By Ryan Dippre
Published: Monday, October 31, 2005
Editor's Note: This article is the first in a two-part series investigating the possible creation of a varsity men's lacrosse team at Wilkes University.
Anyone who was out on Club Day earlier this semester may have noticed a table for a Lacrosse Club. Although the Lacrosse Club may have seemed to be just another club on that day, in reality its goals are much more grandiose.
Wilkes used to support a men's lacrosse team at the varsity level, and it is the goal of many on the team to see the sport rise to the varsity level once more. The process, however, still has a long way to go. In fact, the Lacrosse Club is still busy getting on its feet as an organization.
"Coach [Matt] McCaffrey started the club last year," said senior Mike Fox. Fox noticed McCaffrey's stand on Club Day and signed himself up. "Coach said I could hit people," said Fox, who is also a defensive end for the football team at Wilkes.
Club Day was a great success for the Lacrosse Club, according to Fox: "We managed to sign up thirty people."
Although the club is still in its infancy, support for it has grown. In addition to the thirty sign ups at Club Day, "We also got a $4,000 dollar grant from Student Government (SG)," said Fox. "We also had fifteen helmets donated to us from Army." The helmets and SG grant will go a long way toward supplying the club with necessary equipment. The club has also established a place to practice. "There's a plot in Kirby Park we can use. Wilkes lines it for us," said Fox.
The Lacrosse Club is clearly trying to gear itself for a move to the varsity level, and many in the student body--both male and female--are looking forward to it. "Lacrosse is a growing sport," said women's lacrosse player Stacy Fimmano. "There is a lot of interest from the male student body in starting the team." In addition to the women's lacrosse team, Fimmano is involved with the Lacrosse Club. "Fox asked me to sign up on Club Day," said Fimmano, explaining how she heard of the Lacrosse Club.
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