Lightning Lacrosse

Lacrosse is known as the “fastest game on two feet.” With a ball that zings across the field at 75 miles per hour, it’s an exciting game to watch and play.

Lacrosse has grown in popularity across the country, and Millcreek has also seen a growing interest in the sport. 

Josh Bischof, president of the McDowell Trojan Lacrosse Booster Club, has been involved in the sport for years. His oldest daughter, Adelaide, began playing in fourth grade and fell in love with it. His younger daughter, Matilda, also developed an affinity for lacrosse. Both have now graduated from high school.

Bischof’s son Dexter, a sophomore, also took up the sport and currently plays for the Trojans, and has expressed an interest in playing in college. 

“This is a very young team since many of the senior team members graduated,” says Bischof. “But I believe they will still be very competitive.”

Lacrosse went from being a club sport to a school sport at McDowell in just the last couple of years. Becoming an official school sport means that many things for the program are now funded. The boosters still play an instrumental role in helping with expenses, however.

The lacrosse season will begin in March and include approximately 16 games. But there is a second season in the fall. The boosters pay for the turf upkeep in the fall and help with some equipment expenses. 

The Booster Club will host a Bingo event on March 6, which is a major fundraising event. It will be held at the JPT Foundation Event Center, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and games starting at 7:30 p.m. The club will also sponsor a golf outing in early June. 

Bischof believes that the sport of lacrosse will continue to grow in popularity. “The challenge is getting children to try it. But if they try it, they typically come back.”

Many boys like the physical aspect of the sport, which includes body checking, but without the high impact of football. The scores are usually high as well, since anyone on the team can score goals and there is constant shooting. 

One important aspect of lacrosse play is the teamwork.

“[It’s] a big thing in lacrosse,” agrees Bischof. “There are no superstars, because everyone gets to play and is important to the success of the team.

“It’s also a fun sport to play and watch.”  

To keep up with McDowell High School boys lacrosse, follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/TrojanLacrosse.

PHOTOS BY LORI BISCHOF