Freezing cold temperatures, strong winds and snow flurries didn’t stop more than 21,000 people from enjoying a little lacrosse on Saturday. The second annual Toyota LaxFest kicked off at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 8:00 in the morning. Boys and girls teams in grades two through eight from the state of Colorado showed up to play at the premier sports park in the nation.
“It’s an unbelievable facility,” said Colorado Youth Lacrosse Association president Chris Clark about the complex. “[NDP Lacrosse] has done a phenomenal job of getting things set up for us.”
The event also included teams from southern Wyoming and one team from California. Over a twelve-hour period, 328 teams cycled through as part of the biggest lacrosse event ever west of the Mississippi River, bringing the Colorado lacrosse community together for one day in one location.
“It’s wonderful to see all these teams come together,” said Amy Moore, whose nephew, Josh, plays midfield for the Highlands Ranch Rams.
“One of the great things about lacrosse in Colorado is that it is a really close community,” added Colorado Lacrosse Club president and Colorado Lacrosse Foundation board member Heather Faircloth. “I think it’s good for the coaches and players to meet and they get the opportunity to do that here.”
More than 160 games were played on 18 fields, including teams managed by Colorado Mammoth transition player Josh Sims and Colorado Mammoth general manager Steve Govett.
Toyota LaxFest featured much more than just lacrosse. Toyota stepped up to offer a win-a-car contest, which put a 2009 fully-loaded Toyota Corolla up for grabs.
“Toyota has been really involved with the event,” said NDP director of operations Brian Tatum. “They are really the reason we’re able to pull this off each year.”
The contest was held at three locations throughout the complex. Winning the car required a contestant to hit six target holes in a specific order.
“If they’re giving away a car, I’m definitely going to give it a try,” said Dave Dreier, the coach of the 7th grade girls Panthers, “but I think I could only hit about four of the targets.”
Toyota LaxFest also debuted the 2008 Toyota Accuracy and Dick’s Sporting Goods Multi-Sport Challenge national contests, which will be featured at tournaments throughout the country this summer. The national contests offer participants the opportunity to win a trip to Florida, as well as a VIP pro lacrosse experience and a shopping spree.
In one year, Toyota LaxFest grew by 24 teams. NDP Lacrosse management says it expects continued growth on an annual basis.
“Increased participation strengthens the reputation of lacrosse in Colorado,” Tatum said about Toyota LaxFest. “The teams and players here are getting better, and a big event like this sends a message to the east coast.”
Not even 50 mile-per-hour wind gusts could stand in the way of stick-checks, saves, clears and highlight-reel goals at Toyota LaxFest.
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids playing,” added Rich Morgan, the scheduler for the Colorado Youth Lacrosse Association. “It’s a celebration of lacrosse in Colorado.”