The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
Written by Neil Frawley
“Save the 23rd date!” says VSU lacrosse captain, Mike McGuire.
VSU lacrosse captain Mike McGuire wants the Feb. 23rd date saved because on Saturday the Blazers’ club team will play host in what is being called “The Battle of the Border.”
The “Battle of the Border” will be a five team, day long lacrosse event featuring teams from Georgia and Florida, beginning at 10 AM and continuing until 5 PM.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun, I’m really looking forward to it, “said McGuire.
In addition to Valdosta, Morehouse College will represent teams from Georgia, while Stetson University, Florida Atlantic University and Flagler College will represent teams from Florida.
“They were all excited to come down here. It will be a good event for everyone to come and check (Valdosta) out.”
“In honesty, it probably is the biggest thing to happen to Lacrosse in South Georgia, below Macon, above Jacksonville.” said Scott Fritzsche, Vice President of VSU lacrosse.
The event will take place in Lake Park, due in large part to there being limited space near the campus for such a sizable number of teams.
“When we were setting it up, I was like, ‘we’re so close to the border (that) we were calling it Battle of the Boarder,’ and literally Lake City is on the border. It’s a little south of us, but it’s the last stop before Florida. So, this will literally be ‘The Battle of the Border.” said McGuire.
Of course, with an event of this magnitude, there has been a heavy focus on promoting the event leading up to the event.
“I talked to the Rec center, and their marketing department has come up with an idea for a flyer, and they will print them out and distribute them throughout the dorms and the dining halls.”
“I wanted to focus mainly on this week, putting the sheet signs up on campus and then one on Baytree road.”
Ultimately, the main focus is to generate a buzz about lacrosse in the deep south, and if it goes well to keep it going in future years.
“Im hoping (that) for this tournament if everyone has a good time, next year bump it up and have it at a closer facility, maybe another park around the area.”
“It will be a fun game to come and watch. Come out and have fun, support the Blazers,” said junior midfielder, Matthew Pigg.
