by Riess Pellegrino SFC RET

 

Saturday, March 20, 2008, the Sarasota Military Academy Lacrosse program hosted a day of Lacrosse at our home field, the Ringling Redskins Field here in Sarasota, Florida.  Throughout the day Varsity and JV squads from three different Lacrosse programs; Sarasota Military Academy,

H.B. Plant from Tampa and Barron Collier out of Naples.

 

Dubbed a  “Tribute to Veterans”  the teams battled through a number of exciting, hard hitting, and high scoring lacrosse games, though the highlight and focus of the day was was the recognition and support of all VETERANs and the sacrifice of their families.  All in attendance displayed sincere appreciation by Standing and giving a thunderous round of applause to those currently serving or having served in the armed forces of the United States of America.  As Americans we are forever in your debt.

 

 

SMA Lacrosse program director, Coach Ken Cowles, coordinated the efforts with team supplier Onyx Lacrosse, to donate lacrosse equipment to a unit stationed in Iraq.  The SMA Cheerleading squad led by Coach Maria Brotherton also collected donations for this cause.  

 

The team identified the 20th Engineer Brigade permanently stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and deployed to Balad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the key benefactors of our Lacrosse donations.  Identifying this unit, involved a great deal of teamwork those to be recognized are Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Maurice Gissendanner from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa who led us to key personnel in the Engineer brigade; LTC Paul Huszar and Captain John McNamara.  

 

The Sarasota Military Academy Lacrosse program would like to offer our sincere gratitude not only the 20th Eng Bde for their service to our freedoms and security, but all military service members who have served or are now serving.  We thank the brigade Commander Colonel Peter “Duke” DeLuca and the Command Sergeant Major Todd Burnett, along with LTC Huszar and CPT McNamara and hope they and their soldiers get a little down time to relax and play some lacrosse.

 

Special thanks and acknowledgement to SMA Cheer Coach Maria Brotherton for planning this event and to Pete Rogers President of Onyx Lacrosse for his firms commitment to the game of lacrosse, SMA and the United Sates of America’s fighting men and women.

 

          For more information about Sarasota Military Academy, please go to our website at www.sarasotamilitaryacademy.com.

 

 

 

 

The Walter Gilbert

“Creators Cup”

 

Lacrosse has a long and storied history, rich with traditions and firmly planted North American Indian roots that run deep.

A history, tradition and roots of Pride, Unity and Goodwill.

 

The Onondagea nation called it Deyhontsigwahes (De-hoon-chee-gwa-ehs) “they bump hips” an Indian word describing the contact and action.

 

The Chippewa called it Baggataway “little brother of war”

 

All Indian Tribes referred to the game as “the Creators game” and truly believe that he indeed, knows every players mind and disposition.  Lacrosse players are therefore bound to play with the utmost respect for themselves and their opponents, mindful to avoid anger, vanity, and brutality, paying respectful homage to the winners, as the outcome is always, the Creators will.

 

The passion that encompasses and defines the male spirit is inherent and indivisible to the game, as the creator intended, and played with the disciplines of dignity and honor.

 

The power of the game is sacred as it demands the purity of mind, body and spirit, the lack of any of these three components, weakens the man and presents the opportunity for failure.

 

With this in mind these two teams compete today for the WFLL League Championship, as well as a new tradition….one that seeks to exemplify, honor and showcase these ancient roots of fairplay, fierce competitiveness and brotherhood as we also play today for the The Walter Gilbert “CREATORS CUP”.  For those who don’t know Walter Gilbert is the President of the Redskin Football Program upon whose field we compete today.  Walter has quietly been a major cause of the growth of lacrosse within the area.  SMA Lacrosse desires to honor that commitment to the sport of lacrosse by placing his name upon this award to be passed each year to the best local lacrosse team.  It is our desire to create a local competitive opportunity for lacrosse teams in the Sarasota/Manatee area, foster new relationships and camaraderie, and develop a meaningful tradition.

 

 

SMA goes to double overtime in WFLL Championship

 

It took two sudden death over-time periods to determine the winner in Saturdays West Florida Lacrosse League Championship game.  The match-up pitted the second seeded LWR lacrosse club whose only tow division losses came against the number one seeded Sarasota Military Academy squad which was the reigning Un-defeated champion after a regular season of play.  The first half ended with the visiting Mustangs holding a hard fought 7 to 4 lead before a crowd estimated to be near 400 screaming fans.  The SMA Eagles emerged from the locker room determined and winning the face-off and groundball game struggled back to take a 9 to 7 lead midway through the fourth period.

 

Despite holding off the attack for the entire second half, late breakaway goals by the visitor’s leading scorer Padova, who came to play, evened the score as regulation time ended.  Cadet Cowles, one of the leagues leading scorers, managed to pump in 3 goals and picked up 12 loose balls.  Teammate Wood, another division stand out, had 2 scores and 9 ground balls of his own.

 

 

The Eagle’s face-off specialist dominated the face-offs in both hotly contested overtime periods.  But the SMA attackers were unable to capitalize on their odd man rush opportunities to score the game ender in this crowd thrilling contest.  After a missed SMA chance to break the tie with a one on one with the winners goalie, LWR stand-out Padova managed to get open for his own one on one chance and was not to be denied slipping untouched through the midfield as he slammed home his 8th goal of the game thus ending the Un-defeated Sarasota Military’s championship run.  The Eagles are in their second year of club lacrosse play under the direction of coaches Scott Kallins, Christian Nichols, J.P. Cawley, and Ken Cowles

 

 

 

SMA shuts down Berkeley Prep in lacrosse playoff win

 

The Sarasota Military Academy (11-3), who struggled to win just two games last year, extended this year’s Cinderella season by beating Berkeley Prep (a first round winner over Ocala) in the second round of the divisional playoffs 9 to 3.  Having earned a bye for the first round after finishing the season as Un-defeated champion (7-0) of the West Florida Lacrosse League’s division B, the SMA team hosted a determined opponent Wednesday night at the Youth Athletic Complex on 12th Street in Sarasota where the home-team Eagles had won eight straight regular season games.

 

The SMA cadets, who earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, found themselves quickly down two goals to none early in the first quarter.  Playing before a full house which featured a pre-game performance by the Academy’s color guard, drum-line and bagpipes, the Eagles finally got on track going into halftime leading 5-3.  A solid team second half defensive effort shut the visitors down on the hard checking of strong-man Jim Pearson who scooped up 8 loose balls.  Wiry goal-tender John Villotti had 8 saves for the victors.

 

Rugged Eagle attack man Matthew Cowles lead all scores with 6 goals while picking up 8 ground balls.  Slippery attack man Warren Wood had a team high 6 assists, added 8 ground balls and posted 2 goals of his own.  A tough Nick Estes continued his 7 game streak with a goal to close out the scoring for the SMA squad.

 

The division B district championship game will be hosted by the SMA Eagles Saturday 4-21-07 at 3:00pm against the number 2 seeded Lakewood Ranch Mustangs whose only two division loses this year have come at the hands of the Sarasota Military Academy.

 

 

Team Founders Senior Fred Hatton
 and Junior Matthew Cowles

 

 

  SMA Cadets present color-guard

 

 

 

 

Bagpiper starts the hands a clapping

 

 

 

  Sticks up its game time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Cowles drives one home

 

 

 

 

  Kyle Burgess get down on the groundballs

 

 

SMA concludes 2007 season with 10 – 3 record

 

Despite an impressive 10 -3 record the West Florida lacrosse division B champion Sarasota Military Academy varsity lacrosse squad had difficulty defeating a stubborn and improved Port Charlotte Pirate team (3-8).

The determined Port Charlotte team forced the visiting Eagles to overcome a 3 to 1 third quarter deficit before taking charge late in the game and going on to post a 9 -4 win over the home team.

 

Notched at one goal a piece after one quarter of play, frustrated SMA coaches Scott Kallins and JP Cawley opened the second quarter by pulling their under-achieving starters.  By the end of the third quarter, the Port Charlotte Pirates had stepped out to a 3-1 advantage.  Less than 12 minutes remained in the contest when Kallins, convinced that his veterans were now eager to show that they can play “warrior tough”, returned his starters to the line-up.  The regulars, led by team captain Matt Cowles’ five goals (nine ground balls), and sparked on the attack by last years MVP junior Frank Clark’s (two assists) face off wins, retook the momentum.  The change in the Eagle’s attitude was contagious as junior Warren Wood (one goal) had a team high four assists and freshman Nick Estes scooped up nine more loose balls.  Speedster cadet Riess Pellegrino added two more goals while junior Allen Palmer had one of his own.  A determined SMA defense, pushed on by hard hitting eleventh graders Mike Whiteside (nine loose balls) and Vaughn Warrelmann returned to their blue collar form, holding the Pirates to three shots on goal in the last period, enabling ninth grade team-mate John Villotti to finish with nine saves.

 

The Pirates may have helped the visiting Eagles learn that it takes more than athletic ability, the simple desire to win, raw talent or experience to become real winners.  Respect for each other and the opponent, one hundred percent  effort for the benefit of the team, and bringing positive attitudes to both games and practices are the tools required to create the energy needed to compete as true champions at any level, regardless of outcome.

 

The number one seeded Eagles, who earned a first round playoff bye, will face the winner of the Berkeley Prep versus Ocala game on Wednesday at 7:00pm at the Eagles home field 2900 17th St  Sarasota, FL.  Admission is one dollar. Concessions available.

SMA Eagles Lacrosse WFLL Division Champions

 

SMA out-guns Brandon for division lacrosse crown.  The Sarasota Military Academy (7-0)  beat Brandon (4-1) by a score of 14 – 6 to remain undefeated champions of their division.  Seven seniors, including Kyle Burgess who scored 5 goals and grabbed 8 loose balls, competed in their final regular season home game before a full house.  Senior defensemen Fred Hatton and Adam Smith, who along with rookie Christian Urrea had the best games of their season helped solidify a defense that allowed only 14 shots on goal.

 

Warren Wood led the victors with 5 assists and had a team high 12 ground balls.  Alan Palmer and Matt Cowles had 9 groundballs each with Cowles adding 2 goals of his own.  Rookie Nick Estes added two goals, Andrew Bilan added his first goal of the season.  Billed as the game of the week, the win earned the SMA squad the top seed and a bye for the first round of the play-offs.  SMA will face the winner of Monday’s game between the 4th and 5th seeds (Berkeley Prep and Ocala) in the second round of the league championship series next Wednesday night 4/18/07 7:00pm at the Youth Athletic Complex on 17th St Sarasota, FL.

 

The Eagles close out the regular season away against non division opponent Port Charlotte High at 7 PM Friday.

 

SMA Corrales Lakewood Ranch in local lacrosse action

 

After SMA Eagles Lacrosse middle school team, an outreach to area youth, competed with the Lakewood Ranch middle school team, the big boys took the field.

The Lakewood Ranch Mustang varsity lacrosse team visited the Sarasota Military Academy’s varsity team Wednesday night hoping to even the two game series with a win against their cross-town rivals.  The spirited Lakewood Ranch club hoped to topple the SMA Eagles squad (6-0) from atop their perch as undefeated division leaders.  However Eagle face-off specialist Frank Clark dominated the face-off circle.  Teammate Matt Cowles swooped down on Lakewood goalie scoring 6 goals in the 13 -7 win.  Freshman Nick Estes added three more.  Coach Scott Kallins credited his defensive players Mike Whiteside whose play caused several turnovers by preventing the LWR squad form advancing the ball and goalkeeper John Villotti for a solid effort.

 

The victory solidified the Eagles (6-0) hold atop the division, a lead they share with Brandon (4-0).  These two teams will face each other in a showdown for the division championship Saturday 7PM at the Youth Athletic Complex in Sarasota.

SMA wins seventh

 

The Sarasota Military Academy posted a 15 to 1 victory over visiting Bloomingdale Friday in local lacrosse action.  The Eagles now lead their division with a 5 -0 record (7-3 overall).  Matt Cowles and Warren Wood each scored 4 goals for the victors. Defensemen Mike Whiteside got his first goal of the season while coaches J.P. Cawley and Christian Nichols made sure that the entire roster saw action for the Eagles.

 

 

 

SMA next faces divisional opponent and cross-town rival Lakewood Ranch at home Wednesday April 4th at 6 P.M.  The visitors hope to avenge their 8-3 loss earlier this season at the hand of the SMA squad.

 

St. Pete Dragons outlast SMA Eagles

 

Traveling to St. Petersburg Tuesday night the SMA Eagles dropped a hard fought lacrosse contest to their Division A rival Dragons in this weeks West Florida Lacrosse League match up.  Leading 7-4 at the half the Sarasota Military squad soon fell behind early in the 3rd quarter on 4 fast breaks set up by penalties.  Unable to win the face-offs, or the groundball game put the visitors at a disadvantage form which they could not recover despite the scoring of attack men Matt Cowles, Warren Wood and Reiss Pellegrino who each tallied 2 goals.

 

 

 

The 6-3 Eagles, who lead the division (4-0), play at home Friday night 8:00pm against the Bloomingdale Bulls Varsity Lacrosse team.

 

SMA outguns Berkeley Prep 12 -2

 

Lacrosse divisional opponents played before 200 fans at the Youth Athletic Complex in Sarasota Friday night.  The Sarasota Military Academy was led on the attack by Warren Wood who tallied 5 goals while gathering a team high 15 loose balls.   Matt Cowles and Frank Calrk each scored 2 goals for the victors.

 

 

Defensively the winners allowed just 18 shots on goal as a result of hard checking by Anthony Pallaria and Michael Whiteside who held ground while Goalie John Villotti turned away 16 shots on goal.

 

The Eagles were coming off a tough non-divisional loss in Tampa Tuesday night to Jesuit where rookies Mike Martino and Alan Palmer scored their first goals of the season.

 

Now 6-2 (4-0 division) the local lacrosse team maintained its B Division lead as they face Plant HS of Tampa in a JV match up Saturday.

 

SMA Eagles win fifth straight

 

The Eagles varsity lacrosse team returned to the field outpacing a fast Cypress Lake (4-3) team to a score of 5 -2 Friday night at the Youth Athletic Center in Sarasota.  Knotted up at 2 goals apiece at the half, the SAM team went ahead to stay on a goal by Nick Estes.

 

Matt Cowles accounted for 2 goals and Frank Clark picked up another.  Warrne Woods led the Eagles attack with 11 ground balls, while Reiss Pellegrino’s speed helped provide the winning edge.

 

  

 

The defense shut the visitors down in the second half on the hardchecking play of Adam Smith and Fred Hatton.

 

Freshman Goaltender John Villotti recorded 16 saves.

 

The Eagles face Tampa Jesuit Tigers Monday away.

 

SMA Eagles on 4 Game Roll

 

The host SMA Eagles beat a stubborn Port Charlotte Pirate squad 9 – 2 in varsity lacrosse action Tuesday at the Youth Athletic Center on 17th Street.  Captain, junior, Matthew Cowles and sophomore DJ Coup each had 2 goals to lead the SMA team to their 4th straight win.

 

 

 

Senior Anthony Pallaria and junior Vaughn Warrelmann, both rookies, led a hard checking defensive effort that helped hold the visiting Pirates scoreless for 3 quarters.

 

 

 

The Sarasota Military Academy JV team hosts Plant JV Friday at 7:00pm.

SMA Eagles Soar

 

A pre-game demonstration by the Sarasota Military Academy drum line set the beat for the match-up as the home team Eagles drilled visiting Ocala Lakers (1-4_ 15 -4 in local lacrosse action.   SMA Head Coach Scott Kallins played every member of his 27 man division leading Eagles (3-1)

  

Freshman Nick Estes and Senior Kyle Burgess posted their first goals of the season.  The attack featured the speed of Juniors Frank Clark and Reiss Pellegrino.  Junior Warren Wood led all scorers with 4 goals.

 

 

 

Hard hitting senior Jim Pearson and junior Mike Whiteside led a physical defense which allowed just 8 shots on goal.

 

 

 

The Eagles host an improved Port Charlotte team Tuesday night at 7:00p.m.

 

The Public is welcome to the Youth Athletic Complex on 17th street to enjoy the action.

 

 

SMA Eagles Lacrosse

                                   Hosts Team FLC (FishHawk)

 

SMA hosted Team FLC for the opening of its 2007 lacrosse season.

The Varsity Report

The Varsity Team was welcomed to the home crowd by SMA’s newly formed drumline.

The Eagles went out to a fast start and early lead with the quick stick of Guillermo Nazario #26 scoring the first goal of the 2007 season on a beautiful feed from team captain #15 Matthew Cowles.  Cowles added two goals of his own.  Returning veteran attackman #18 Warren Wood racked up the hat trick (3 goals) , followed by #17 Frankie Clark with 2, and #21 Corey Williamson completing the scoring for the Eagles as they went down to FishHawk by a score of SMA 9 to FishHawk 10.

The boys competed hard and played as a team, not giving up as they fell to a 4 goal deficit late in the 4th quarter fighting back to a one goal deficit before the clock expired.

 

The Varsity squad practices Monday before heading off to play an away game at Lakewood Ranch on Wednesday 2/21/07 at 6:00pm

 


#15 Varsity Captain Matt Cowles charges past FishHawk defender

for a shot on net and quick score for the Eagles
#18  Veteran attackman Warren Wood surrounded by FishHawk

Freshman Midi #16 Mike Martino tries to out muscle FishHawk and fight his way into scoring position
 
 Senior Midi Ryan Geletka rides FishHawk defender
The Eagles Squad rallies themselves in the 4th quarter

 

 

We invite all SMA Cadets, Faculty and Friends to come out and support the teams as they compete in the WFLL.   Volunteers are welcome and students can earn community service hours during the games.

The team is looking for a team photographer and videographer.  Interested students or parents are urged to call Coach Ken Cowles cell #302-4152

 

Slinging Mud in the 2007 WFLL Lax Jam

 

Thank you coaches for all your hard work getting the kids prepared to compete in the 2007 WFLL Lax Jam.

Thank you parents for getting those middle schoolers all the way up to Clearwater so early in the day, and a special thanks to our varsity parents (boys & girls) for all your support and cheering our SMA Eagles on.

 

All in all SMA had a great outing at the WFLL Lax Jam 2007 in Clearwater FL…….

 

The SMA Varsity Girls started with a loss to last year’s league champions “Freedom High School”, then were coached to their first win by Coach Carolyn Keber and Assistant Coach Lucy Keber in a contest with a team comprised of girls from both Clearwater and St. Pete.  The girls then demonstrated the spirit emerging in the lax program by jumping on the bus after their win to come over to the boys tourney to share the news and cheer on the boys before heading home.

 

The Middle School Team shot out of the cannon with a win and outstanding performance over Wesley Chapel, before falling to New Tampa Black and later our in-town rival, Lakewood Ranch.  We play both again during our regular season…these games don’t count the next will.  So we have a clean slate and a chance to redeem ourselves.  Now we know what it takes to compete, so let’s bring a renewed work ethic to the practice field and get back to the basics.  GBWG…we didn’t win either in the last 2 games.

 

The SMA Varsity Boys climbed back in the ring after an early loss to the St. Pete Dragons to come from behind in their second game of the tournament showing true grit in a come from behind tie game with the Citrus Park Gekkos.  They then recorded their second win of the season by taking down the Hernando Crusaders, and then end with a tie against the Freedom Patriots….all three of whom were in the playoffs last year.

 

Lots of fun was had by all despite the foul weather….”isn’t it great to get down in the mud”. 

Let’s go Eagles…”the jam” signaled the start of our 2007 Lax Season.

Thanks to everyone…and congrats to the players!  Have a great season!

Coach Cowles

SMA Eagles Lacrosse

 

 

August 19, 2006

 

SMA EAGLES     vs    LAKEWOOD  RANCH MUSTANGS

 

The SMA Eagles Boys Varsity Lacrosse team played Lakewood Ranch in an exhibition quarter game prior to the start of the Ringling Redskin Youth Football Programs Jamboree.

  

The game was scheduled to showcase lacrosse in the community, encourage player participation, and demonstrate the leadership of The Sarasota Military Academy in this endeavor.

 

The Ringling Redskins asked that SMA assist them in the desire to determine the level of interest from their families in the formation of a youth lacrosse program this spring.

  

 Col. Kennedy and others associated with SMA came out to support the team.  Doing play by play Coach Kallins used the P.A. to explain the sport and offer an invitation to play lacrosse.

 

Coaches Kallins, Nichols and Cawley led the SMA Eagles to a 3-2 score.  This year looks very promising and is sure to be very exciting.

  

Special thanks to Coaches Clayton Wight and Chris Markowski at LWR.  Phil Meyer. Alex Petreas and Steve Estes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 Season Reaches Midway Point


 Week #6 produced 4 very evenly matched teams battling in close games. 
In the first match up of the evening The Red Tide managed to hang on against the Navy Midshipmen for a 9-7 win.  Both teams picked up players to fill out their rosters.
 
 The second game featured the Royal Stallions as they continued as league leaders escaping with a win over The Great White Buffalos 8-7.
 
 With a 5-1 record The Stallions have scored a league high 49 goals
 The 3-3 Red Tide follow in scoring with 45 goals
 The Buffalos at 4 -2 have 38 goals
 and Navy at 0 - 6 have 35 goals
 
 There has been marked improvement evident in the play of many players throughout the league.  We must continue to work on cutting and passing.  The second half of the season we are instituting a rule change in regard to the passing.  Must have 3 completed passes in the offensive zone.  Look to set-up your teammates....awesome cutting, passing and pretty feeds are going to score goals and make the biggest difference come the spring. 
Move your feet and think about what you are doing out there. 
 
 On a different note......unsportsmanship like conduct...throwing equipment, abusive/destructive behavior, inappropriate language, as well as physically dangerous play and fighting will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from all future play in the league. 
 
 This league was formed to enhance your skills, promote the sport, develop new lacrosse relationships.  We can have fun and be competitive at the same time.
 
 Thanks
Coach Cowles
 SMA "Run-n-Gun" Lacrosse

 

NAVY SINKS!   

 

The Navy Midshipmen continue to slide.  Up at halftime, the Navy team found themselves down in a close see-saw match against Royal.  As the buzzer sounded Navy found themselves down with a score of 9-7.   SNN TV Channel 6's sports director Mr. Antawan Smith was there to report on the action...you can catch the live action on SNN.

 

The second game of the evening saw 'The great WHITE Buffalo's" downing the Red Tide by the score of 7-5

 

Records following week #5 in the SMA "Run-n-Gun" Lacrosse Program

White 4-1

Navy 0-5

Red 2-3

Royal 4-1

 

 

 

 

"Navy Midshipmen" line up against "Royal Stallions"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Cowles & Dustin Bell take care of business as Mike Martino is knocked to floor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Facing off

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#11 Coach Nichols with Referee Coach Kallins

 

 

 

 

 

Action in front of Royal Net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Little Cowles plays behind the cage

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big Cowles outmanned in the corner

 

 

 

 

 

"Paul Bunyan"Coup and Coach Nichols for the "Navy Midshipmen"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Nichols takes it through and around Whiteside & Burgess 

 

 

 

 

The SMA "Run-n-Gun" Lacrosse Program for 2006 kicked off with the first of a 12 game schedule at The Ellenton Ice Center Wednesday May 3rd.  The program   provides the opportunity for team members to continue building their skills.  Inviting Lakewood Ranch and other lacrosse enthusiasts to join us forges new relationships, fosters the growth of the sport in the Sarasota/Manatee community, and positions SMA as a leader in athletics.

 

You can watch the action on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the months of May thru July.  The Ellenton Ice Center is located next to the Ellenton Outlet Mall and contains a Beef O'Brady's for casual dining.

 

    

 

 

Coach Nichols calls the shots for the "Red" v.s "Royal" game

 

 

   

 

 

Coach Clayton Wight of Lakewood Ranch refs the "Navy" vs.. "White" game

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Kallins calls the "Royal" team over for some strategy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyle Rademaker goal keep at Lakewood Ranch playing same role for the "Royal" team

 

 

 

 

 

Coach Cowles...."keeper" for the "White" team