By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/4/13
RADNOR, Pa – One came from Texas, another from Michigan and yet another from Maine. But all three players felt at home Sunday playing for the Long Island Sting.
Curtis Alexander, a 2016 defenseman from Cape Elizabeth, ME, who plays at Deerfield Academy (MA); Andrew Eichelberger, a 2016 midfielder from The Woodlands (TX); and Emilio Sosa, a 2015 midfielder from Detroit Country Day School (MI), all felt the long trip was well worth it to play three games with the Sting at the annual Quaker Fall LaxFest at Radnor High.
The event drew 24 elite club teams from the East Coast and more than 100 coaches.
The Sting, coached by Ken Miller, always has players from around the nation to go with a good mix from Long Island and around the East Coast.
“I feel like it’s a great way to get ready for the spring season and for getting looks,” said Eichelberger. “It’s comfortable knowing coach (Miller) doesn’t (wants us) to play for the team.
“Last summer I played with Curtis and stayed with two kids. You meet some and then you come back and they’re like your best friends and everyone catches up. It’s really cool.”
Alexander looked at the tourney as a way to get back into lacrosse shape.
“Coming in, for most of the guys it’s the first time playing lacrosse in the fall,” he said. “You’re getting back in the swing of things, getting the legs back. We played OK today.
“We played better in the second game. The first game we were really rusty.”
Sosa had never played with the Sting until Sunday, but caught on quickly.
“Being from the Midwest, I had never played with these guys, but they made me feel like I am a part of the team,” he said. “The coaches don’t put pressure on you. They want you to have fun and play hard.
“In the Midwest we don’t have as many tournaments so we have to come here to play. I think I played well. Being with a new group it’s a little harder to get adjusted to this style as opposed to the Midwest because it’s a faster pace. This will prepare me more for my season.
Eichelberger said he had to get the final OK to play from his football coach at The Woodlands.
“Football is still the big powerhouse and not many coaches support you playing lacrosse,” he said. “I had a football game on Friday, and then flew up Saturday.
“It was a lot of fun. I love coming up here to play. You get a lot better.”