On November 30th, 2021, Coach Raichl sent an e-mail update to the Vandal Family! Read below for a recap!
Hello Vandal Lacrosse family and friends, here’s an after-Fall ball update:
WE GOT TO PLAY LACROSSE!
Much has happened since early September, but the most exciting thing is we got to play
lacrosse for the first time since February 2020! Though we were disappointed not to attend the tournament in Missoula as planned, the guys were able to get on the field to scrimmage WSU and we didn’t let the rain dampen the thrill. Afterwards the team enjoyed dinner together and agreed we can’t wait for Spring 2022.
If you missed the scrimmage, thanks to Todd Knipp, dad of freshman Joe Knipp, view his great photos on the team’s new Flickr website by using this link to the scrimmage album:
2022 SPRING SEASON CHANGE-UP
Another positive thing that took place was the PNCLL coaches voting in favor of Idaho moving to Division 2 North, so we’ll now play opponents with school enrollment and roster sizes more similar to ours. (During the last few seasons, we’ve struggled to compete against D1 schools which had rosters of 30+ and, though our talent matched up, we didn’t have enough fresh legs to stay competitive through entire games.) This Spring’s D2 North conference opponents will be CWU (Ellensburg), WWU (Bellingham), PLU (Tacoma), U of MT (Missoula), as well as NNU (Nampa) and C of I (Caldwell) in D2 South. We’ll also play games against U of U’s [Utah] D2 club team, D1 teams OSU and WSU, and will continue with the traditional Idaho rivalry game against BSU.
Since we came late to the D2 game-planning party, we’ll have more away games this season
and only three home games. The final schedule will be out by the end of December to give all you fans time to make your travel plans for spring. Here’s a preview: our first outing will be President’s Day Weekend for three games in Boise area – we’re counting on lots of cheering fans that weekend!
WE NEED TRAVEL FUNDS!
The team is excited for Spring season, BUT worried about the funding for additional trips due to several factors. Our roster may be smaller than September’s estimate which means less income from player dues; the annual stipend we receive from University Club Sports has been reduced by $5,000; and with no lacrosse for the past two seasons, there was zero fundraising income.
The season’s expected expenses will deplete the club’s current available funds BEFORE the
season ends unless we either increase player dues by $500 per player OR fundraise with the
minimum goal of $10,000. Raising player dues is a last resort and hopefully won’t be necessary. But with that knowledge, the team is working on a fundraising plan to be announced soon and hope that Vandal Lacrosse families, friends, friends of family and friends, and even businesses will help boost our funds to make a successful lacrosse season possible! Click this link to our website to find out more about how you can support the club: idahovandallax.com/donate.
SPIRITWEAR STORE FOR FANS IS OPEN!
The online store for all you Vandal Lacrosse fans to get your game day (and everyday) gear is
now open and ready to take orders through Sunday, December 12. Continuing supply chain
issues did limit fashion options, but hopefully everyone can find something to don and proudly support Vandal Lacrosse! By the way, a small percentage of your purchase also helps with team fundraising. Click on this link to see the store: idaholax22.itemorder.com/sale
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH VANDAL LACROSSE
With the Spring season nearing, more information will be shared via email regarding fundraising, game info, volunteer needs/opportunities, social outings, etc. But you can also keep up on Club news and happenings via these communication avenues:
Team Email: idahovandallax@gmail.com
Team Facebook: University of Idaho Lacrosse
Team Twitter: Idaho Men’s Lacrosse @Vandalax
Team Instagram: idahovandallacrosse
Conference Website: mcla.us/conference/pncll
If you ever have questions or concerns, contact me via my email or phone, or send an email to the team’s email address and Board Secretary Marchell Dolar will help to answer your queries.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Speaking of Club Board positions, we are fortunate to currently have a Board Secretary and five committed Directors (Tara Tandrow, Dawn Rouse, Charlie Dolar, Blake Batman and Alissa
Hilbert), but the very necessary positions of President and Treasurer are still vacant. I entreat
two people - parent/grandparent/alumni/Vandal Lacrosse fan - to step into those positions!
You can take time to ‘ease’ into the role until you are more familiar and comfortable with how the Board works. It’s vital to have involved members willing to give the support that I, Coach Blake Uphus and the team need to make this club run smoothly and succeed!
With no competition for the two past seasons, I hope everyone is looking forward to watching lacrosse this Spring. We’re counting on your cheers of support at games and are always grateful for your support in other ways as well!
GO VANDALS!
Photos: Todd Knipp
