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LI Squids Lacrosse
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The Pride of Strong Island: The Long Island Squids! 2011 Salt Shakerz Invitational

LI Squids LacrosseEditor’s Note: As we get closer to the First annual Salt Shakerz Invitational (June 25, 26 in NYC —  (get more info at laxoften.com) the Shakerz want to give LAS readers a continuing taste of what to expect at the tourney by highlighting the different teams that will be coming to the tournament.  Today they are focusing on the Long Island Squids.

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First of all, what’s in a name, anyway? What is your team name and how’d you pick it?

Being born and bred on Long Island, we’ve got water in our veins. There’s tenacity and recklessness about squids and their ability to overpower any opponent in any situation. Initially, Squids is what we called one another off the field but it led to greater camaraderie on the team. Henceforth, the name was born.

How did you get started? (tell us a little bit about your club)

The original club team began the summer after graduation from college in 2005. Initially we were Team Facebook and various teams thereafter in tournaments up and down the east coast. We continued to improve and joined the A.L.L. (American LacrosseLeague) in spring of 2009 as the Long Island Squids.

How would you describe the club lacrosse scene where you’re located?

Long Island, NY is considered one of the hot beds of the lacrosse world. The scene throughout each town has consistently grown more intense since our younger years. Most people think  (the ALL and summer tournaments ) are like slow pitch or Sunday lacrosse beer league, but that’s truly not the case. Each team that steps on the field is fully equipped up and down the roster, so we never underestimate any opponent.

How many people are on your team, part of your club?

LI Squids Lacrosse
Squid Pounds

Roughly about 25 Squids for spring leagues. During summer league and tournaments it’s tough to put together a massive team because of everyone’s schedule so we continue to reach out for new blood in order to maintain 25-30 players.

Who is behind the team? (founders, captains, sponsors, etc.)

Squid Master is the ‘Head Tentacle In Charge’. He puts great energy and time into not only organizing the team, leagues and tournaments, but also supplying us with the freshest gear on the field.

We have a few different sponsors, with the main one being String It Up, which is a fairly new company in the lacrosse industry, but these guys do everything and have the best pricing out there.

Our other sponsors are XSplosive.com & Christopher’s Pub & Eatery in Huntington, NY.

What makes your team different, and/or stand above others?

Having friends that have played lacrosse their entire lives, it has grown into more than just a game. We have a love and passion for the game, so we’re always the first to show and last to leave at any event. Sportsmanship amongst opponents and all generations of the game is what we live by, so everyone’s welcome to our team’s tent before or after games.

What was your 2010 season like?

2010 was a great because it was our 2nd year in the A.L.L. and we managed to make the playoffs.

How is your team looking for the 2011 season? Do you have a 2011 Schedule? if so, do tell

The 2011 Squids are looking good and we keep improving every day. We’re dissecting the animal within and finding the chemistry on both sides of the field. Winning games is what we’ll do, but most of all  we’re just having fun playing the sport.

Our schedule can be found on the American Lacrosse League website or visit our mascot Scooter Squid on Facebook for team news and updates.

What are you guys looking to improve on in 2011 both on the field as a team, and off the field as a team/organization/club?

2011 is going to be an exciting year for the game of lacrosse. Our team is looking for continued success on the field and more importantly, off the field. In addition to the launch of the ‘Lady Squids’ in the summer of 2010, we’re stepping up and launching different Junior Squid youth teams of all age groups. SQUIDS for KIDS!

Are you guys a Team that focuses on its gear and uniform? If so, any newdevelopments we should know about? Anything special for the tournament?

LI Squids Lacrosse helmet
Squid Lid.

As a team, we are dedicated to looking good as a team. We share in the belief that if you look good, you play good. The Squid Master and his partners at ‘String It Up’ handle the gear and uniforms. They’ve finally locked down our fresh look for the upcoming tournament season. Even fellow Squids are excited for the unveiling.

What brought you to the Salt Shakerz Invitational?

We were excited to hear the Salt Shakerz created this tournament, so once we received an invitation to play, we were not turning it down. Players on both teams have a long history playing with and against each other, and everyone has a good rapport with one another so it’s going to be an exciting weekend. The Shakerz are all about having a good time so we know they will not disappoint.

What are your expectations for the tournament? Any idea what the competition will be like? You feel like making a prediction about your chances?

We’re looking forward to participating amongst the great competition that will be on Randall’sIsland. We’re expecting some good lacrosse and beautiful weather with the New York City skyline in the background; what could be better?

Tell us a bit about your upcoming trip to NY. Will you be staying in and around the city?

Although we’re home grown around Long Island, we’ll be looking to mix it up with other Lax Bros around NYC.

You’ve got quite a few off-the-field opportunities in NYC (including theTournament After Party at Mad River Bar & Grille). What are you most looking forward to and why?

We’re hoping for a healthy afternoon of lacrosse and we’re looking to follow up the games with cold suds in the streets of Manhattan.

Anything you’d like to tell the LAS readers?

Be sure to check out www.lacrosserestrings.com for the best strung sticks in the game and for the best prices on team apparel and equipment. If you talk to these guys, you may be the next team wearing the freshest gear on the field.

Where can interested Lax players find you and get more information?

String it Up and/or Scooter Squid on Facebook.com.

Ink Em!!

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