The Bobcats are picking up the sticks and getting ready for their first year of competition in the lacrosse program.

This is the second year that the program will be operating, but this year both boys and girls are recognized as a club sport and will be playing in matches. And by playing other schools, athletes can now letter in lacrosse given provided they complete the requirements established by the coach.

The boys are led by head coach Mike Courteau who has also hired an assistant coach, Bryan Barbe, who will spend time with the goalies and defensemen.

As of now, the Bobcats’ first game will be April 1 against West Allegheny on the back turf.

“I’m fired up to play and toss around the yolk with the boys. I’ve had this urge to just hum and rip it right at the goalie’s cage top bins,” said senior Trevor Schmidt.

Boys’ lacrosse consists of 10 players per team with three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders, and a goalie. Each game is comprised of four 12 minute quarters.

Lacrosse players wield sticks of varying length (but usually around 4 feet); players wear helmets, shoulder pads, padded gloves, and arm pads. Play resembles soccer with players attempting to hurl—rather than kick—a ball into the opponent’s net.

Bobcat lacrosse practices will be held four days a week on the back turf, weather dependent, and will be moved to the gym if necessary.

If you would like to participate on lacrosse team you can visit practices and try it out to see if you would like to stick with it.

“It’s not the will that matters, it’s the will to prepare to win that’s important,” said sophomore Cade Askar.

Make sure to check future ECHO issues to see the latest updates on the lacrosse team.