At long last the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association has a proper trophy for the Box Lacrosse League!

The trophy consists of a six inch silver plated bowl on a wooden base.  The bowl recalls the National Hockey League’s original Stanley Cup in its simple and timeless design.  The National Lacrosse League’s Championship Cup also inspired this choice.

The award is formally known as the Jim Burk Trophy and will be awarded on annual basis to the champion of the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association Box Lacrosse League.  The Jim Burk Trophy is scheduled to be awarded for the first time on February 2, 2012.

About Jim Burk

Since the early days of my original blog, Jim has eagerly worked with me to bring lacrosse to the metro.  Valley head coach Zach Zielonko recognized his enthusiasm and invited him to join the coaching staff as an assistant in the fall of 2009.  Jim served in this capacity through the 2010 fall season.

Jim also served as the goalkeeper on my Central Iowa Lacrosse Association Box Lacrosse League and Summer Lacrosse League teams until this year.  Despite not playing lacrosse since the late 1970s, and never playing as a goalkeeper, Jim embraced the challenge with his trademark enthusiasm and an overall positive spirit.

Unfortunately Jim has been affected by health issues over the last 12 months, preventing him from suiting up in net.  Stemming from his time serving our country in the Navy (among other things), his doctor suggested that he hang up his stick.  Many players inquired about him over the summer and through the current box season, saddened by his absence.

When I ordered the championship trophy, my first and only thought was naming it after this great man.  Jim Burk has played an important role in establishing lacrosse in Des Moines.  This trophy is named in his honor to reflect his contributions to the game and his love of lacrosse, the box game in particular.

Thank you for all of your hard work, Jim!  I think I speak for the entirety of the local lax community when I say we hope to see you at a game soon!