Last weekend at the Highlands Sports complex lacrosse players, coaches, and parents gather from all around the tri-state area as they have this time of the year since 1999. They were there to showcase their talents and enjoy a fast-paced version of lacrosse with the Big Shot 7v7 tournament.
As stated, this tournament started here in Wheeling, WV back in 1999 at the Wheeling Jesuit Campus when then Head Coach Bear Davis wanted something to help evaluate some local talent and give more players an opportunity to play against others outside their area.
The first year the Big Shot 7v7 had just 8 teams. In the tournaments 23 year the number has climbed to an impressive 30 teams. Teams come from as far as Indiana, Pa, Southern West Virginia, Canton and Columbus, OH.
When speaking to Coach Dais he is most proud of holding the tournament at the Highlands complex. He speaks very highly of the facility. Not to mention that drawing teams from all over and having them compete against each other is special. “This is one of the few opportunities for players to go against other players from different areas that do not normally get to go against” Coach Davis stated.
In addition to the tournament itself Coach Davis, with assistance from local lacrosse guru Joey Subasic, helped put together a showcase with 14 different colleges present where about 40 local lacrosse players could show their stuff to some college coaches. Robert Morris probably headline that event. In recent years Robert Morris has went deep into the NCAA playoffs taking the powerhouse Maryland Terrapins to the edge. Many other local colleges were present as well.
Alderson Broaddus University
Bethany College
Davis & Elkins College
Grove City College
Robert Morris University
Seton Hill University
St. Vincent College
Washington & Jefferson College
Wheeling University
Wilmington College
Muskingum University
Coach Davis is no stranger to success. After leaving Wheeling Jesuit Coach Davis coached at the professional level with the Ohio Machine in the MLL. That league was founded in 2012. Coach Davis and the Ohio Machine won the championship in 2017 beating the Denver Outlaws 17-12.
Coach Davis still comes back to this area every year to help grow the game. With local ties helping make this area special to him. Coach Davis’ wife happens to be a Wheeling Park graduate.
I have personally coached in this tournament and can speak to how much fun it is and how much both players can learn from competing against other teams from outside their normal areas. This is fast paced, high scoring event that is very exciting.
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