Under The Spotlight Of Mens Lacrosse

When Native Americans first played the lacrosse game, they perceived such as the game for their creators. It served as a worshipping ritual, a training field to prepare for war. All the more, it was a game of the untamed men. And though women and children were allowed to participate, only a few men went home glorious. Today, while its modern form is more refined, mens lacrosse brings the star in a player.

Whether it was for the World Lacrosse Championships or the European Lacrosse Championships, every team player’s goal was not just to grab a trophy but also become a star under a glaring spotlight of international sport fame. Mens lacrosse has produced several star players in its history. These stars have influenced the aspired to be successors. Aside from this, modern and cutting edge uniforms that resemble that of a child’s imaginative space-age superhero character, also made the sport more attractive to young athletes.

The popularity of the sport picked up in the 70s when famous Gaits twins Paul and Gary of the Syracuse Team in the United States innovated a new move that would revolutionize the way players for the next generations play lacrosse. It was called Air Gaits – thought of to be the equal form of basketball’s slam dunk. Every kid was amazed when they saw this. And media exposure led the mens lacrosse to its pinnacle.

Also making remarkable mens lacrosse records for Syracuse team is Mike Powell. He is known for his extraordinary alertness, acrobatic innovation, dramatic stick movements. Powell is remains to this day the first and the only recipient of the prestigious Jack Turnball Award for four straight years. This award is likened to the Oscars of lacrosse attackmen. His knack for winning awards in streak was again proven when we he got Tewaraaton Trophy twice.

Another star player is Kevin Cassese. Named 2006 MVP of the Year, Cassese played for Team USA in the Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. Cassese started his professional career with Rochester Rattlers in 2003. Since he has won numerous awards that include an ILF Gold Medal, ILF U-19 Gold Medal, National Midfielder of the Year Award and made his parents proud with such honors as two time Tewaraathon Trophy Finalist in 2002 and 2001 ACC Player of the Year. In his entire career in mens lacrosse, he has made 80 goals, 38 assists, 118 points and a face off of 63%.

A worthy hall-of-famer to be noted of is a hero not just inside the field but also in real life. McEneaney died in September 11, 2001 and was given hero’s memorial after he rescued 63 people down 105-flight stairs. Eamon McEneaney was the top collegiate attackman of his time gaining the most revered Turnbull Award. He was also given the USILA Player of the Year recognition in 1975.

Mens lacrosse holds more unforgettable and noteworthy players from its history to its present. This will include the first Indians who played in defense of their tribes to the present youngsters who will do everything to be next inspiring lacrosse stars.