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Di Miller, RBLL-Colorado Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome
We went one-on-one with Brandon Scharaga, founder of the Regional Box Lacrosse League (RBLL) here in Colorado, learned more about Brandon; the RBLL; and its success. I’ve known Brandon for about a year now and was brought on to photograph and cover the RBLL here in Colorado when it consisted of only two teams, the Mile High Stars and the Parker Rangers. I loved the idea so much that I actually became a sponsor to one of their 2017 expansion teams, the Denver Buzz. So I wanted to give everyone else a glimpse inside the man, the lacrosse player, and entrepreneur.
Brandon is 20 years old and originally from California but between the ages of 17 and 20, spent his Junior box lacrosse career playing in Canada, the last two in Ontario. His love of lacrosse and passion for the sport is what drove him to form the Regional Box Lacrosse League. 
He currently plays for the Mile High Stars here in Denver and is their starting goalie.
In Brandon’s words “Box lacrosse is one of the most skilled and physical sports in the world. The phrase ‘blood, sweat and tears’ could not be truer when describing box lacrosse. The high energy and passion from the crowds who support their local teams is truly special. I love everything about the game from stepping on the floor at a new arena; to hearing the shot clock buzz as loud as you can imagine; and everything in between including all of the sights and sounds that come along with it. That is what makes it truly unique”.
We asked Brandon what made him to decide to take on such a huge venture of starting a Canadian style box lacrosse league here in Colorado
. Brandon commented on the amount of talent here in Colorado, which includes players who have competed abroad, in Canada and at the higher levels in other areas. According to Brandon, “There is no shortage of talented lacrosse players in Colorado”.
Of course the model quickly became a huge success and once the RBLL was introduced into Colorado in 2016, it was a big hit. The success is what prompted other states to become a part of the growth. Brandon explained that they wanted to be careful in the states they chose. He felt that Minnesota and Oregon were both great markets for the Interstate Box Lacrosse Association (IBLA) and will enjoy great longevity.
At this time the three states have a total of 12 teams, including the four Sr. B teams here in Colorado. The leagues are: RBLL-Minnesota; RBLL-Colorado; and RBLL-Oregon and they are all governed by the IBLA. In Minnesota you’ve got the Hastings Walleye; and the Blaine Lycans. Here in Colorado the Mile High Stars; the Denver Buzz; the Parker Rangers; and the Colorado Springs Wolves. And in Oregon, the Beaverton Mountaineers; and the Portland River Monsters.
The IBLA was formed when the three states decided to unify in order to keep everything under the same model and rules. Brandon believes that unification is the “key” with their model and they are extremely excited to see the competition in the three states.
When I asked Brandon if he ever imagined his dream would grow so quickly, of course he was modest as always. He said “I knew it was possible, and I am pleased of how well it grew. I believe it is expanding with great quality which is the most important thing”.
As the attention of the IBLA continues to grow, Brandon also sees the fan base growing along with it. That in turn will attract even more talented players from around the globe. Brandon followed up by saying “It is a really special feeling to be able to root for your home team whether your town is big or small. It also gives the players a local sense of pride for their community”.
Box lacrosse is an extremely fast paced game, physical and fun. For those fans who have been to an IBLA game they already know this, which is why there are so many repeat fans and new ones as the word spreads.
As we all know, at the end of the day the goal is to grow the game. Brandon wants to grow the game the right way with a unified set of rules; and common structures across all IBLA sanctioned RBLL statewide leagues.
Denver will host the first ever 2017 IBLA National Championships on November 4 and November 5 at the Foothills Fieldhouse.
Di Miller, RBLL-Colorado Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome