Part of My Soul in Russia. Interview with Mercer Island Lacrosse Coach from the USA
Russian lacrosse has always been supported exclusively by enthusiasts: they create clubs, hold tournaments, and at one time traveled to neighboring countries for competitions and played under the national team flag at world and European championships.
Some athletes have experience participating in foreign leagues, but most are amateurs, and they all play for the idea, for the sense of camaraderie and involvement in the lacrosse culture.
One of the significant events for our players was the arrival of the Mercer Island team from the USA in 2017 to play two friendly matches. Our teams lost twice, but gained an unforgettable experience.
Seven years later, Brett Bowker, the current coach of Mercer Island and the winners of the Washington State School Championship, arrived in Russia. In St. Petersburg and Moscow, the foreign guest held two training sessions each for local clubs, after which he visited our other cities as a tourist.
A sport correspondent from the «Rossa Primavera» news agency spoke with Bowker to learn about his playing and coaching experience, his long-standing desire to visit Russia and the impressions he received, as well as his thoughts on the level of Russian lacrosse.
Correspondent: When and how did you fall in love with lacrosse?
Brett Bowker: I first saw lacrosse when I was about 13 or 14 years old. Many of my friends played and it was something we could all do together. We also happen to be a very good team. The game was physical, aggressive, fast but also very skilled and complicated. It took time to learn and improve. But we all did that together as friends.
I suppose when I truly fell in love with it was during my senior year. My final year of high school. We had a very difficult season. We lost several games. We were not playing well. But in the end we won the state championship. The highest level of achievement in our sport.
We went through so much self-doubt, pain and tears during that season. We almost gave up. But when we got back to understanding - we are playing for fun. We are playing for our friends. We started winning. And when we all held the trophy at the end there was nothing but love in all our hearts.
Correspondent: When did you decide to become a coach?
Brett Bowker: I coached while I was still in high school. Our program has the older players coach the younger players. I coached some Junior Varsity in 2009 when I sustained an injury and could not play during my university season. I resumed coaching in 2015 for several other programs before I returned to Mercer Island.
Correspondent: What do you like about lacrosse, in its history?
Brett Bowker: Baseball is America’s pastime. American football is like church on Sunday’s in the autumn. But lacrosse is America’s original game. It was played by the Native Americans and developed into the modern format primarily at the university level. I enjoy that true North American heritage of the game. There is a spiritual and social element to the game that other sports do not have in their origin.
As far as the game itself, I enjoy the strategy and competition involved. I love coaching a group into a competitive disciplined team that competes at a very high level and achieves success.
Correspondent: What other countries have you read? Where did you like it the most?
Brett Bowker: I am been to several European countries. But I recently enjoyed Vietnam and Colombia very much. The culture was rich and the cuisine was very tasty.
Correspondent: When did your interest in Russia begin? What do you like about our history and culture?
Brett Bowker: There has always been a part of me that has been fascinated by Russia. A large counties with many different nations of people. History. Culture. And a very large geography. I enjoy learning about the evolution of the structure of Russia. From Kieven Rus’ to Golden Horde to Tsardom to the Imperial times. Of course the transformation into Soviet era and now into the modern. It is interesting to see what stays the same and what changes.
Correspondent: Do you feel a connection with the story of 2017, when Mercer Island played in Russia?
Brett Bowker: Yes there is connection there. My team is known in Russia. I was able to make connections using my connection. I knew about my team’s experience. Although it was 7 years ago, different times, but connections in our lacrosse community are forever. There should always be friendly relations with people and our sport I believe.
Correspondent: How do you like Russian lacrosse, people, teams?
Brett Bowker: The Russian lacrosse teams have been so hospitable and friendly. It is something I am truly humbled to experience. It has been a wonderful time of my life to meet all the players on the teams.
Lacrosse is a very close community of people. No matter where you go around the world. If you meet a lacrosse player. They are your friend. They are your tribe.
Correspondent: What do you think about the future of our lacrosse?
Brett Bowker: I was surprised that so many girls play lacrosse in Russia and are very excited about it. That was very cool to see. I hope that enthusiasm gets more girls and boys to play.
It is unfortunate during these times that there are not opportunities for international completion to help improve Russia lacrosse. I hope that will change or opportunities to play in other countries open up.
Correspondent: What should we learn in Russia or what should we do to make lacrosse better?
Brett Bowker: If you want to be competitive against other teams around the world. You must have discipline. It was become serious. I hope more coaches and players from around the world can come to Russia and help improve the game here.
Correspondent: Which cities did you manage to visit? What did you like?
Brett Bowker: I visited Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Kazan and Volgograd. In Kazan, I loved the Islamic influence and the Tatar culture. I enjoyed seeing the Stalingrad memorial and battlefield in Volgograd. I studied the battle and it was a dream to be able to see where the world was saved.
Correspondent: What has surprised you while you've been here?
Brett Bowker: I was amazed to see, how despite the political times, Russia is thriving. It is very clean, and orderly. I am amazed at the infrastructure and the strong sense of culture. But truly surprised with how friendly and hospitable all the people are.
Correspondent: You wrote that you are an American with a Russian soul. What does this mean to you?
Brett Bowker: I’ve always had an affinity for Russia. Perhaps a calling to come here. Maybe there is part of my soul that is from here. One of love, friendship and longing perhaps.
Correspondent: What will you tell us about Russia and our lacrosse when you return home?
Brett Bowker: I will tell my friends about the immense hospitality and kindness. There were many great meetings. They are eager to learn from us and we can help with our experience and expertise.
