Bel Air Blue Claws

Blue Claws Lacrosse is a non-profit club lacrosse program that focuses on whole-child development, in order to compete in the most elite leagues and tournaments in the country.

Our teams:

We provide a high-quality club lacrosse experience at the lowest possible cost because of the generosity of our coaches, parents, and sponsors.

Bel Air Blue Claws logo

2032

Paul Single, Head Coach

  • Coach- Blue Claws Youth Club Lacrosse
  • Coach- Bel Air Rec Lacrosse
  • Coach- Boys High School Varsity
  • Player- Edgewood High School, midfield, All-county honors
  • Other- MSDE Certified Teacher and Administrator
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Commissioner

Kernan Kelly, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air High School Varsity
  • Coach- Tribe Lacrosse Club, Legacy Lacrosse Club
  • Player- Fallston High School- defense, All-county honors
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Bel Air Boys Basketball Head Coach
  • Other- Member of Fallston High School Athletics HOF, 2nd all-time career scorer in Fallston High School basketball

2031

Pat Rose, Head Coach

  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player- Bel Air High School, attack
  • Player- West Virginia University, attack, NCLL, 2x NCLL final four, 2x NCLL All Star
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member

Mark DeGroat, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player– West Genesse High School (Syracuse, NY), goalie, Played for HOF coach Michael Messere
  • Player- Towson University, goalie, NCAA D1, 1st All-Time Goals Against Avg, 5th All-Time Save Percentage

Justin Donoghue, Assistant Coach

  • Player- Joppatowne High School, attack, All-county honors
  • Player- Harford Community College, midfield, NJCAA
  • Player- Stevenson University, Midfield, NCAA D3, Steve Montalvo Scholar Award, Played for HOF coach Paul Cantabene

Ryan Willey, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- Forest Hill Rec Lacrosse
  • Player- Hofstra University Club Lacrosse, midfield
  • Other- Played college football at Shenandoah University, quarterback
  • Other- Bel Air Terps football, head coach

Rick Buchwald, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- Forest Hill Rec Lacrosse
  • Coach- Fallston Hill Rec Lacrosse
  • Coach- Fallston Lacrosse Club
  • Coach- Northern Elite Soccer Club

2029

Kyle Manley, Head Coach

Sean Mackley, Assistant Coach

Chris Thomas, Assistant Coach

John Ginnever, Assistant Coach

2028

Derek Dengler, Head Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player- Loyola Blakefield, goalie, MIAA “A”
  • Player- University of Scranton, goalie, NCAA D3, Mid Atlantic Conference Champions, Team Captain
  • Other- Blue Claws Lacrosse Tournament Director
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member

Todd Beser, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 and 2 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player- Westminster High School, midfield, attack, goalie
  • Player- University of South Carolina, MCLA (SELC), 1996 SELC Champions
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Marathon and Ragnar Ultra Trail Runner

Jared Marmen, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Coach- Assistant Coach, Patuxent High School, Girl’s Varsity and JV
  • Coach- Assistant Coach, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, NCAA D3
  • Player- John Carroll School, defense, MIAA “B” Conference Champions, Played for Schmeisser Award recipient coach Boo Smith
  • Player- St. Mary’s College of Maryland, defense, NCAA D3, Coach’s Award winner, Played for and mentored by coach Jim Rogalski
  • Other- Also played basketball at St. Mary’s College and holds school record for most blocks in a single game (11)

Joe Farinetti, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player- Perry Hall High School, 3-year starter, 2x team captain, all Baltimore City/County honors
  • Player- UMBC, midfield/faceoff, NCAA D1, Played for HOF coach Don Zimmerman
  • Other- Certified Crossfit Coach

2027

Brett Butler, Head Coach

2026

Todd Beser, Head Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 and 2 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Player- Westminster High School, midfield, attack, goalie
  • Player- University of South Carolina, MCLA (SELC), 1996 SELC Champions
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Marathon and Ragnar Ultra Trail Runner

Rob Gaines, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- (2020 - current) Harford Tech High School, Boy’s Varsity Head Coach
  • Coach – Blue Claws Program Player Development Strategist
  • Coach – Bel Air Girls Travel Lacrosse Head Coach
  • Coach – Canal Winchester (OH) Boys Travel Head Coach
  • Player– Edgewood High School, All-county honors
  • Player- Bucknell University, attack, NCAA D1, Played for HOF coach Sid Jameison
  • Other- Director LaxWurx Lacrosse Development Program
  • Other- Director and Head Basketball Coach for NextPlay Sports

Brian King, Assistant Coach

  • Coaching Awards
    • 2010 USA Lacrosse Coach of the Year
    • 2011 VSN Coach of the Year
    • 2012 MD State Coaches Association Coach of the Year
    • 2013 Baltimore Sun Metro Coach of the Year
    • 2013 NFHS National Coach of the Year
    • Under Armour Team Baltimore Coach, Champion
  • Coach- Hereford High School Varsity Head Coach, 5x MD HS State Champion
  • Coach- John Carroll School Varsity Head Coach, 3x MIAA “B” Champion, 20 game-winner in 2017
  • Coach- Team USA U19 coaching staff, 2012 Gold Medal Winner
  • Player- CM Wright High School, attack, All-county honors, National High School All Star South Team member
  • Player- Washington College, attack, NCAA D3, 2x NCAA Semifinalist

Kernan Kelly, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air High School Varsity
  • Coach- Tribe Lacrosse Club, Legacy Lacrosse Club
  • Player- Fallston High School- defense, All-county honors
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Bel Air Boys Basketball Head Coach
  • Other- Member of Fallston High School Athletics HOF, 2nd all-time career scorer in Fallston High School basketball

2025

Mark Abromaitis, Head Coach

  • Coach- Forest Hill Rec Lacrosse, Bel Air Club Lacrosse, 10+ years' experience
  • Coach- Assistant Coach, John Carroll School Varsity, MIAA “A” member, 3x MIAA “B” Champion
  • Coach- Assistant Coach, St Mary’s College of Maryland, NCAA D3
  • Coach- Head Coach, Harford Community College, NJCAA
  • Player- John Carroll School, midfield, All-county honors, James O. Severe award winner, 3x MIAA “B” Champion, Played for Schmeisser Award recipient coach Boo Smith
  • Player- Harford Community College, All-Region XX honors, All MD Juco Honors, Unsung Hero award winner
  • Player- Loyola University, midfield/faceoff, NCAA D1, NCAA Quarterfinalist, Played for two HOF coaches in Dave Cottle and Charley Toomey
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member, Forest Hill Lacrosse coach, board member

Kernan Kelly, Assistant Coach

  • Coach- USA Lacrosse Level 1 Certified Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air Youth Lacrosse Coach
  • Coach- Bel Air High School Varsity
  • Coach- Tribe Lacrosse Club, Legacy Lacrosse Club
  • Player- Fallston High School- defense, All-county honors
  • Other- Bel Air Lacrosse Board Member
  • Other- Bel Air Boys Basketball Head Coach
  • Other- Member of Fallston High School Athletics HOF, 2nd all-time career scorer in Fallston High School basketball

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get in touch with the program if I am interested in Blue Claws lacrosse club?

Please send an email to BlueClaws411@gmail.com . Please include your child’s name, age, and grade level they are currently in at school. We respond to our emails within 24 hours.

How big is the commitment to play club lacrosse with the Blue Claws?

Blue Claws lacrosse does require a higher level of commitment compared to recreational lacrosse. We have found that it is better for the team to have a more committed player in season than a more talented player that is not fully committed. Players who cannot commit to lacrosse fully in the spring are encouraged to play recreational lacrosse.

During the spring sports season, lacrosse is the priority extracurricular activity for every player on the team. We define the spring season as beginning when traditional winter sports such as basketball and wrestling end and ending after end-of-season lacrosse tournaments in late June or early July. We encourage players to be a part of other sports and programs. In the fall, winter, and summer we encourage players to be fully committed to other sports and activities, which take priority over lacrosse when they are “in season”.

Please be mindful that our teams provide year-round opportunities to train and play as a team. Teams usually play in fall tournaments, which are important for determining appropriate placement in spring leagues. We do our best to accommodate players' in-season schedules, and always defer to in-season sports.

How many games, tournaments, and practices does the Blue Claws have?

You can expect an “in season” spring schedule to consist of 2 practices during the week and 2 games on the weekend. Teams may travel on game days to the Baltimore metro area and as far south as Howard County and Annapolis. Club teams play in at least 2 spring/summer tournaments, as well as a couple of fall tournaments. Practices in the fall and winter are typically once per week and commitment levels to practice may vary in the “off-season” depending if a player is involved in other sports.

When are tryouts held for the Blue Claws lacrosse club? Do the coaches keep players who made the team the prior year?

Tryouts are held once the spring season has ended, and summer tournaments are over. Typically, tryouts are held every summer at the end of July and beginning of August. All our teams are formed during this time span to prepare for fall tournaments and practices. Every player must try out every summer for their club team. No spots are held for previous players.

Who evaluates the players and forms the teams?

The coaches for a particular age group are responsible for evaluating and selecting players. Coaches across our club program often assist with these evaluations during tryouts. Players are evaluated not only for their skill, but athletic ability, attentiveness, being team-oriented and coachable.

How many players make the team and how many players are cut?

A typical roster size for a club team is in the range of 18-21 players. This will vary depending on age level. Some of our younger age groups have modified 8v8 format games, so they tend to carry less players initially. The number of players cut will always depend on how many players come to tryouts. The coaching staff of each age group will determine the needs of their club team prior to tryouts.

When are team selections made and when will I be notified if my player made the team?

Coaches will be making their selections for their club team immediately after the final tryout. Direct communication will be given to all players and their families regarding their status with the club program. Offers are made at the coach’s discretion.

What is the process of accepting an offer?

Parents will be notified by the coach and extended an offer. Offers are contingent and are finalized once the parent of a player acknowledges the offer in writing and submits a $200-300 deposit (depending on age group. Only the written acknowledgment and deposit can secure a spot on the team. Final dues will be collected in the fall as we prepare for the spring season. This will be communicated by each club coach. By accepting the offer, parents understand to commit to the team and its schedule.

How is playing time determined at the club level? Do all players get equal playing time?

Playing time is competitive and will vary throughout the season for each player. Coaches strive to give every player playing time based on their abilities and contributions to the team. Playing time is always at the discretion of the coaching staff.

What are the yearly fees for playing with the Blue Claws?

Yearly fees are typically in the range of $700-$900, which includes your initial deposit. We make our program cost-effective compared to other programs that charge up to $2500. All of our coaches are volunteers. The yearly dues help pay for tournaments, leagues, uniforms, advertising, and field rentals.

Can my player try out for an older age group if I feel they can make the team? Are they allowed to play up for an older Blue Claws team?

As a premier club program, Blue Claws does not allow players to be promoted and play out of their age group. While some players may be at the top of their age group, our focus is to make each of our club teams highly competitive within their leagues and tournaments. Top players will be coached to become stronger leaders, and as a result, the team becomes more talented and those players will progress to the top of their game. Any extenuating circumstances and requests will be presented to the board and a final decision will be made.

If my player does not make the team, what are the other options?

We encourage every player who does not make a club team to play within the Bel Air Boys Lacrosse Rec program for their age group. These teams are placed into leagues based on skill level and our coaches will help skill the player up and be ready for tryouts the following summer. We do not want players and their families to be dissuaded from coming back and trying out the following year for the Blue Claws.

At what age does the Blue Claws club team start?

We have Blue Claws teams beginning from second grade and ending after ninth grade. After the completion of Pee Wee lacrosse, a team of to-be second graders is formed in the summer. Tryouts for the second-grade team follow the same format and time as our other age groups. The second-grade team will play in a fall tournament and begin team practices in the fall and winter. The Pee Wee Age Group Commissioner will send communication to all second graders regarding the formation of this Blue Claws team.

What separates the Blue Claws from other club programs?

Blue Claws lacrosse club is a nonprofit club program. Our coaches are dedicated parents who donate their time and passion for the game as volunteers. This in turn keeps our fees much lower than other club programs. Our program is built on the foundation of serving our youth players and giving them the opportunity to be a part of the most elite leagues and tournaments in the country. As a Blue Claw, you are a part of a lacrosse family and represent the local community.

Teamsnap Logo

Contact Info

Bel Air Recreation Committee
525 W. MacPhail Rd.
Bel Air Md. 21014

410.638.3528

president@belairrec.org