Lacrosse Is Back In Springfield

A strong attempt is being made this year by resident Head Coach Jeff Kaesshaefer to finally offer and introduce to the children of Springfield the game of lacrosse.   

A sport that started in New Jersey as far as back 1882 when 12 guys from Lawrenceville played with wooden sticks known as "racquets", lacrosse over the next century, would explode across the entire state of New Jersey as high schools and youth programs caught on. 

A sport which had always given the image of a privileged or an elitist game (as nearly all the teams came from private or prep schools), lacrosse had about 100 high school teams in the 1990's grow to 184 in 2003, and then to 323 teams by 2010. That is tremendous growth and growth that hasn't hit the town of Springfield as of yet.....but maybe Jeff Kaesshaefer and his coaches can help change that.

As lacrosse continues to explode, the elitist game has changed as it has reached all types of towns -large towns, small towns, geographically, as well as economically and socially diverse towns — not necessarily with the best or biggest programs.

Lacrosse has long been touted as the sport that mixes all the others, not just football: with the one-on-one mentality and pick-and-roll type plays of basketball; the field vision and endurance needed for soccer and the behind-the-net play of ice hockey, among others.

“It’s just the exposure,” commented a Springfield Coach, whose Springfield team has a surprising 1-4 record in only its first season which is comprised of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Graders. “Lacrosse is an expensive sport, and there aren’t people in the rec department or high school that know the game. We’ve dealt with a lot of obstacles and opposition, which has unfortunately hindered our progress in the past. From the reaction of the kids and the support from parents this year, this time will be different. It's time that we offer our children the opportunity to participate in the sport. ”

Springfield lost yesterday in a close game against an all 4th Grade Scotch Plains team 6-2. Tremendous goal tending lead by Gavin Schornstein kept the game close. Springfield's first goal came from Gavin Dzikowski, who took a pass from Ian Kaesshaefer, and Anthony Corigliano scored the final goal on a pass from from Cole Kebe.

Springfield's next game is on May 2nd at Maplewood - 6pm and then on May 4th vs.. Westfield (1pm)  at home behind Dayton

Thanks to Michael A. Dzikowski for this contribution.