Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America, dating all the way back to the 1400s. The sport originated in Native American communities where it was known as "baggataway" until French settlers arrived in the 1800s. The name was changed due to the fact that the sticks used by players resembled a bishop's staff, known as "la crosse" in French, and it has remained the same since then.
Over the years, the sport has gained widespread popularity with teams forming in high schools as well as colleges and universities. This year marks the beginning of the Men's Lacrosse club team at Rhode Island College.
At this point, the team has no coach, but I was given the opportunity to talk with John Northup, a defensemen, about the team and its future here at RIC.
Samantha: Can you just briefly explain the game and positions?
John: Well, it's kind of like soccer because you have defensemen, offensive players, midfielders, and a goalie. Ten guys play at once, 3 defensive players, 3 offensive, 3 midis, and the goalie, but it's good to have about 20 players so you can have subs now and then. During the game, you can run past the goal and then around and behind it.
Samantha: Since this is a club team, where do you get your funds?
John: We just ask people (laughs). The guys have all their own equipment but if we asked maybe the school would give us matching helmets so we'd look like a team. Most of the guys played in high school so they still have their sticks and everything. Really, we're just a group of guys who love to play and there isn't a team so we just got together on our own.
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