New Jersey Pride closes office

In a release found on Inside Lacrosse.com, the New Jersey Pride has closed it’s office in Clifton, NJ.

http://blogs.insidelacrosse.com/2008/08/29/new-jersey-pride-close-team-offices/

So, right now it looks like I’m out of a job. I’m disappointed, but not suprised. We knew for weeks this was happening, but now that it’s announced in print makes it more final. I’ve grown to enjoy this game and I’m very disappointed to lose the opportunity to work with these players. They’re just good guys and I looked forward to seeing them on a weekly basis.

I started with the Pride at the inaugural training camp in 2001. I didn’t know anything about lacrosse at the time, so working with Jesse Hubbard, Jay Jalbert, Jon Hess, & Steve Koudelka didn’t mean much to me. I was working with good guys who kept me laughing. I never knew I was working with some of the best players ever. I guess that’s why the team called me back full-time in 2004. I was not star struck, just a professional athletic trainer.

That’s when I really started to learn the game. Watching guys like Jesse, Trevor Tierney, Christian Cook, Ryan McClay, Ryan Mollett, AJ Haugen, Brett Hughes, Kyle Harrison. I didn’t ask them much, I just watched and learned…for five years. Imagine having those guys as your introduction to lacrosse! We didn’t win as often as we should have, but individually, you couldn’t ask for better tutors.

So I’m sorry I won’t be able to continue my education with Matt Danowski, Merrick Thomson, or Steve Peyser. Again, it is disappointing.

But what does it mean for my strength training business? I’ll have more time to train kids who have an interest in Lacrosse. I’ll be able to open my schedule a little more to include Fridays and Saturdays. I’ll try to put myself out there more, and if kids want to improve their strength, conditioning, speed & agility, I’ll be here for them.

Good Luck to the Pride, wherever they may end up.