LaxTV Forums | A Forum About The MCLA

Proponents of making Lacrosse an official school sport at Watertown High School went home disappointed on Monday, August 28 as the Board of Education defeated their bid 6-2. Board of Ed officials cited field problems and other concerns and told the Lacrosse people that they would consider the matter again next year when things look "less uncertain."

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"I support the idea of lacrosse as a varsity sport," said BOE Vice-Chairman Rich Mazzamaro. "However, right now there's a need for fields, and adding another sport will complicate that matter. Let's revisit this a year from now."

Chris Lafferty, a board member who voted in favor of lacrosse, stated that waiting a year was no good for the students who would be "losing opportunities" this year.

"You have some valid points," Mr. Lafferty told Mr. Mazzamaro. "But the lessons you learn in class are applied on the field. I benefited from sports in this town tremendously. I won't let these town issues get in the way of this opportunity for the kids."

Board members also worried about what would happen if funding was lost. The lacrosse organization is currently a 501(c) organization that is fully funded through private donations.

"If funding is lost the board will have to pay," said BOE member Todd Griffin. "The board has enough budget constraints as it is."