Above – Jared Bernhardt played for the Under Armour South team last summer More than 190 of the most talented high school lacrosse players from the Southeastern U.S. converged on three turf fields at The University of Central Florida (UCF a) for a chance to represent the South Team in the 10th annual Under Armour (UA) All American Classic scheduled July 3-4th at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. Many of these players have competed against each other for years in their respective high schools. What’s different now is they’re competing to play alongside each other in a prestigious national event. Playing in The Under Armour All American Classic represents what is widely regarded as one of the most significant accomplishment a high school lacrosse player can achieve. The South Team is selected from programs located throughout the S.E. spreading from North Carolina and west to Texas. Six players from last year’s UA Team are attempting to make the 24 player roster again in 2015. Competition to do so is stiff.  Four coaches and more than 15 additional evaluators watch and chart games utilizing a system which denotes a player’s performance by tournament team, number and position. There is one certain way to separate one’s play from other – through exceptional performance and effort. More than 45 coaches representing prominent DI,II and III schools registered for Orlando’s UA event.  Many were seen scattered along the sidelines carefully watching both committed and prospective players. These tryouts serve as a potential delivery system for colleges to restock their programs with top athletes. Ultimately It will take a strong combination of athleticism including size, speed and skill to earn a position to represent the South Team at Towson which competes regional teams from across the country including lacrosse hot beds like Long Island, Philadelphia, New York and New England to name a few. Last year’s South Team lost in overtime in the event semi finals to eventual winner Philadelphia. This was the South’s best finish ever. The South is now on lacrosse’s national radar. Many talented players are signing with top programs throughout the country every year. The South Team is coached by Chris Spaulding, Head Coach of Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando. Lake Highland has won three consecutive state championships. UA tryouts conclude tomorrow after completion of play scheduled between 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The official announcement for final team selection is typically announced several days or longer following the conclusion of tryouts.