The 2010-2011 lacrosse season will be Liz Roberts’ last as president of the Westlock Lacrosse Association, as she is stepping down after three years.
Replacing Roberts will be current vice-president Dan Basisty.
“I want to tip my hat to Liz for developing a strong, successful and fun association,” said Basisty. “I want to maintain the excellent standards that she has implemented over the years.”
Roberts said she is stepping down because she feels she’s served as president long enough and it’s time for someone else to take over the reins.
The transition to Basisty’s leadership will take place over the summer, to give both incoming and outgoing presidents a chance to work together.
Basisty said he first got into lacrosse four years ago when his son expressed an interest in trying out the sport.
“I want to be one of those parents who’s actively involved in my son’s extracurricular activities,” he said.
Having never played lacrosse himself, he said he’s continued to learn as he’s gone along, much like other parents whose kids have picked up the sport.
The change in leadership came out of the association’s annual general meeting June 9. In addition to a new president, a number of other executive positions changed hands, Roberts said.
Denise Boulerice will take over Basisty’s vice-president position, while Karen Oloske will replace Jill Lee as secretary.
The gradual change in the executive of the association shows Roberts that there is a sustained interest in the sport in Westlock.
“It’s nice to see that there are new parents that are seeing their kids really enjoy it and they’re stepping up to take over the reins,” she said. “It’s really about transitioning to the next generation.”
Although she is leaving the president’s chair, Roberts will still sit on the board as the junior division director.
As she leaves her post, she said there are numerous things she’s proud of having overseen. One of these is bringing about a new website for the association, which will continue to be completed as this season rolls along and next season starts. Another is enhancing coaching in the association – 20 coaches have taken part in coaching clinics this year.
She also said she’s hoping interest in lacrosse will continue to increase once they move in to the Spirit Centre. She’s hoping more people will be introduced to lacrosse because they’ll be in the Spirit Centre for another reason and see games being played, which would be a marked change from the current situation.
“Nobody comes to the arena unless they’re there specifically for lacrosse,” she said.
