(BOGOTA, COLOMBIA) Head Coach Miles Makdisi has named the final 23-man roster for Team Colombia as they prepare to head to Denver, Colorado for the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championship in July.The roster features players from Colombia’s two clubs – The Bogota Legends, and the Pereira Wolves. It also features four players with NCAA playing experience and Colombian heritage.
Makdisi is optimistic about many things in advance of Colombia’s inaugural World Championship appearance, saying “I am feeling good about how our roster has come together. We held tryouts over a month-long period that included on-field skill observation and off-field interviews. We have focused on fundamental development and leadership from the beginning and the players representing Colombia have worked hard to be ambassadors of the sport within the country.” Makdisi added that “We are especially strong in the Midfield where we have a deep group of quality athletes. Although we are a very young program and going to Denver will be a learning experience for us, we are not going unprepared – we are going to compete.”
The final roster, listed by position, includes the following players (with current or most recent team affiliation):
Colombia Lacrosse Roster
G – Fabian “Delfín” Ortiz – Bogota Legends
G – Ivan Florez – Pereira Wolves
D – Gustavo Rojas – Bogota Legends
D – Carlos Reyes – Bogota Legends
D – Andres Castro – Bogota Legends
D – Javier Galvez – Pereira Wolves
D – Juan “Topo” Gomez Villa – Pereira Wolves
D – Nick Fonte – University of North Carolina
M – Daniel Rodriguez – Bogota Legends
M – Camilo Lesmes – Bogota Legends
M – Gustavo Morales – Bogota Legends
M – Nicolas Garcia – Bogota Legends
M – Oscar Morales – Bogota Legends
M – Manuel Kardanass – Pereira Wolves
M – Jose Mario Valencia – Pereira Wolves
M – Will Cañas- Pereira Wolves
M – Cam Scully-Ramirez – New England College
M – Jiovany Rendon – Delaware Valley College
A – David Valencia – Bogota Legends
A – Nicolas Rodriguez – Bogota Legends
A – Julian Gomez – Pereira Wolves
A – Jesus “Chucho” Rodriguez – Pereira Wolves
A – Christian McLean – Jacksonville University
Alternates:
Diego Delgado – Bogota Legends
Fabian Barrera – Berlin HC
Sebastian “Apu” Velez – Pereira Wolves
Javier Silva – UConn Huskies/Lacrosse the Nations
Joe Prieto – Bogota Legends
Colombia Lacrosse has also finalized its coaching staff. Head Coach Miles Makdisi’s staff will include:
Miles Makdisi – Medellin, Colombia
Michael Gordon – Denver, Colorado
Joe Rabinowitz – Berkeley, California
Skipp Stillwell – Denver, Colorado
Colombia plans to field teams for the U19 girls World Championships in 2015, the U19 boys World Championships in 2016, and the Women’s World Championships in 2017. For more info contact Colombia Lacrosse directly: colombialacrosse@gmail.com
You can find more information on Team Colombia by visiting their Media sites:
Facebook: Colombia Lacrosse
Twitter: @ColombiaLax
Instagram: colombia_lacrosse
Blog: colombia.laxallstars.com
