Eight years ago a lacrosse club was formed for the  boys at Green High School. Four years later a girls club was approved. This year will  be the last year lacrosse is a club sport. Next year it will  become a varsity sport.

Lacrosse is a game originated among the Native American Tribes in the Northeast. The game was used to settle conflicts between tribes, toughen up young warriors and as a religious  ritual. Sometimes games lasted several days and covered miles of countryside.

The game was popular in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states due to its Indian heritage but has now spread to other parts of the country. There’s even a professional league.

The game combines aspects of  hockey, soccer and  basketball. Normally played on a football size field, there are no boundaries as the ball is always in play. There are goals at each end of the field defended by a goalie. There are three offensive or attack players  who range from mid-field to the opposing goal, three defenders, and three mid-fielders who can roam the whole  field. Halves are 25 minutes each.

Each player has a "stick" with a basket on it to carry and throw the ball. The boys the basket has a deep pouch while the girls basket is relatively flat. There are different types of baskets depending on the position played along with different stick lengths.
While the boys play full contact, the girls are restricted. As a result, the boys wear helmets,face protectors, and  pads while the girls only wear eye and mouth guards. As one girl  commented, "Don't let our skirts fool you."

It is interesting watching both teams play. With the boys it’s literally a big brawl when going for the ball or trying to score. There is much more finesse as it were with the girls play since they have to be  more aware of contact made.

"Lacrosse is the fastest  growing sport in the country,” boy’s coach Ron Meiser said. “I would like to thank the All Sports Boosters, Green Parks and Recreation and the school for their support.

 Senior Brandon Nagy observed, "This is the funest sport I  have ever played. It is the fastest game on two feet. There is constant  movement. It has made my high school career fun."

"I have been playing this game for six years,' said Dan Klein. “It is my life. I hope I can get a scholarship. It is a great way to stay in shape and be around my friends."

 Kailey Diver, whose father Dave was a high school and  college Lacrosse star said, "I really like this sport. We have fun as a  team and are close as teammates.  My dad was a  big influence on me because of his playing it in high school and college. I  would also like to thank all the dads who stepped up when we needed them. They  were awesome!"

Jenna Hoskinson has played for four years. "It’s really awesome to see how the team has grown,” she said. “I will continue to play at college because I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship to Slippery Rock."

"I like to run," said Hanna Black. "Lacrosse is a good sport for that. It is an aggressive sport and it allows you to get close  with your teammates. It’s fun to get muddy!"

 "Lacrosse helps give me a great adrenaline rush," said Kayla Quiros. "I have been playing it for five years. It is a  very competitive sport. I just love it."