Typically when a new sport or club starts at the high school level, it takes a little while to build an interest in the student body.
But not at Lake Orion. And not for lacrosse.
Sixty players came out for the team, allowing coach Nik Banda to field varsity and junior varsity squads.
‘I was expecting maybe 25 or 30 guys,? Banda said, adding that he was ‘overwhelmed? by the turnout.
Though the sport is not a sanctioned varsity sport at LOHS, Banda and Assistant Athletic Director Ben Gerdeman say it’s only a matter of time.
The lacrosse program is running its inaugural season under the Guided Activities Program at the school, meaning its all funded by parental support.
‘They’ve done fundraising and all that other stuff to be able to play,? Gerdeman noted.
He said the team, which will play a good portion of its schedule against MHSAA opponents, is treated like a varsity sport by the students.
‘There is a humongous buzz in the hallways for these guys,? Gerdeman said.
The two teams played their first games last Thursday against Utica Eisenhower, with the J.V. falling 7-2 and the varsity losing 17-4.
‘The effort was outstanding,? said Banda, noting that he’s not going to judge success on wins and losses alone in the first season. ‘We will get better every week.?
Banda came on board after players he once coached, including David Wurst and Dylan Van Fossen (both captains of the team), convinced him to be their leader.
‘He’s got a lot of connections in the lacrosse world,? Gerdeman noted. ‘He’s the backbone of our program.?
Banda is not quite sure what to expect this season, but he wants his players to learn the game, respect the game and start a tradition.
‘It’s a skill sport. There’s a lot of hand-eye coordination needed,? he said. ‘The better you get, the less hitting there is.?
Andrew Pugh and Ben Nelson join Van Fossen and Wurst as the senior captains. Other key players include Matt McAlpine, Chris Rudnick, Zac Clouse, Mike Tuzik, John Costigan, Matt Rogers and goalkeeper Spencer Murphy.
‘We’re going to play defense first and figure out how to score later,? Banda said.
With nine freshman and nine sophomores coming out for the squad, the first-year coach said the future of lacrosse at LOHS is bright.
‘I think it’s a great sport to add to the Lake Orion tradition,? Banda said.