Kyle and Owen discuss various aspects of lacrosse with Medfield head coach John Isaf. They delve into the dynamics of high school lacrosse in Massachusetts, including the impact of COVID-19, changes in MIA divisions, participation trends, and the role of club lacrosse. Coach Isaf provides insights into Medfield’s successful program, his coaching philosophy, dealing with the pressures of maintaining a championship-winning culture, and memorable matches. The discussion also touches on the New England lacrosse scene, challenges of scheduling competitive games, and the evolution of the sport in the region.

Topics

00:40 Introducing the Guest: John Isaf

01:10 Discussing MIAA Team Movements

01:56 Funny Anecdotes and Text Messages

03:42 Challenges in Lacrosse Coverage

08:47 Impact of COVID on Lacrosse

12:36 Scheduling and Competition Post-COVID

18:49 New Playoff Format and Power Rankings

22:23 Unintended Consequences of Power Rankings

22:29 Scheduling and Strength of Schedule

23:14 Human Factor in Rankings

24:05 Challenges in Small School Sports

27:01 Economic and Facility Disparities

28:06 Medfield's Athletic Culture

30:13 Pressure and Consistency in Coaching

33:34 New England Lacrosse Pedigree

38:17 Club Teams and Recruitment

44:14 Growth and Development of Lacrosse

45:16 Memorable Wins and Losses

46:34 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Kyle and Owen interview Matt Chandik, the Director of Communications for Dynamic Sports Management and Social Media Director of the National Lacrosse Federation. The discussion covers Matt's journey from writing for his college newspaper to becoming a key figure in lacrosse media and event management. They explore the intricacies of handling large-scale lacrosse events, the impact of social media on the sport, and how authentic storytelling can set apart lacrosse content.

Topics

01:30 Meet Our Guest: Matt Chandik

02:21 Matt's Journey into Lacrosse Media

06:33 Challenges and Rewards of Lacrosse Event Management

13:25 The Reality of Lacrosse as a Career

24:43 The Rise of High School Sports Edits

25:58 Challenges of Social Media Content

27:04 The Importance of Quality in Sports Clips

28:15 Engagement and Follower Dynamics

30:07 The Evolution of Sports Media

31:17 The Future of Lacrosse Media

43:59 Memorable Lacrosse Moments

47:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kyle and Owen sit down with Mike Silipo, the new head coach of St. Sebastian's lacrosse team. The podcast explores Silipo’s transition from a successful tenure at Boston University to taking the helm at St. Sebastian's. They discuss the intricacies of coaching at different levels, the importance of simplicity in strategy, and the nuances of the face-off and shot clock in modern lacrosse. Silipo shares insights on team dynamics, his approach to player development, and his philosophy on coaching both on and off the field. This episode also touches on the rich lacrosse culture in Massachusetts, the relationships among rival coaches, and the unique challenges and rewards of high school coaching. Join them for an in-depth conversation about the journey of building a lacrosse program and preparing young athletes for success.

Topics

00:56 Welcome to Chasing the Goal Podcast

01:57 Interview with Mike Silipo: New Head Coach of St. Sebastian's

02:44 Coaching Philosophy and Experience

04:00 Transition to High School Coaching

06:30 Offensive Strategies and Player Development

08:39 Challenges and Adaptations in Coaching

21:00 The Importance of Face-Offs in Lacrosse

23:53 Box Lacrosse vs. Field Lacrosse

24:20 The Importance of the Ride

24:40 Differentiating Midfielders and Attackmen

25:44 Training and Player Development

27:40 Rivalries and Mental Warfare

29:26 Motivational Tactics and Coaching Stories

31:58 Balancing Relationships and Performance

40:45 Final Thoughts and Reflections