Despite some wet weather and a smaller than hopeful number of teams, the Second Annual Catalina Bison Invitational Lacrosse Tournament was a successful event, according to organizers, who plan to continue for a third year and beyond.
Five clubs from the Southern California area crossed the channel to compete in a minimum of four games over two days at Joe Machado Field. The Griffins Lacrosse Club, based in Los Alamitos, eventually emerged the 2024 champions, topping Los Angeles Lacrosse Club, 7-6, in the championship match.
Griffins were the No. 1 seed coming out of pool play as they went 3-0 to edge out Los Angeles, who took the No. 2 seed at 2-1. But the Griffins were tested in the semifinals by the fourth-seeded Blue Knights, who battled the Griffins before falling 8-7 to the eventual champions. Los Angeles was able get past the Eagles of El Segundo, 8-3, to advance to the title game.
The Griffin Club will be the second team to add their name on the championship plaque, along with Redondo, last year’s winner. One of the organizers and coaches, Devin Maxwell, said the tournament was again popular with the teams and their supporters and he noted that sponsorships are responsible for bringing the event back. He noted Cal Pro Sports, Revolution Athletics, Maverick/Cascade Lacrosse and Air Med Care Network as key sponsors this year. He also mentioned some local names for their help in bringing it back: “Dave Zeller, David Hart, Jon Burcombe, Coyote Joe’s, and all of the participating businesses on the island,” Maxwell noted.
“Can’t wait to do it again next year,” he said.
