If you’ve ever been interested in playing on a lacrosse team in Oxford, now’s your chance.
Although it won’t be considered a varsity sport at Oxford High School, nor will it be funded through the district, the team of about 28 boys is up and running.
Lacrosse, which is considered a combination of soccer, hockey and football, is played using a stick with a net on the end and can be played outdoors or indoors. The object of the game is to toss a rubber ball into a goal on either end of the field.
It’s a growing sport that has shown up at various Michigan colleges, like Oakland University, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University.
Oxford residents Joe Salani and his wife, Annette Caruana, brought about the idea of getting a lacrosse team because their son, Nolan Salani, an eighth-grader at the middle school, had been playing lacrosse for a community club.
‘We fell in love with the sport and thought it would be great to bring to Oxford,? Salani said. ‘Lacrosse is a team sport that requires speed, agility, coordination and teamwork. It is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and is one more opportunity for kids to belong to a team sport that can create bonds that can last a lifetime.?
OHS teacher Brian Edwards signed on to become the coach last November.
During a weekend clinic held by Detroit Lacrosse, Edwards knew a lacrosse team was going to be successful in Oxford.
‘Surprisingly, about 40 kids, both boys and girls, showed up and from there on out, I decided I wanted to be a part of this,? he said.
Although the team is only made up of boys now, Edwards said he wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a movement to get a girls team.
Captains on the team include seniors Logan Fulk and Kevin Freismuth (attack captains), senior Chandler Macocha and freshman Nate Mruk (midfield captains), freshman Nick Mueller and junior Nate Biolchini (defense captains).
Three more co-captains will be determined at a later date.
Other seniors on the team include Chun Ho Cameron, Andy Versteeg and Adam McLoskey.
The Oxford lacrosse team will play other teams who are just starting out and some more established JV teams, and home games will be played on the field adjacent to the First Baptist Church of Oxford. A full game schedule is yet to be determined.
Because the school will not be funding the team, the players will have to ‘bear the financial burden,? according to Edwards.
‘Tool Sport and Sign Co. has given us a great deal on jerseys. Mike Johannes of Detroit Lacrosse in Auburn Hills has stepped up and given our players a great deal on a protective equipment package,? he said.
The coach said the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation is also willing to ‘work with them? on field maintenance.
Of course, various fund-raisers will help offset the costs as well.
For more information on the new Oxford lacrosse team, contact Joe Salani at oxfordlacrosse@sbcglobal.net.