JUNE 6, 2010   So where did it go?  Where did the 2010 Lax season go?  It seems like only a few short days ago we were inside the CRC for our Drill for Skill clinics..anxiously awaiting the start of our 13th Middle School and Youth Lacrosse season!    Once again I must truly commend all of our players and the entire Coaching Staff in making 2010 another phenomenal year of Boys Lax.  To our TOMMIES and Coach Matt...a remarkable season of evolution indeed...120 days ago a caterpillar now transformed into a brilliant iridescent WARRIOR butterfly...to the BRAVES and Coach Jon...short on several scores but not in sportmanship, skill development and heart...WHITE and Coach Matt....solid, simply solid performance both on and off the battlefield, RED with Coaches Steve & Darrin....lots more to come and high expectations....and finally Coach John and the men in BLACK.....I presented you with 2 challenges...make them both happen.....you will if you want to, you certainly have the talent!    Parents....my sincere appreciation and gratitude believing in our organization.  I truly hope you and your son had a most positive and rewarding experience over these past fleeting months.  THANK YOU!        Amy, Chrissy, Evan, Kim and Michelle....what can I say??  You're all ineffable...it's my privilege working with you and especially being my close friends....   And so we all ride off into the sunset....end of school, graduations, the beach or simply the backyard...I leave you all with one of my very favorite blessings:   Wishing you always walls for the wind and a roof for the rain..., Tea beside the fire with laughter to cheer you, and those you love always near ya', and all that your heart might desire.... may our Lord and Master always inspire.   Have a safe and FUN Summer!!             Yours always in "the Creator's Game"....       Frank Lo Castro aka "the elephant"      Leagues/Camps icon has been recently updated.  log on for information.     HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS................ITALO MERANTE.........CODY SHEETZ........ANDREW RAO, these 3 PT WARRIORS were selected to represent Western PA in the upcoming KEYSTONE GAMES at Penn State University this coming Summer!  Our Western PA team is comprised of 22 total players who will compete against other elite Lacrosse teams from Erie, Harrisburg, Wilkes Barre and Philadelphia areas.  Way to go guys.....wear your colors proud..... Please note that we have new information on camps and leagues now posted.  Click on the icon labeled "CAMPS/LEAGUES" for more information.  As we receive more info, we will add to this icon area.  Directions available via our site.  LOG ONTO THE ICON LABELED 2010 SCHEDULE!  We play in cold and rain...we are WARRIORS!   Congrats to Black team Warrior; KENNY WARDhas been selected to receive the Pittsburgh US LACROSSE FOUNDATION "SPIRIT OF THE GAME" award for 2010!!  This select award is representative of the player from each program that exemplifies what PT LAX and "The Creator's Game" is all about....honor, sportsmanship, character and passion for the game!  Kuddo's to KENNY as he will be honored along with his family on June 10th at the annual US LACROSSE banquet held at the LeMont Restaurant!  DO NOT WEAR YOUR GAME JERSEY TO PRACTICES! As most of you know, we have entered into a joint venture with the Football Associationin our attempt to fundraise enough monies to install permanent lighting on Hofbauer Field.  You should have received a packet on this venture with Raffle tickets for sale.    PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sell all the 15 tickets received ($10.00 each) to ensure this project'ssuccess.  Also, on AUGUST 14th, we will hold our "1st ANNUAL-RED,    WHITE & BLACK SPORTS GALA" at Valley Brook Country Club.  Therewill be silent, chinese, and live auction items including chances to win an exotic island week vacation, Nemacolin, golf package, Hidden Valley, games of chance including Black Jack, Roulette, Food and Spirits, etc...Please note with more news to follow!!   BE PART OF HISTORY and HELP RAISE THE LIGHTS!!             Champions Bleed Black and RED......          .. PLAYERS....YOU are responsible for your equipment being ready. Tighten the head/crosse of your stick, make sure there is a butt end on the stick. Make certain all your equipment is ready to go for game day.  If it is wet and smells...hang it up before your games and let it dry.  Your Mother and Father are NOT your equipment manager. 2 more points....is your name on every piece of equipment? Equipment is lost and left behind....there is no way to get it back without a name and/or phone number on it. Finally, have you thanked your parents for all they've done for you so far this season? If you haven't...then DO IT TONITE! WARRIORS BLEED BLACK AND RED and they also appreciate their parents...so DO IT! The following individuals were elected as your PTBYLA Executive Board Officers for 2009/10 at the March 21st. meeting: President: Frank Lo Castro  412-818-7797 frank.locastro@comcast.net Vice President: Amy Nerone 724-941-8601 neronefamily@comcast.net Team Counsel: Frank Lo Castro 412 818-7797 frank.locastro@comcast.net Treasurer: Michelle Chavel  412-848-6100 chavel0715@verizon.net At Large Member: Chrissy Hareza  724-941-3203 clhareza@comcast.net At Large Member: Evan Keebler 724-260-0664 ekeebler@marinoware.com At Large Member:  Kim Doughty 724-986-9927 doughtys@verizon.net

Our current policy surrounding missed practices, etc...   ***24 Hour Rule - In situations where a practice is posted providing only 24 hour notice or less, any player tardy for said practice WILL NOT incurr any additional conditioning "penalty" which sometimes has previously been the case.  This rule will be communicated to the coaching staff.  ***Phone Tree - We are in the process of creating a phone tree whereby a phone call will be made surrounding any late breaking cancellations of a practice or other significant change.  This will be in ADDITION to website updates. PARENTS.....read this again....   Practice makes perfect...a miss is a miss is a miss.   The "rule of thumb" is as follows and has been conveyed multiple times:   1 missed practice–1 missed quarter in the upcoming game, 2 misses–missed half in the game, 3 misses–you will be fortunate to get any playing time and you are still expected to be at the game, Missing a Saturday game (usually away) means you miss a minimum of a 1/2 in the game on Sunday. All coaches will/have conveyed their thoughts on missed practices.  Most coaches attempt to afford all players an opportunity to offset misses by doing extra sprints or excercises either before or after practice.  This is the call of the individual coach; however, he can elect to follow the guidelines as established above surrounding misses.  Attendance at practice is CRITICAL to team success and chemistry.    Players please ... Write your NAME on all your gear.  Check that you have ALL your gear BEFORE you leave the house. Don't forget your JERSEY on game days! Before you leave the field, collect ALL your belongings and dispose of any trash. On the ride home, talk about how much fun the game was! Share your favorite play, best game moment, etc. Parents please ... Refrain from interrupting practices. Keep to the sidelines. Pick up players promptly at the conclusion of practice. Plan to have players at the field at least 10 min before practice time and one hour before game time. Remind players to check to be sure they have all their gear. Game Days -- cheer your player and his teammates during their game          BUT please don't COACH from the stands Home Games -- check the volunteer schedule to see if you have a scheduled assignment and if so, arrive a bit early to your volunteer station for instructions. Notice how much all the players improve as the season progresses. Thank the coach for all his hard work during the week.