The Magnolia United Lacrosse Club, aptly-named the "Propellers," successfully completed its first year as a lacrosse club playing teams throughout the Puget Sound region. Lacrosse, a sport that is a cross between soccer and hockey, traces its origins to Native Americans and is the national sport of Canada.The Magnolia club, comprising one team of fifth and sixth graders and one team of third and fourth graders, has played more than 21 games in the past two months against other lacrosse teams from places as far as Puyallup and Bainbridge."I'm immensely proud of our kids," says club founder and 5th/6th grade coach Ted Gray. "From one game to the next, they've kept their chins up regardless of the score."The club was created last fall as several former players, and now parents, decided to provide a new outlet for Magnolia kids. "We wanted to give an opportunity for our kids to compete in a non-mainstream sport against other kids from other neighborhoods," said Pierre Gallant.Although lacrosse in one form or another has been around for centuries, it has increased exponentially in the last 10 years as dozens of teams and clubs have formed throughout the Northwest. Gallant, Gray, and a host of other like-minded parents formed the Magnolia United Club and soon had more than four dozen kids sign up. Practices started last fall and games began in early March."Our victories have been few and far between," said Matt Cagnina, a coach for the 3rd and 4th grade team, "but we're excited about the foundation we've built for years to come."Gray indicated that the club intends to grow as the kids progress through the ages, and the Club may add a 7th and 8th grade team next year."I am confident we can expand and grow the club as the support in Magnolia has been tremendous," Gray said.[[In-content Ad]]
