by Jac Coyne | MCLA.us

BALTIMORE – In its continuing effort to expand its presence in the lacrosse world and spread the word about the opportunities the association provides, the MCLA attended the US Lacrosse Convention from Jan. 19-21 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

In a premium booth just inside the main entrance to the vendor and demonstration area, parents, coaches and prospective student-athletes were able to find out about all the opportunities that the MCLA has to offer.

The visitors to the booth ranged from individuals who had no concept that there was a highly organized non-varsity option out there to those who knew of it and followed it closely during the course of the season.

In addition, for the first time in five years, the MCLA also had a presenter at the three-day event. Garrett Hanrahan, the head coach at the University of Florida, gave his lecture “Win With Less: X's, O's, and Ideas for Resource-Limited Programs” in front of a solid crowd.

Hanrahan was one of several MCLA coaches in attendance. Montana State coach Chris Kelley jumped on Lacrosse Talk Radio, which had a live broadcast at the convention, while Missouri head man Nick Anagnostis, St. Edward’s coach Nathan Biles and Northeastern skipper Chris Boland swung by for some good conversation.

Numerous assistant coaches and MCLA alums -- including the guys over at The Lacrosse Network -- stopped by to check in. Away from the convention floor, Utah assistant coaches Will Manny and Marcus Holman participated in the Team USA indoor "Blue-White" scrimmage on Saturday.

The amount of organizations and companies that approached the MCLA for potential collaborations was also invigorating. In addition to connecting with our current sponsors – Under Armour, The Pearl and Universal Lacrosse – inroads were made with potential new partners.

In particular, the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) has expressed a desire for MCLA coaches to present at its convention next year, which typically occurs in early December.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the MCLA booth in Baltimore and we look forward to meeting new and old friends again next year in Philadelphia on the weekend of Jan. 11-13. Have a great season!