During last week’s Midget Lacrosse Nationals it reminded me of Chris at the 2007 Bantam Box Lacrosse Nationals in Ontario.
btw, Team BC lost in their bronze medal bid this past Friday night. A tough way to end after that epic battle with Ontario to beat them in the tournament round. From Ontario’s perspective, I’m betting they had a little payback on their minds and with BC having to play an extra game Friday morning, they took advantage. All that being said, some great lacrosse by all and some great development as players and young men going through all of those emotions and experiences.
Back to 2007.
In order to help with the trip expenses to Ontario, the players were allowed to raise private funds to help make the trip a reality. I recently uncovered the one-pager that described the program and gave potential donors an idea of who Chris was.
Here is how it opened:
Know many teenagers who write down their goals?
Know many teenagers who then break down their goals into actionable work plans and don’t quit until they’ve made it?
Meet Chris Friesen.
Along with excellent grades, this 14-year-old wrote down a goal of making the top-tier lacrosse team (A1) in Langley.
He served as team captain and the team completed an amazing season in first place heading into the Provincial championships in mid July.
In addition to league play, he was selected to Team Fraser Vally and then to Team BC. He will be representing our province in Ontario this August.

Specifically, I will always be thankful to my Wardell clients and friends at Mainland Machinery and Sitelines Architecture respectfully, for their major support of Chris during that program.
I’ll never forget Chris writing down that goal (a practice we’ve done as a family at New Years each year).
It was achievable, but a stretch goal for sure.
- Goal.
- Action plan.
- Don’t quit.
I got it son.
I’m listening.
BONUS:
There are over 300 photos on-line of that 2007 trip. Click here to view.