Severn School grad eager to take on world | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

Nick Elsmo was hoping he was going to be fortunate enough to have his birth date fall during the U-19 World Lacrosse Championships and have a chance to participate in the prestigious showcase.

His dream came true as he'll join 26 other 19-and-under lacrosse players in the world tournament in Canada during the next two weeks.

The United States team begins play on Elsmo's 19th birthday - this Wednesday - in British Columbia.

Elsmo, a Severn School graduate who just completed his freshman year at the University of Virginia, was always a big fan of the World Lacrosse Championships and got to witness the men's team win gold in 1998 when they played in Baltimore.

He grew up watching the older players and the older U-19 teams play. Elsmo always wanted that chance to wear the USA on his chest.

"I guess I was just lucky enough to have my birthday fall on the right date," said Elsmo about getting to play for the United States U-19 World Team.

The United States' quest for gold takes on additional pressure since the American U-19 team has never lost in an international game. The team begins pool play on Wednesday against the Iroquois Nationals.

In college, Elsmo faced off against some of the best talent in the country; so the world competition shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Elsmo describes the atmosphere at playing at Virginia, by saying, "It's awesome, it is much faster and the competition is better than high school and it is neat to put on the Virginia uniform."

Elsmo and his teammates have been preparing for there trip up to Canada with exhibition games against top all-star teams around the country. They have played the Long Island All-Stars, Philadelphia All-Stars and are finishing up a four-day training session in Seattle where they will play more exhibition games this weekend.

The Under-19 team played well in their exhibition games in the first game against Long Island, winning 11-9. The team went on to Philadelphia where it beat the Philly All-Stars 15-7. The team lost a game that was called halfway through due to weather against the New Jersey All-Stars. The U.S. also won against the Potomac All-Stars 17-6.

"I think we are starting to click at the right time," Elsmo said. "I think we are starting to click at the right time," said Elsmo in regard to their performance in there opening exhibition games.

Elsmo qualified for the world team after a four-day tryout held at UMBC where he was one of the few selected out of the 120 participants.

Elsmo is not only eager to play against some of the best competition but also enjoys playing with some of the best lacrosse players around the country.

The team consists of not only different players from around the country but some upperclassmen in college, while others have not played a game in college or are a freshmen or sophomores.

While playing for the world team Elsmo says he has been getting a ton of support from family and friends along with old and current teammates and says many of his family will make the trip to British Columbia.

"I am very proud to wear the red white and blue," said Elsmo, "I just hope we can play well, respect all our opponents and come away with the gold around our neck."