important than what it looks like.  My advise to parents is get good gear that you can afford and then let your kids learn to play with it.  When they can tell you what they want and why, then you can talk about upgrades.   

Lacrosse emboddies the right set of ideals.  To that end the season is considered short by many who have been involved in other sports.  We play the game in the spring only, from the time the snow melts until when school gets out.  We play hard and then we are done, freeing up the summer to be a kid and enjoy other activities.  Lacrosse is a great compliment to other sports and we believe that playing other sports will make you a better lacrosse player.

A phrase commonly used around lacrosse circles is "respect the game".  From US Lacrosse on down to clubs like ours in Verona, the game is about respecting yourself, your teammates and the rules of the game.   We get it here, and we are looking for more like us who want to learn to play. 

My last bit of advise comes from watching my kids.  Lacrosse is the only sport I know that has invaded my kitchen and living room.  One mom commented recently that her son drivers her nuts, always fiddling with his stick, night and day, in front of the tv, all day every day.  Bouncing balls off the wall, sticks on the table when the kids stop to eat, this is what the game is and anything that catches my kids attention like that deserves mine.

   
    

by Webmaster posted 01/06/2010
 

Online Registration
Registration is now open for all Verona Lacrosse programs for the Spring 2010 season.  Online registration is accessed by clicking on the Register Online button on the home page of www.veronalacrosse.com.  Upon the completion of online registration you will receive a confirmation page which needs to be printed and returned with the registration forms below to complete registration.  Click on the register Online button on the main page to start the registration process.

For complete information on the programs and fees click on the REGISTRATION button.

Registration in 3 easy steps!

Step 1:  Complete the online registration program for each player in your family.  Start the process by clicking on the "Register Online" button on the club homepage.  You will be asked to select a program to register in and asked for all of the information required to complete the process.

Returning members: if you need assistance with your account or password, please click on the "Edit My Account" button on the club home page.  To retrieve your password you can enter your email address and it will be sent to you.

At the end of the process you will receive a confirmation page.  Print the confirmation page that you will submit to the club and print a copy for your records if you wish.

    

by Webmaster posted 01/06/2010
 
The Wildcat Youth 5/6 and 7/8 teams will receive new uniforms for the 2010 season.  Below is a sample of the new jersey.  This new uniform in orange and black will continue to make the Verona Wildcats the best dressed lacrosse teams in Wisconsin!
    

by Webmaster posted 01/05/2010
 

The Verona Lacrosse Club has scheduled the following meeting dates to hold registration meetings.  At these meetings there will be information provided to prepare you for the upcoming season.  You can complete your registration at these meetings, representatives of the club will be available to collect your paperwork and dues.

Youth Registration Meeting
Tuesday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m. in the Badger Ridge Middle School Commons

HS Boys Registration Meeting
Wednesday February 3rd @ 7:00p.m VAHS Commons (MANDATORY MEETING)

HS Girls Registration Meeting
Monday February 1st, 7:00pm VAHS K-Wing Commons

If you would like any additional information prior to these dates please feel free to send a message using FEEDBACK on the club homepage.

    

by Webmaster posted 01/05/2010
 
Do you want to play lacrosse?  What does my player need to participate?  My child plays hockey and wants to try lacrosse, can we use hockey gear?  I never played and am not sure were to start?

Lacrosse is a simple game but having the right tools always helps.  The Verona Lacrosse Club wants your child to learn to play the game so to get you started we will start with a description of the gear required.  Since lacrosse is a physical sport it is important that you have the right gear on, sized and fitted properly to allow the player to play the game without being hampered by the gear.  Here's what you need to get started.

Lacrosse Helmet - This is the most important piece of protective wear and probably the most expensive item to get started.  The Verona Lacrosse Club only allows for the use of NOCSE approved Lacrosse helmets.  These helmets are reinforced, have larger and sturdier cages, and typically a visor for play in the sun.  If your new player is a hockey player we allow them to use their hockey helmet during the first two weeks of practice indoors, giving you time to get the right helmet.  If you are in the market for a helmet, please buy a black helmet if you have a choice.  You can add orange trim kits or visit Middleton Cycle and ask for the Verona colors and they can get you setup.

Mouthguard - players must have a fitted, colored mouthguard to play.  Clear plastic mouthguards are not allowed as they must be visible to the referee during play.

Crosse (lacrosse stick) - You can spend alot or a little on this item, I suggest you save the big bucks for later when your player can tell you what he wants and why.  Sticks are available at many local sporting goods stores and you should be 40-42 inches in length for grades 5 and up.  In the 3/4 league a player can select a smaller crosse between 37-40 inches in total length as an option to the regulation length.  

Protective Wear:  The sport involves contact and your player should be equipt with shoulder pads that extend to chest and ribs.  Moving down the arm from the shoulder pad, players need to have elbow pades and gloves.  It is recommended that players wear a cup or pelvic protection during all activites.  Game attire consists of a uniform over th top of the shoulder pads with shorts, helmet and cleats.  Football cleats are probably the best footwear choice as the fields are typically grass and with spring rains cleats add extra traction.

Many hockey players start out using hockey pads and gloves.  These pads are typically heavier and more restrictive than lacrosse pads but are acceptable for use while you learn the game.

I have purchased lacrosse equipment locally at a number of retailers.  Many of them offer starter kits to get your player outfitted to start play.  You can find gear at MC Sports, Dicks Sporting Goods, or specialty retailers like Middleton Cycle.  There are also many online retailers that can help you like lacrossemonkey.com or lax.com.  

I hope this helps answer some of your questions.  If you need any additional help use the feedback form on the site and we will get your questions answered.  
    

by Derek Novotny posted 05/20/2009
 
UPDATE (6/4/2009) - The article link below appeared in the Capital Times and really summarizes well the amazing growth of the sport of lacrosse in the Madison area.  You can find the article here http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/453414.  The sport is played by roughly 1000 kids in the Madison area ranging from third grade through HS.  The Verona Lacrosse Club represents approximately 20% of that group. 


A recent article in the Wall Street Journal details how the sport of lacrosse is growing in popularity across the country.  The growth of the sport is being seen in both mens and womens lacrosse programs.  Acccording to the article, "These days the sport is showing serious growth. Participation in high school lacrosse has about doubled this decade, to a total of 143,946 boys and girls playing on high school lacrosse teams in the 2007-08 school year, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations, which tracks participation by sport. In 2000-01, there were 74,225 high school lacrosse players.  And the fervor goes beyond high schools. A 2007 survey by the National Sporting Goods Association found an estimated 1.2 million Americans over age 7 had played lacrosse within the previous year -- an increase of 40% since 1999."


    

by Webmaster posted 04/03/2009
 
Verona LAX Parents,
As the season gets underway we would like to share the information below with you.  It is critical to the ongoing growth of our sport that our parents and players abide by common sense rules that help keep the game in perspective.

The Role of Parents
You, the parent, are equally as important to your child's positive lacrosse experience as the coach of the team. In order for your child to get the most out of playing lacrosse, it is important that you do the following:

One: Be supportive of your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his or her team. Positive reinforcement encourages learning and fun. Research has shown that a ratio of five positive statements (compliments, positive recognition) for each negative statement (criticisms, corrections) is ideal for helping young athletes do their best. Try to maintain a 5:1 ratio in your comments to your child.

Two: Attend games whenever possible. If you cannot attend, ask about your child’s experience, not whether the team won or lost. Some questions that you might ask before asking about the final score include: "Did you try as hard as you could? Did you have fun? Did you learn anything today that might make you a better player in the future?"

Three: Be a positive role model by displaying good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, officials,opponents and your child’s teammates. "Honoring the Game" is an important part of what US Lacrosse represents. Help us by honoring the game in your behavior as a spectator.

Four: Let your child set his own goals and play the game for himself, herself. Be your child’s "home court advantage" by giving him or her your unconditional support regardless of how well he or she performs.

Five: Let the coach coach. Refrain from giving your child advice when he or she is playing. Use positive reinforcement with your child’s coach. Let the coach know when he or she is doing a good job.

Six: Respect the decisions of the referee or umpire. This is an important part of honoring the game. Your child will pay more attention to how you act than to what you say.

Seven: Read the rulebook. A full understanding of the rules will help you enjoy the game and educate others.

Eight: Get to know who is in charge. Meet with the leadership of the program, whether it’s school sponsored or recreational, to discuss topics such as cost, practice and game scheduling, insurance coverage, emergency procedures, etc.

Nine: Get involved! A great way to support your child's lacrosse experience is by becoming a volunteer for the program. Some of the ways you can get involved: keep the scorebook, run the clock, line the fields, manage equipment, chaperon trips, raise funds, organize clinics and team social events, update the team web site, photograph players and organize carpooling.

Ten: Sit back and enjoy the game. Remember, lacrosse is played for FUN.
http://www.uslacrosse.org/education/parents/roleparents.phtml
    

by Derek Novotny posted 03/03/2008
 
How do seven guys from a school where lacrosse only got started seven years ago end up playing together at the University of Minnesota - by chance or design?

For former Verona Area High School student-athletes Eric Garvey, Mike Storts, Peter Rohrer, Nate Robitschek, Jacob Rohrer, Peter Kramer and Kevin Bice, it was a little bit of both.

Read the full article from the Verona Press here.



    

by posted 04/02/2007
 

Due to a policy change at US Lacrosse and for the safety of our participants the Verona Lacrosse Club is requiring the use of NOCSE approved lacrosse helmets for all activities.