Hornets Lacrosse Camp Draws 90 Boys

In another sign of the growing popularity of lacrosse, 90 boys returned to school for a two-day camp just a week after let out for summer.

According to Varsity Coach Matt Ceo, last week's camp drew about 30 more boys than the previous high.

"Anytime kids sacrifice their summer to come out and learn, that says something about how much they love the sport," said Ceo. "This is our biggest camp by far. Lacrosse is growing in this community. This year, we had 58 kids playing at the middle school. And they are good players. Really good."

Last week's camp, the third annual, was held Wednesday and Thursday on both fields at the high school. Kids from grades 5-12 learned from Ceo, coaches throughout the program, former players and college coaches and players.

"We hold the camp to expose more kids to lacrosse," said Terri Sibo-Koenig, President of Saline Men's Lacrosse Club. "It's two days of skill building and fun for the kids."

Sibo-Koenig and her predecessor Dianna Watches agreed that the while the lacrosse community is growing, it remains close-knit.

"One of the things you see is that many of the coaches out there are former players who come back and volunteer their time. We're developing what we like to call a 'lacrosse legacy,'" Watches said.

The boys' lacrosse program is in its 10th season. The varsity team has gone to the MHSAA regional tournament twice in recent years and the program is becoming known as one of the stronger programs in the state.

"Here in Saline, lacrosse is a community. The parents have been phenomenal and very supportive. We're building something solid," Sibo-Koenig said.

As a club sport, families are required to pay 100 percent of the costs associated with the sport. When equipment is factored in, cost for one season easily exceeds $500. Fundraising helps lighten the burden on families. One of the biggest fundraisers this year is the Salt City Shootout lacrosse tournament at Saline High School Oct. 8. The club is hoping to attract 48 pre-high school clubs to play in a 7-on-7 tournament.

"It's going to be a youth lacrosse festival," said Sibo-Koenig. "It's going to be a great time."