On a unseasonably cold morning Monday, 59 Cougar hopefuls took the field for the first day of BYU Lacrosse tryouts.  The tryouts, which are scheduled to last through the end of this week, will test everything from condition and lacrosse skills, to heart and attitude.

For the first morning each player was required to perform the Cougar Conditioning Test. This benchmarking test was developed by the Cougar coaching staff to test each players conditioning, relative to lacrosse, after the long summer layoff.  While many of the player came back in sufficient shape, there was a sizable group of those trying out did not pass the test. Those who didn’t pass will be required to arrive at tryouts and practice early to rerun the test until they pass.

“We don’t want it to be viewed as a punishment,” said Assistant Coach Jordan Harris. “It’s very plain and simple. This test is the minimum level of conditioning each player has to be at in order to compete and excel at the collegiate level. If they are not at that level, we will help them get there. Even if that means running at 5:45 every morning.”

“The team worked hard this morning,” said Head Coach Matt Schneck. “We knew heading into this morning’s conditioning test that it would challenge for everyone.  We are excited to introduce this new expectation and standard to BYU Lacrosse.”

In addition to the Cougar Conditioning Test players were evaluated on their stick skills and basic lacrosse skills. As the week progresses the coaching staff plans to ramp up the level of drills and evaluation until they have narrowed the team down to 35 players.

“We had almost 100 kids that expressed interest in trying out this year,” said Schneck.  “That group is now down to about 60 and by the end of the week it will be 35.  It’s great for the program to have this much interest and to know that the level of competition continues to get better.  We are excited to see how the team comes together.”

Tryouts continue Tuesday morning at the North University Fields. Follow the BYU Lacrosse team on Facebook, Twitter, and at the Official Website.