Lacrosse is a very physical sport that involves a great deal of aerobic endurance and agility. It is a team game in which a ball is passed from teammate to teammate using a stick with a mesh or net at one end. Last year, Churchbridge began planning to introduce its field lacrosse club to the area. They are elated by their first season with the program, which has taken place this spring.
In January of 2020, Churchbridge began applying for grants and making connections within the Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association to acquire participant interest. As a result, they received funding from Parkland Valley Sport and Recreation, Kidsport, and the Churchbridge Credit Union. The funds acquired have helped the club buy the necessary equipment to get the program off the ground while keeping athlete fees as low as possible.
The “Kodiaks” lacrosse team plans on starting to practise annually in early April. They will utilize Churchbridge’s Kaminski Arena until the weather warms up, then they will move to outdoor fields in the schoolyard. The club provides insurance, jerseys, and sticks, although it is recommended players invest in their own lacrosse stick.
Shortly into the development of the program, Darren Dyke was introduced to Churchbridge’s lacrosse initiative. From there, things began to take shape. Dyke organized coaching clinics, officials’ clinics, and acquired athletes to field as many teams as possible. “Darren has truly been the driving force in our association, and we are all grateful to have him work with the kids,” commented lead-organizer Amanda Kornaga. The club has also participated in local clinics by other towns in the area; this includes a female clinic in Sturgis, Saskatchewan June 26, 2021.
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the program’s last season was cancelled. This year has been the club’s first season in action. Kornaga expressed excitedly that things were going great so far. At the moment, the teams have only practised, but Churchbridge’s oldest team is hoping to set up a few games before the close of the season.
To date, the program has a U5 (2015, 2016), U8 (2013, 2014) and U11 (2010, 2011, 2012) team. They are hoping to add an older age group next season. COVID-19 restrictions made the program’s growth process difficult for the club to have large numbers in 2021.
The lacrosse program is looking forward to inviting athletes from neighbouring communities next year. Kornaga mentioned, “Currently, we have Jerin Keough from Langenburg helping us coach”. Jerin Keough is a talented local lacrosse player from Langenburg, Saskatchewan who has been instrumental in teaching logistics of the sport. “He has been a real asset to the program,” remarked Kornaga.
Like all sports, Churchbridge Lacrosse has followed the COVID-19 guidelines carefully. This was to ensure the safety of coaches and athletes. With the lifting of restrictions, the program has included more gameplay into the practices; the athletes have been ecstatic with the change of pace.
The Kodiak lacrosse program in Churchbridge has been instrumental in introducing lacrosse to more remote communities. Their ingenuity will stimulate interest in lacrosse across the Melville-Saltcoats area and beyond. The Kodiak program has been enlivened throughout the first season, and they are excited for what the next years have to bring.
Although the undertaking of creating a new sport in the area is not simple, volunteers have worked hard to make the lacrosse program a reality. Having another program in the area encourages youth to be active, and with the rise in lacrosse popularity, the teams in Churchbridge are sure to be a success.
By: Charlee Mitschke