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Wet Bandits History

Our Story


Wet Bandits Lacrosse was founded by Colin Ambler in 2008 as part of his Drexel University co-op curriculum. Whereas most students use the co-op learning experience work in corporate internships, Ambler combined his finance and entrepreneurship concentrations with his passion for lacrosse, into forming a new venture.

In its inaugural year, Wet Bandits began with one high school team, coached by Colin and his father, Bob.  Since that point, the organization has grown to offer playing opportunities to players of ages, fourth grade through high school.

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The game of lacrosse has been a necessity to the Ambler family tradition, and through the years, they have continued to maintain a strong presence in the Abington/Greater Philadelphia area.  

Bob Ambler, was an All-American at Abington High School & Drexel University, and still remains atop the all-time scoring list at Drexel.  Following his playing career, he coached at the collegiate level (Drexel University and Villanova University for 8 years).  As teacher at Wissahickon High School, he founded/coached the varsity lacrosse program, and concurrently coached varsity basketball.  Through Colin, and his youngest son Ryan, he remained active in the youth/high school communities through their development.

Colin Ambler, also a standout player at Abington High School and Drexel University, received various playing and academic accolades.  On the field, Colin was an All-State selection in high school, a 4-year starter & 2-time captain at Drexel, 4-year recipient to All-CAA recognition, and North/South game selection.  Perhaps more notable, Colin was honored with various student-athlete titles, including USILA Scholar All-America, 2-time CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year, and Drexel University's John Seminak most Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete.  In addition to Colin's experience coaching and directing the Wet Bandits organization, he was part of coaching staff at Princeton University.

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Colin and Bob have used the Wet Bandits as an opportunity to translate their combined experiences and knowledge, into the local youth lacrosse community.  Preaching fundamentals, team building, unselfish play, and a "student of the game" mentality, the Wet Bandits has begun to evolve its own brand of athletes and coaches.

Players enter this program with expectations that they will be pushed to their limit, both mentally and physically.  They will be disciplined in their approach to work ethic, skill development, team lacrosse, and personal regiment for improvement.  They will understand the game with a cerebral focus; reading and reacting gameplay, and demonstrating fundamental skills as second-nature.  By concentrating on these internal goals, cohesion, clean lacrosse, and winning games will come as a byproduct.

The Wet Bandits believes the culmination of these philosophies will foster camaraderie, unity, and reciprocated dedication from all associated members. The resulting community-driven subculture will maximize the overall experience, reveal the innate fraternal bond that the game of lacrosse has to offer, and instill a core set of greater life values to serve players for years to come.

 

 


Wet Bandits Play College Ball

Name School Years w/ WB Position High School HS Graduation
Ryan Ambler Princeton University 2008-2011 Attack Abington HS 2012
Chris Duffy Hartford University 2008-2011 Defense Abington HS 2012
Matt Figueroa Hartford University 2008-2011 Midfield Abington HS 2012
Max Malloy King's College 2008-2011 Midfield Abington HS 2012
Ryan Kelly Navy 2009-2011 Goalie CB South 2013
Austin Pifani UNC 2009-2011 Defense Abington HS 2013
Jimmy Murphy Marist University 2008-2011 Midfield Hatboro-Horsham 2013
Tyler Glelhaus 2008-2011 Defense Hatboro-Horsham 2013

Wet Bandits Honors

Name Position Honor Title Honor Year High School Graduation
Ryan Ambler Attack Warrior 40 Selection 2011 Abington 2012
Chris Duffy Defense EPSYLA Showcase (2012) 2011 Abington 2012
Jake Durkin Attack EPSYLA Showcase (2012) 2011 Hatboro-Horsham 2012
Matt Figueroa Midfield EPSYLA Showcase (2012) 2011 Abington 2012
Jimmy Murphy Midfield EPSYLA Showcase (2012) 2011 Hatboro-Horsham 2013
Mike Rama Attack EPSYLA Showcase (2013) 2011 Upper Dublin 2012
Connor Bishop Midfield Philly Showcase 2011 Neshaminy 2012
Colin Kelley Defense Philly Showcase 2011 LaSalle 2012
Travis O'Connor Goalie Philly Showcase 2011 Abington 2012
Josh "Bubba" Kluver Defense Philly Showcase 2011 Abington 2012
Jim Durkin Midfield Philly Showcase 2011 Hatboro-Horsham 2013
Jimmy Murphy Midfield Philly Showcase 2011 Hatboro-Horsham 2013
Ryan Kelly Goalie Philly Showcase 2011 Central Bucks South 2013
Brook Melvin Attack Philly Showcase 2011 Wissahickon 2014