By Brook Kasianowitz
The Northeastern part of the United States is home to more lacrosse programs than every other region combined. This includes professional, college, and high school lacrosse. The quick paced sport of lacrosse has yet to catch on in Blair County. Not one public or private high school in Blair County has a lacrosse program.
The game of lacrosse is spreading fast, with a steady rise in high school programs across the country. 1,273 high school programs in 2000 compared to 2,612 programs in 2007, according to GeoIQ, the worlds first completely web-based location analysis platform. That number is likely to grow. Over the last decade the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association says participation has been up 218.1 percent over the last decade.” So why hasn’t the fastest growing sport in America reached Blair County? I couldn’t tell you why, but our area could benefit if the sport was adopted.
Kids are interested, especially since many sports networks are carrying it on television, and some kids are yearning to play a new sport. Lacrosse doesn’t need a new venue. Any multi-purpose field will do. Aside from the physical health benefits, the addition of local lacrosse programs would give a chance for both boys and girls to be part of something new and unique. New sports are less likely to come with the high expectations and pressures of other popular sports. The equipment can be pricey, but not any more than football or hockey. The danger of lacrosse is minimal and improvements in equipment helps insure safety, so parents would not shy away from letting their child participate. I suggest starting the sport at the club level. If this is done, I believe it will quickly become a varsity sport.
Works Cited
“Lacrosse: The Fastest Growing Sport in the Country.” GeoIQ Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2013.
“Eight Interesting Facts About Team Sports Participation In America.” CNBC.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2013.