Talent event to host top lacrosse players

Nearly 150 of the top high school lacrosse players in the Midwest will have a chance to showcase their skills before college coaches and recruiters Jan. 20-21 at the McCook Athletic and Expo center in McCook.

The Chicago Machine, the professional outdoor lacrosse team that plays at Toyota Park, will bring in 27 college lacrosse coaches to watch the stars compete at the 2008 Chicago Showcase.

"The quality of Midwestern players coming out of high school in recent years has increased dramatically," said Machine assistant general manager Mike Culver. "What we've tried to do with the 2008 showcase is provide those coaches with a one-stop shop.

"The showcase will not only be a great way for coaches to check out up-and-coming prospects, but also for fans to see great lacrosse."

The 2008 event will feature top players from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Indiana. Kentucky and Wisconsin competing in a series of games on both days. Players were nominated to participate in the event by high school coaches. The 2008 Chicago Showcase is open to the public and will be free of charge.

The McCook facility is located south of Ogden Avenue and west of Route 171. Registration will begin at 10 am. on Jan. 20 at the Max McCook. Games will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and players will get a chance to meet the coaches in attendance at a coaches' roundtable from 2-3:30 p.m.

On Jan. 21, games will begin at 9 a.m. Teams will compete in a tournament-style competition with a championship game. An all-star game will take place as the last event of the day, featuring the event's top players, as nominated by the college coaches in attendance.

For more information, visit www.max-mccook.com.