My Journey to College Lacrosse - Colton Dow (BMS '09)top
Playing college lacrosse is an aspiration for many young student-athletes. Playing college lacrosse allows an athlete to further his playing and educational careers, while continuing to open additional doors of opportunity for their future.
To play lacrosse at the college level, an athlete must display the ability to succeed on the field, in the classroom and show a coach that he will contribute in a positive way to the environment and culture within a college team.
As they prepared for the 2011 season, BMS Insider checked-in with former Burnaby Mountain Selects players to reflect back on their journey and talk about some of the experiences that they went through to fulfill their dream of playing lacrosse at the collegiate level...
Name: Colton Dow (BMS '09)
Hometown: Coquitlam, BC
High School: Heritage Woods Secondary
College: Simon Fraser University
Location: Burnaby, BC
League: MCLA Div. I
Class: Sophomore
Position: Attack
Major: Economics
How did you decide where to go to school?
I was looking for an academically reputable school with a well respected lacrosse program.
What has the transition been like from High School to University?
At first, very difficult. University has a very different academic approach towards teaching. However once you learn the ins and outs it is a great experience.
What do you like about your school academically?
I like how competitve every degree program is. There are no easy routes at SFU.
Above: Left - Dow with SFU Co-Head Coaches Brent Hoskins and Jeff Cathrea recieving the 2010 SFU Lacrosse Freshman of the Year Award at the Maple Leaf Awards Dinner. Right - Dow versus PNCLL rival University of Oregon Ducks in the 2010 Conference Championships.
What do you like about playing lacrosse at your school?
How much of a team we are on and off the field. We're a very tight knit bunch.
What’s in your lacrosse bag?
My iPod, sunglasses if the weather calls for it, some pre-game snacks, and of course Harrow.
What valuable lessons did you learn from the recruiting process?
Keep your options open and select the best overall fit for you, both athletically and academically.
What role did your family have in helping you get to where you are now?
My family was very supportive. They left the decision completely up to me and were willing to help in any way they could.
Favourite on-field memory from being part of the Burnaby Mountain Selects program?
Playing in the Tournament of Champions. Playing against guys going to big name NCAA Div 1 schools provided stiff competition which was really fun.
Favourite off-field memory from your travels with the Burnaby Mountain Selects?
Feeling like I was living the College lacrosse dream. Road trips, flying around the States, hotels with your teammates, it was a really exciting experience at a younger age.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
Hard work always has its rewards.
What coaching tips have had the biggest impact on your game?
Do everything on the field at 100%
What advice would you give younger BMS players aspiring to play at the collegiate level?
Work hard on the field at all times and do the things other players aren't willing to do.
