Texas lacrosse: The Cy-Fair adventure

[Sonny]

July 25, 2007 - There is an explosion happening in Texas...an explosion of lacrosse teams, that is. Lacrosse is said to be the fastest growing sport in Texas. The Texas High School Lacrosse League (THSLL) indicates that the number of Texas lacrosse teams has grown from 109 boys and girls teams in 2001 to 322 teams in 2007 (a 194% increase), while the number of lacrosse players in the state has grown from 2283 players in 2001 to 6430 players in 2007, a growth rate of 182%. An example of this significant growth is found in one such program in Northwest Houston. The Cy-Fair Ironmen began its Division II program 17 seasons ago with barely enough players to field a varsity team, and now in 2007 they have a roster of over 50 players, fielding not only a varsity team but also a JV team. Their perseverance has paid off – they eventually progressed to win the 2007 Texas State Division II title, their third State Championship appearance, but their first State Championship!

The Cy-Fair Ironmen triumphed over Highland Park II of Dallas to win the championship game with an 18-13 victory. “It was a total team effort, because we scored 18 goals and we didn’t have a single kid with more than three,” said Cy-Fair Coach Chris Wilke. “Everyone did everything we worked on all season. It was executing the game plan and finishing strong. It was something that was fun to watch.” Individual championship game awards went to Cy-Fair Ironmen senior middie, George Drogaris as overall MVP; Cy-Fair Ironmen junior middie, Michael Mann as offensive MVP; and Highland Park II freshman goalie, Hardy Fields as defensive MVP. Cy-Fair was undefeated in DII regular season play, however, suffered a defeat in the championship game of the South Texas District. They received a second chance when they were selected as the wild-card entry into the state championship tournament hosted by Dallas Jesuit.

In addition, Cy-Fair players were also recognized with 2007 THSLL South Division DII All Star Awards. All State honors went to Attackmen: Turner Harris, senior, and Travis Tabb, junior; Middies: Taylor Brooks, junior, George Drogaris, senior, and Michael Mann, junior; and Defense: Justin Castle, senior. All District recognition went to Defenseman, Robert Rafferty, senior. District Honorable Mention honored Attackman Trey McKay, junior, and Middie Braden Oehler, senior.

Cy-Fair’s middle school program, the Iron Eagles, was started in the fall of 2001. Some of the original players from the inaugural season graduated this past spring, with the majority of the originals to graduate in 2008. The elementary program, the Iron Lions, began in 2002, with those players about to begin their freshmen year as Ironmen. Cy-Fair has strong parent involvement, and like most Division II teams, they operate as a non-profit organization with a volunteer parent board of directors, and receive their funding from team dues and corporate sponsorships. The funding covers team insurance, field use fees, referee costs, and nominal coaching stipends. The great thing about this type of structure is that any boy or girl who wants to play can join the team; nobody is turned away.

Each November, lacrosse players from across Texas, Louisiana, and as far away as Nevada, gather in Cypress, a small suburb of Houston, to participate in the annual Cy-Fair Fall Classic. This is a first chance for players and coaches to show their stuff and start gearing up in earnest for the upcoming season that typically officially kicks off in March. November 17-18, 2007, the Cy-Fair Lacrosse Association (CFLA) will host the 8th Annual 2007 Cy-Fair Fall Classic. This tournament illustrates how hugely popular lacrosse is becoming in Texas and the success and recognition of the Cy-Fair lacrosse program; in its short history, the tournament has grown into one of the largest in Texas. Last year’s Cy-Fair Fall Classic drew 46 teams, and approximately 3000 spectators, hosting games for elementary school players through high school players. The annual fall tournament began in 1999 with 10 high school teams. This year promises to be biggest and best yet! For more information go to www.cyfairlacrosse.org.

[Brent Burns]

That's a great story about the Cy-Fair program, and I am wondering if the Cy-Fair Ironmen team consists of players from different high schools in the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I know there are about 10 high schools in that district. Congratulations to the Cy-Fair Ironmen for winning the 2007 THSLL Div. II title.