On the Upswing
Lacrosse participation far from lax

The oldest team sport in North America , and, possibly the world-lacrosse-steps into the limelight with modern-day panache, overshadowing the sport's tribal beginnings complete with body paint and deerskin balls. Although a version of the game was played in Mexico as far back as the 1100s, its origins are attributed to the Native Americans from modern day Canada and the United States . These early games, often lasting several days, involved as many as 1,000 men and boy-warriors preparing for combat.

Although today's military boot camps do not include lacrosse drills, the speed of the game and manual dexterity required continues to challenge young fans with crossover skills from football, hockey, basketball and soccer.

"Lacrosse is a hybrid of multiple sports," says Pfeiffer University 's Head Men's Coach Jason Dombrowski, "and you don't have to be 6'5" to play it"-perhaps one reason for its new widespread appeal.

A recent survey published by U.S. Lacrosse confirms the surge in popularity with registered lacrosse players doubling nationwide since 2001.

Undoubtedly another reason to the sport's appeal is its high scoring nature. "There's a lot of action in lacrosse," adds Dombrowski. "It's a fast-moving sport that doesn't get bogged down with technique."

While there is a technical component to the sport including the scrimmaging, players are interested in breaking it down and playing the game according to Dombrowski. The speed and thrill of the game adds to the allure for both player and spectator.

"It's the fastest game on two feet," notes Missy Foote, Head Women's Coach at Middlebury University .

Although a high level of skill in any game gleans better results, lacrosse players exhibit varying degrees of skill. Beginning players, therefore, are quickly drawn into the mix.

"It's not hard to run with the ball. It's relatively easy to score. Once you get the passing and catching skills down, you can play the game," Foote adds.

Foote credits some of lacrosse's recent rise in popularity to stick manufacturers who streamlined the design from those made of wood and cat intestines. The introduction of plastic heads invented by a Baltimore-based stick maker in the 1970s reduced the cost and weight of the stick, allowing for faster passes and game play.

"Manufacturers have become creative with sticks," Foote adds. "The angled head makes it easier to keep the ball in the pocket. It makes it easier to pass behind the back. Manufacturers have helped people to think cleverly, and people are responding to it."

The game is equally popular among men and women. Title IX, the l aw that forbids sex discrimination in all programs at schools that get federal aid, made it more attractive for colleges to add women's games. Now lacrosse is the fourth-fastest growing women's sport in the NCAA.

What used to be a primarily northeastern and Canadian sport is seeing pockets of popularity as it continues to push south and west. At this rate, old iconic images of apple pie and that other favorite American pastime will be taking a back seat before you know it. Okay, maybe not the apple pie.