After just a couple of days in Cranbrook, field lacrosse has some converts.

While attending the three-day camp being hosted by professional star Geoff Snider, 11-year-old Ryan Dergasoff had a field lacrosse epiphany.

“I thought it was just like box lacrosse, but I now know it’s different,” he said. “It’s a good different; I think I’m going to want to play field lacrosse instead of box lacrosse.”

He is in luck, or he will be one day, since a movement is afoot to start up a U-16 field team under the Elite junior umbrella (see bottom of story for more).

For one thing, Ryan likes the lack of a shot clock in the outdoor game.

“I like that it’s on grass so the ball doesn’t roll and bounce as good,” said the two-year veteran of the indoor version.

Ryan said it’s been very interesting to learn from a pro like Snider.

“He teaches a lot of new stuff and he makes it really easy to learn,” he said. “I’ve learned how to shoot with my wrong hand, I’ve learned how to catch better, I’ve learned how to pass behind the neck and I’ve learned how to shoot better and play defence and forward better.”

Another convert is Cooper Holick. Other than a couple of outdoor practices with his box team when he lived in Vernon, he had never played field lacrosse before Wednesday.

He’s looking forward to learning more about the picks and checks they’ve touched on so far.

“You have to be more skilled with the ball in field because you have to use both your left and right hands to control the ball,” said the 14-year-old. “The plays and the way you set up on offence and defence are similar but there are different plays and different ways you’re supposed cover your guy.”

The 14-year-old is getting his first exposure to field lacrosse at a good time considering his family is moving to Syracuse, New York in very soon.

His father Mark recently took a job coaching that city’s American Hockey League franchise, and the region is a field lacrosse hotbed.

“I know from looking on the Internet that they have a university there that has a Div. I field lacrosse team, and I guess it’s really popular down there with my high school so I’m looking forward to trying out for varsity down in New York,” said Cooper.

FIELD ELITE — The Elite recently ordered field lacrosse nets, and are looking to hold their first field team practice by the second week in September.

Team executive Shellie Hollister said the team would mix midget and bantam level players, and have a berth at next February’s provincial championships.

Contact Hollister at jdscontracting@telus.net for more information.