The University of Arizona is the leading public research university in the American Southwest. The UA produces more than $530 million in annual research and is the state’s only member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. This is a diverse community of people who thrive on innovation and collaboration. Our world-class faculty create discoveries that improve the human condition and fuel the state’s economy. Our research enterprise provides undergraduate students with opportunities for hands-on experiences that can be found in few universities in the world. As the state’s land-grant university, our research and resources enrich communities around the state and around the world.
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University of Arizona Academics:
http://www.arizona.edu/home/academics.php
Admissions:
https://admissions.arizona.edu/default.aspx
Financial Aid:
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/Default.aspx
Is Lacrosse a varsity sport at Arizona?
NO. The “Laxcats” program is run through the Department of Campus Recreation of the University of Arizona. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) club program managed by players and the Head Coach. It is run like a varsity U of A sport, however it receives little financial support from the University. Our revenue support based comes from player dues, donations and fundraisers.
So why would anyone want to play lacrosse at Arizona?
There are many good reasons to play at Arizona. First, this is a great place to get a college education. UA consistently ranks among the best for a combination of academics and student life. In addition, as a truly international University, UA’s diverse alumni body affords many opportunities for internships and post collegiate work well beyond the scope of most other schools. Finally, the city of Tucson annually ranks as one of the top cities in the country for quality of life. Year round nice weather, over 330 days of sun annually, and a short drive to the most southern ski mountain in the United States, are all reasons why Tucson ranks so high year after year.
Second, The University of Arizona Lacrosse Program provides a competitive lacrosse experience on a national scale. Our team marked its 50-Year Anniversary in 2009-2010 and players on our team have achieved High School and Collegiate All American status. Our student-athletes are expected to dedicate themselves to the team, but they are given the time and latitude to focus on academics. Some turned down college varsity opportunities to come to school and play here for just that reason. The atmosphere on this team is much like a top Division III program, with a healthy combination of athletics, academics and social life.
Third, it’s a good investment. In addition to learning lacrosse skills, players will learn skills of time management, teamwork and positive attitudes. They will maintain their physical fitness, increase the quality of life as a student-athlete and learn the value of winning while managing disappointments.
Who does the team play?
University of Arizona Men’s Lacrosse is a founding member of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), the largest collegiate lacrosse league in the world. The MCLA is made up of over 200 teams in 10 conferences that represent virtually every region of the country. UA is a member of the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference, with 12 Division 1 teams in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The SLC is the newest recognized MCLA conference in the nation.
The University of Arizona’s regular season schedule usually includes many of the top MCLA programs from around the country. Teams like Brigham Young, Colorado State, Sonoma State, UC Santa Barbara, Michigan, and in state rival Arizona State, are regularly on the schedule. Arizona plays a 4 game SLC South divisional schedule and always draws top opponents, especially early in the season due to February temperatures in the mid-70s in Tucson.
Is there a post-season tournament?
The SLC tournament is in late April. The winner of the tournament, along with the champions of the 9 other conferences, gets an automatic bid to the MCLA national championship tournament in mid-May. Six other at-large bids go to teams chosen by a selection committee.
How do I join the team?
The best way is to contact any team representative as soon as you make the decision to come to Arizona. You will be instructed as to when to take classes, practice times, etc. Announcements are made in August as to when the first team meeting for new players will be held. We welcome players of all levels to join the team. We will use team scrimmages during the fall to assess the skill levels of players. The team does not currently cut players and playing time is a function of attitude, skills and experience.
How much will it cost to play?
The University of Arizona Lacrosse Program operates with an annual budget. Over 95% of the revenues of the team is generated from team dues, alumni participation, and a variety of additional fundraising efforts. Players’ dues cover quite a bit, including helmets, gloves, uniforms, equipment bags, flights, ground transportation, hotels, coaching and other operational expenses. The team budget is set at approximately $200,000 and team dues for 2012-2013 were $3,000. Our dues are in line with similar competitive club teams, but in the long run we charge less than many. Most teams charge lower dues, then charge you again for the cost of each team trip, uniforms, or other costs as they come up. All of our players are required to participate in fundraising events throughout the year.
What kind of commitment does it take to play for Arizona?
Our season begins in late August and continues through May. Playing lacrosse at Arizona requires a serious commitment and only those who are willing to attend practices, achieve high academic results and participate in team meetings throughout the year should consider becoming a “Laxcat.”
We ask all of our players to commit to 8 hours a week of lacrosse related activities in the Fall and 20 hours per week of Arizona Lacrosse activities in the Spring. Traveling can be additional. At the University at Arizona we truly believe in the idea of a Student-Athlete.
Off the field players are required to maintain a minimum GPA and minimum number of class hours but must be Full-Time Students in the Spring semester in order to compete. Academics are monitored by the U of A Men’s Lacrosse academic advisor to ensure that all academic goals are being met.
On the field we set very high team standards. The structure of the program and the work put in by every one of our players demands a commitment to excellence. Arizona players are coached by some of the best lacrosse minds in the country who endeavor to develop our players both as solid Lacrosse players and as individuals.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact team President Sam Bradley at arizonamenslacrosse@gmail.com.
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