skip navigation

Michigan-based Bandits become official USBOXLA member

By USBOXLA Staff, 05/17/18, 12:45PM PDT

Share


The Bandits will be hosting the Lax in the Zoo box tournament this December (Photo: Mike Peeples)

Regulars at the US Box Lacrosse Association-sanctioned Midwest Classic, after years of taking part in the well-attended event, the Michigan-based Bandits are now not only full-time USBOXLA members, they’ll also be hosting their own box lacrosse tournament later this year. 

The BJ Sports Bandits Lacrosse Club are the latest program to join a USBOXLA community that now exceeds 18,000 individual members in over 30 states across the country. Bandits Director Nick Kakabeeke is thrilled about what becoming a USBOXLA member means for the growth of box lacrosse in his home state. 

“Bandits Lacrosse is eager to grow box lacrosse in Michigan,” said Kakabeeke. “As a sanctioned USBOXLA club, we are dedicated to implementing proper box lacrosse instruction within our program for our players.

“It's our goal to ensure proper development of the game, players, officials and coaches. The Bandits Lacrosse staff is pumped to partner and be mentored by USBOXLA. This is an awesome opportunity for Michigan players!”

Some of those Bandits ball players have already made an impression on the USBOXLA landscape. Earlier this year, Bandits Lacrosse players Krew Conroy and Mike Kessler were named to the Midwest Classic High School All-Star Team, a list that included some of the best American box talent in the region. 

“We’re so happy to add a club of the Bandits’ caliber and reputation to the association,” said USBOXLA President and Co-Founder Shaydon Santos. “I’m extremely excited for what this will do for box lacrosse in Michigan.”

Not only will the Bandits now have access to various USBOXLA resources, support and guidance, they’ll also be hosting the state’s first USBOXLA-sanctioned tournament in Kalamazoo… Lax in the Zoo (December 15-16, 2018). 

The tournament, which will be played at the Kingdom Indoor Center, will feature four age groups (grade 5/6, grade 7/8, High School A and High School B), with games taking place on three separate floors. 

Interested in playing for the Bandits? Go to banditslax.com for more info. Want to play in the Lax in the Zoo tournament this winter? Visit freshcoasttournaments.com/lax-in-the-zoo for additional details.