From the box to the field

Times Editor

 

Ever since Cody Betterton took part in a lacrosse camp earlier this summer, his career has taken off.

Not only did the Grade 11 student from Strathmore High School improve his skills, but he also began the process of learning the outdoor field lacrosse game, which has opened many doors for the future.

Betterton caught the eye of camp instructor Geoff Snider, a National Lacrosse League all-star with the Calgary Roughnecks.

In the offseason, Snider not only runs the camp, but he also puts together a field lacrosse travel team, with the purpose of showcasing the kids to NCAA college recruiters.

As a result of his solid play, Betterton made the team and recently traveled to Philadelphia to showcase his talents to various recruiters.

“It was pretty exciting when Geoff came up to me at the end (of the camp) and asked me to try out for the travel team,” said Betterton. “I didn’t expect it because I was … learning something new about box – and then to get invited for a field team that travels is pretty amazing.

“There are kids on the team that have scholarships and just to be able to play with them is a really cool thing.”

Despite never playing field lacrosse before, Snider saw loads of potential in Betterton and quickly began teaching him the outdoor game. As the team prepared to travel to Philadelphia, Betterton adapted to the outdoor game very quickly and was a standout on the team. He was even named team captain.

According to Betterton, there is a significant difference between the two types of lacrosse.

“Field (lacrosse) is much more of a thinking game,” said Betterton. “It’s not all over the place like box is. It’s really fast, then it’s slowed down – it is very strategic.

“There is a lot more space, it’s on a football field, and everyone on the team has to be doing their job, or it’s not going to work.

“Mistakes (are much more glaring) because it is harder to recover and fix the problem.”

Betterton’s next stop was in San Diego in late November, when Snider suggested he attend another recruiting camp.

“It’s pretty intimidating actually, to play in front of all those coaches,” said Betterton. “It seems like there is a lot of pressure, but once you settle into your game and get comfortable, it’s not really an issue anymore playing in front of people.”

After finishing the box lacrosse season in Strathmore, Betterton is now eyeing to compete at the highest level next season. 

He, along with his parents, are hoping that it leads to a scholarship one day down the road.

“We’ve been lucky and fortunate to sort of fall into this program that Geoff Snider has through his Elev8 company,” said Cody’s father Todd. “The program is almost less about lacrosse and it’s more about character, leadership and good marks. We would be just delighted if we could find a US college or university that would want to fund his education.”