PREP LACROSSE: Speedy sport catches on

League expands beyond a few high school teams

It's been called "the fastest game on two feet," and it's currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

Lacrosse, which was originated by American Indians and is the oldest sport in the United States and Canada, is certainly growing rapidly in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Lacrosse League started in 2001 with two high school squads, at Palo Verde and Centennial, but the league now features 10 high school teams -- seven boys and three girls -- and five middle school teams, along with a men's squad and a club team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

After starting out with about 50 players three years ago, the league, which is completely self-funded, now features close to 400 competitors.

Rick Minoski, high school boys commissioner, said a plethora of other players want to participate, but can't until the league secures more coaches and playing fields.

"We need coaches and fields. We have many young athletes that just need parents to become coaches and supporters. Everyone is welcome," he said. "Lacrosse is a sport that gives all youth an opportunity to become a great player. Regardless of your size or athleticism, with dedication and commitment, players can develop the skills necessary to become a lacrosse player."

Minoski and others affiliated with the local league said building feeder programs at the youth and middle school levels is the key to long-term success.

"When we get it going at the youth level, it will explode," Minoski said.

Five middle schools currently offer the fast-paced game -- Leavitt, Molasky, Johnson, Rogich, and Lied.

All 10 high school teams recently kicked off the league's fourth campaign at the "Best of the West" Tournament at Sam Boyd Stadium. A total of 16 boys teams and five girls teams competed at the event, which featured squads from Utah, California and Arizona.

Palo Verde's boys team was the most successful local squad, going 3-0 on the first day of competition before losing its last two games to settle for third place.

The Panthers won the inaugural state lacrosse title and are led by Pete Bivans, who was one of the team's leading scorers last year, with 19 goals. Palo Verde also features Corby Bivans, Cody Clark, Trevor Taylor, Kyle Sullivan and Ryan Rosenthal.

The Las Vegas Lacrosse League also features high school boys teams from Centennial, Bonanza, Coronado, The Meadows and Shadow Ridge, along with the Crusaders, made up of players from several Summerlin-area high schools.

Centennial, which captured the past two state crowns, is led by Gary Smith, Dan DelGiorno and Travis Anderson. Smith, a kicker for Centennial's football team, led the Bulldogs with 51 points last season, on 41 goals and 10 assists, and DelGiorno was second with 50 points, on 28 goals and 22 assists.

Smith is one of several local players who is being recruited by Division I and II colleges. Corby Bivans is another prospect, along with Fred Tarantino, Andrew Minoski, Andrew Lacey, Mike Eisane, Tully Minoski, Torrey Clark and Neil Frey.

"These kids have a real opportunity to play into their college years," Minoski said. "A lot of Division I and II schools are starting to come this way and look for kids. Some coaches and scouts have their eyes on a few players from Las Vegas."

Lacrosse, which is much bigger on the East Coast, where there are professional teams, is played at most major colleges and has several prominent alumni. Pro football Hall of Famer Jim Brown was an all-American lacrosse player at Syracuse University and hockey great Wayne Gretzky also used to play the game.

The Coronado Cougars Lacrosse club, led by Erik Kulenkamp and Geno Pescio, is entering its third season and has grown from a dozen players to more than 40. It's currently the only team from Henderson in the league.

"It's grown progressively every year and now we have enough for two teams," said Doug Brown, president of the club. "We would like to encourage more participation. There's a lot of interest from other schools, like Green Valley and Silverado, but we don't have enough coaches. We need some more coaches."

The Meadows is entering its second season and the school recognizes lacrosse as an official school sport. Southern California recently recognized lacrosse as an official varsity sport as well.

The Mustangs are led by Tarantino, along with John Stewart and Ryan Tiberti.

The Crusaders, who feature players from Faith Lutheran and other schools, are led by Paul Negrin, but the first-year program needs more players and coaches.

Shadow Ridge, led by Michael Grimaldi, is another first-year program in need of players.

Centennial, Palo Verde and Bonanza all feature girls teams as well. Centennial is starting its third year of play as Bonanza starts its first. Palo Verde, in its second year of existence, is led by Mary Powers and Lauren Warshawsky.

Teams play more than a dozen regular-season games, which are followed by the playoffs, and squads also travel to surrounding states to compete in tournaments and all-star games.

College and pro players come to town each year to compete and a women's team at UNLV is planned for the future. Those interested in joining the UNLV men's team or becoming a sponsor can call Nate Lee at 683-7698.

An indoor program for all ages also takes place during the summer. Those interested can call Randy Parker at 806-7234.

Those interested in playing or coaching in the LVLL can call Minoski at 461-7381 or league president Eric Scholer at 604-3422.


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