Lacrosse Clinic and Alumni Game a Success

By Aaron Skomial

The Hartland Women’s high school lacrosse team  hosted a free clinic for K-8 girls on Tuesday night.  The night also featured lacrosse alumni playing a game against current high school players to give the “new Laxers” an example of what a game looks like.  Needless to say, the clinic was well attended by girls ranging from 6 years old to eigth graders.  High school players, alumni, and middle school coaches helped run the kids through the basics of the game.

There were 23 girls who attended the clinic that had never played before. They were allowed to borrow equipment from high school players so they could get a feel for the game.  The kids learned how to pick up ground balls, pass, catch, shoot, and dodge players. Along with the basics, the kids had fun playing silly lacrosse based drills to reinforce the need for having fun.

The middle school program had current players attend the clinic as well.  There were 18 middle school players who came to brush up on their game and learn more about the fastest game on two feet.  They worked through shooting drills and had fun working with active players from the high school.

By the end of the night, Hartland had 71 players who attended the clinic and participated in the game. They were on the field learning more about the game or passing on their knowledge to the younger kids.  Hopefully this will continue to give girls other athletic opportunities in high school and beyond.

As the new and middle school laxers took their seats to watch the game, alumni and high school players met in the middle of the field.  The alumni were honored for blazing a trail for the current athletes.  The Alumni group had graduates from 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

The alumni honored the active players with a round of applause for their achievement this past season by appearing in the Division 1 State Championship game.   The season was fantastic and the community was extremely proud of their efforts this year.

The game was started under the lights and scoring was immediate.  The high school players jumped out to a quick lead, but the alumni fought back to keep it within three at half time.  The active players moved the ball well and the alumni improved as the game progressed throughout the night.  When it was all said and done, the high school players outlasted the alumni with a 15-11 victory.  The players hugged and wished each other well with a promise that the game would be closer next year.

This event would not have been possible without the help of the current players at the high school.  The middle school coaches were critical in helping with the clinic and setting up the field. Eric Pankowski, the girls middle school lacrosse director, was integral in getting the word out and keeping the current players informed of the event. We would also like to thank Deanna Radcliffe for donating her time to the program to help improve our players.

Please watch for our next event that will raise funds for a local charity.  We will be hosting our Second Annual LAX for the Change, Guys vs. Girls game in the fall.