2001 Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational Champions
Crease Monkeys	Team Toyota

2001 Photo Gallery

November 3rd & 4th, 2001 11th Annual Men’s Division

In addition to the great lacrosse, plenty of fun times were had enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian surroundings. Photo: Andy Sharp

Kapi’olani Park, Oahu, Hawai'i 2nd Annual Women’s Division

Tournament Introduction
by Jeff Kloetzel, HLC

     The ancient Hawaiian gods who've been smiling down on the Islands of Aloha will certainly be grinning even bigger on the weekend of November 3-4, 2001, as the island of O'ahu plays host to the 11th annual HAWAII LACROSSE INVITATIONAL. Sun, sand, surf, sea, sticks and social outlets combine for a killer weekend in the 50th State.

     This year's event showcases more incredible lacrosse talent than ever before. With a total of 19 teams competing, it will also be the largest ever. And the event continues its preeminence in international competition by featuring teams and athletes from Japan, Canada, Hawaii and the mainland US, as well as the first ever Republic of Korea National Team. The Republic of Tonga National Team was near miss for 2001, but will be expected to bring their South Pacific might to Honolulu in 2002.

     Sponsors Anheuser-Busch and Under Armor have provided key assistance in making the 2001 extravaganza a reality - big thanks to them!

Men's Competition
     On the men's side, 2000 Hawaii champions the Crease Monkeys return with an even stronger team than before (if possible). These guys boast a slew of pro players from the MLL and NLL ranks, and return the 2000 tournament MVP as well. These guys are looking very strong and deep, and will be the team to beat in 2001.

     Pressing the Monks for the 2001 title will be Michelob Light (with 5 MLL pros and several college standouts including NCAA 2000 Player of the Year Ryan Powell); two-time Hawaii champions Marin Lacrosse Club (with their own MLL pro and collegiate All-American representation); former Hawaii champs TEAM GB LAX/Blue Design (Canada) with their own pro players including offensive standout John Grant Jr.; and Olympic Club, a solid squad that lost the 1999 title game by a one goal count.

     Pressing these squads are a slate of other teams - host Hawaii Lacrosse Club made a good showing last year before a lopsided loss to eventual champs Crease Monkeys; Barbary Coast LC returns with a deep squad that also includes a few MLL pros; Northern Alliance brings solid East Coast experience in their first appearance; after last year's successful WALAX/Crease Monkeys team the core of the Seattle crew has entered their own team, Corillian; the Japan Lacrosse Association continues to gain experience by sending two men's college all-star squads, Japan West and Japan East, with great athletic talent; and Ho'ohule Lacrosse Club continues to dish out Aloha with their assists. The Republic of Korea's first ever National Team rounds out the field with an unknown squad, but one that boasts plenty of U.S. college experience.

Women's Competition
     In it's second year, the women's division has drawn some serious athletic talent to the islands. The growth of the women's side of things has been impressive, and would have been even bigger except for recent US events.

     Returning 2000 champions Japan East is made up of college all-star players from around the country, and has the conditioning to run with anyone - but experience could be a factor this year. Top mainland squad Team Toyota is loaded with talent and should be a serious contender. Michelob Light's team entry is also packed with NCAA Division I experience and should give everyone a run for the money. TEAM GB LAX/Blue Design has a very deep roster full of Canadian experience. Baltimore's Hero's Lacrosse will certainly showcase talented athletes at all positions. 2000 surprise squad (and hosts) Hawaii Lacrosse Club just missed a title game appearance last year, and will undoubtedly be gunning for that missed opportunity this time around.

Additional Happenings

This year will also mark the second ever Hawaii Lacrosse Invitational Outrigger Canoe Regatta, a fun post-game ocean event for Saturday afternoon. Teams will wade through the surf will race against each other on a ocean course at the base of Diamond Head. Teams to beat here are (surprise!) Hawaii Lacrosse Club's dens and women's squads.

Social events galore are also in store for all tournament attendees. Just a taste…

Wednesday - 10/31: Halloween! Arnold's Bar (Waikiki) with free beer followed by… The Maze for serious shenanigans and dancing

Thursday - 11/1: Diamond Head Grill at the W Honolulu Home of the famous "WonderLounge" Lacrosse Reception 7-9pm Free food, drink specials, etc. More Photos to Come!!!

Friday - 11/2: 2001 Welcome Reception - 6:30pm-9:30pm KAPONO'S at Aloha Tower Live Music by John Cruz & Henry Kapono plus hula exhibition $2 Michelob Light & Bud Beers!! $3 Wells !! More Photos to Come!!!

Saturday - 11/3: Saturday Night Sensation - 10pm-2am JOHN DOMINIS RESTAURANT Entertainment by DJ Gary O - House, Soul, Hip-Hop, Funk & More (Jeff Mills, Jeff Kloetzel, Lorne Smith) $2 Michelob Light & Bud Beers !!!! More Photos to Come!!!

Sunday - 11/4: 11th Anniversary Aloha Celebration - 10pm-2am COMPADRES BAR & GRILL Foot Stompin' Live music from Bud Cerio & The Now $2 Michelob Light & Bud Beers !!!! More Photos to Come!!!

Don Gladstone Award

2001 Recipient Kim Gray. Photo: Andy Sharp

     The Don Gladstone Award was established in 1992 in memory of Don Gladstone and between 1992 & 1999, was given to the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Starting this year, the award will be presented to an individual associated with the tournament who has given a great deal to lacrosse. In the inaugural 1991 Hawai'i Lacrosse Invitational, Don played defense with the Haole Lacrosse Club from British Columbia, Canada. He was both a stellar field and box lacrosse performer. He played on the Richmond Outlaws Junior A box lacrosse team at age 24 and twice went to the Canadian championships. Don died suddenly in the summer of 1992 and will be sadly missed by all who knew him and by the game of lacrosse. In hosting a tournament, one meets a multitude of people who volunteer a tremendous amount of their time to lacrosse. Beginning this year, the Don Gladstone Award will be presented to someone who has selflessly given their time to the promotion and enjoyment of lacrosse. The Hawai'i Lacrosse Club is very proud to have the opportunity to honor the contributions of such individuals with this award.

You May Contact Guest Webmaster Andy Sharp at andy@laxlinks.com