Lovin' Lacrosse

It’s spring and that can mean only one thing in the world of sports–LACROSSE. Some of you may have been thinking baseball–the OTHER spring sport. Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime but lacrosse is America’s fastest growing youth sport.  So watch out baseball — there is a new sport taking the country by storm and it’s a sport that actually “moves.”  Lacrosse is fast-paced like basketball (mid-fielders can sub on-the-fly!), physical like football, and unlike sports that have professional leagues with big money, lacrosse is played with heart.

A few years ago lacrosse was almost exclusive to the east coast and that’s where the Division 1 schools remain.  However, names are now showing up on rosters from as far away as California, and they’re not just showing up, they’re showing out!

In a match-up last weekend between Virginia and Cornell, California boys Rob Emery (freshman, UVA) and high-school teammate Roy Lang (junior, Cornell) went head-to-head.  Virginia came out on top with the help of Mr. Emery’s two goals — final score 11-9.  Not to be outdone, Mr. Lang did his part by finding the net twice for Cornell.

For all of you sports fans March Madness has started and you’ll have a lot to keep you busy for the next month; then baseball will be in full swing to occupy you through the summer.  However, it’s not looking good for football in the fall.  President Obama recently remarked that he wouldn’t get involved in the football strike because the owners that are worth millions, or even billions of dollars, and the players who make millions and millions of dollars, should be able to work it out. Don’t count on it!

Also in the news, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan lamented in the Washington Post yesterday that ten of the teams to make the NCAA tournament are not on track to graduate even half of their players. Money and graduation rates are not a problem in lacrosse because it’s almost certain that you won’t make much money playing lacrosse after college, but you almost certainly will graduate.

You don’t have to be 6’8″ or 300 pounds to play lacrosse but it’s not uncommon to be smart and tough.  Note the picture above: Spring on the east coast often arrives late. Lacrosse players start practice by shoveling snow and their white home uniforms are more camouflage than warm.  It’s a fast moving game that requires quick feet and quick thinking.  These guys are in school to get an education and on the field to play a game they love.  So, set your recorder to record all of the college lacrosse games that you’ll miss while watching March Madness, and in the fall, when you are looking for something to replace professional football, give lacrosse a chance.  You won’t find a lot of “dancing in the end zone” or “showboating” on the field–just some kids who love a game and are looking to have a little fun.