Easley considering adding lacrosse to spring/summer sports lineup

Young players in Easley could have another sports option next spring or summer.

Easley officials are considering adding lacrosses to the spring sports lineup offer by the Easley Parks and Recreation Department.

Lacrosse is a very popular sport up north, and it's increasing in popularity in our area, said City Administrator Fox Simons.

“I've asked the department to see what we could to start a program in late spring or early summer next year,” Simons said.

Simons said that after flag football and baseball end in the spring, “there's really nothing for the kids to do.”

Instead of moving spring sports around “and getting a whole lot of people really upset,” officials are looking to start a lacrosse program.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Gregg Powell said city officials are pursuing a grant opportunity from US Lacrosse.

That grant, if awarded, would pay for equipment, Powell said.

The city would probably charge a registration fee, which would include a team jersey.

“We've got a year to plan and try to get it moving by this time next year,” Powell said. “Hopefully we'll get the grant, coaches and training (in place).”

“Coaches will be a challenge,” Simons said.

Simons said lacrosse is becoming popular at area universities.

“Furman just started a program, Clemson has a club team,” he said.

The rec department could provide players with the equipment they need to start out, and then parents could purchase more sophisticated equipment if they so desired.

Athletic Director John Williams said there are different price levels for the equipment needed to play lacrosse.

“Depending what kind of grade you want,” Williams said. “It can get expensive. Some of the sticks can be expensive. But some of them are pretty cheap, too. You do have to equip them with a helmet, just like football.”

The sport could use existing fields for play, officials said.

“We have the fields to do it,” Simons said.

Lacrosse often attracts “very large tournaments,” Simons said.

Simons said the city could work with area college lacrosse players to help launch the city's program, including a possible exhibition game.

“We have a lot of talent we could tap,” Simons said. “Furman has a program, Limestone has a world-class program. High schools in Greenville County are playing lacrosse. We'll tap those folks as we move forward. Hopefully next year, we'll be able to start the program. It's coming.”