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Introducing Rick van Kruchten

Name: Rick van Kruchten
Position: Midfield
Currently playing at: Amsterdam Lions
Played at: Crazy Cows, Groningen Gladiators, Turku Titans, MDNT ’10, ‘12

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in daily life? When did you start playing lacrosse?

I started playing lacrosse in 2007 when I was studying in Groningen, where I played for three years before I moved to Amsterdam to finish my master Human Movement Sciences. In Amsterdam I joined the Lions, the team I currently play for. I’ve been a member of the Dutch National Team at the World Cup in Manchester (2010) and at the European Championships in Amsterdam (2012).

Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?

Called my mom to tell her the good news.

What are you most looking forward to in Denver?

Playing at the highest level in Denver, USA. They love lacrosse there, which should make it an unforgettable experience.

What are your expectations for Denver?

At the last WC we finished 8th. Four years later, with the team and coaching staff we have now I expect us to at least match that performance.

How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?

I’m excited to see we are not solely working with projects (championships) anymore, but that there is also going to be attention for continued development of the best players of the country. Going to Denver is going to be huge for the program, but what we take back form that, and what we do with that afterwards, is equally important.

Rick van Kruchten

 

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Introducing Erwin Lijklema

Name: Erwin Lijklema
Position: Midfield
Currently playing at: Domstad Devils – Utrecht Lacrosse
Previously played at: MDNT U19

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? What do you do in daily life? When did you start playing lacrosse?

I’m 23 years old right now and I graduated as a first degree English teacher in January. I currently live in Utrecht, right near the beautiful city centre. I started playing about a year after I started studying here, in 2009. I’ve had some wonderful seasons with the team, reaching the final four every year but coming up short for the final. We hope to change that this year! When I’m not busy with lacrosse I teach English at a high school in Zeist. I love music, hanging around with friends and next to field practice I also like running or hitting the gym.

Congratulations with your spot on the team! What was the first thing you did when you heard?

We were in the locker room after training with the Utrecht squad, so the first thing I did was check whether any other teammates had been selected. One was, so we celebrated together!

What are you most looking forward to in Denver?

The atmosphere of playing on the world stage. I’ve been to an U19 World Championship in Finland, which was amazing. Now I get the opportunity to go to a senior Championship in the USA.

What are your expectations for Denver?

My expectations are set on us maintaining the spot that we have conquered. More importantly I want us to consolidate as a team and set the future for the next Dutch National team.

How do you interpret the 2014 MDNT motto “Destination Denver and Beyond”?

I think the set-up is great this year. The vision of the board is clear and oriented towards a more sustainable and long-term goal. The fact that these tournaments are presented as initiatives within a greater organisation is a very smart move in my opinion.

Erwin Lijklema