Ear to the ground

“Go ahead and leave a message, and we’ll see if we can figure out how to get it off this gizmo.”

-A message on the answering machine of a technology-challenged local

In a town known for cycling and paddling, another hard-edged sport is beginning to take root. Durango is beginning to be known as a mecca for lacrosse, picking up more and more players and even tapping into grant funding.

Lacrosse is a physical sport that involves 10 players from each team on the field. The objective of the game is to shoot a small, hard rubber ball from the lacrosse stick (cross) into the opposing team’s 6-by-6-foot goal, which is protected by a goalie. The ball is played largely in the air as it is thrown from each player’s cross. 

The U.S. Lacrosse Organization saw Durango’s potential as a lacrosse hotbed and recently awarded the Durango High School lacrosse team a grant of more than $5,000 for lacrosse equipment. 

“We just received the letter from U.S. Lacrosse which congratulated Durango Lacrosse for being selected for one of the comprehensive grants,” said Bruce Moss, coach of Durango Lacrosse. “This is going to be a great boost for Durango Lacrosse. Our fund-raisers can now go toward travel expenses, transportation to away games, referees for our home games, etc.”

Last year was Durango High School’s first lacrosse season, and the 32-member team ended the season with a record of 11 wins-2 losses

“We continue to meet with the 9-R Administration to explore ways we can have the sport sanctioned by Durango High School so we can eventually become a Colorado High School Sports Association-certified sport and play other certified teams in the state,” said Moss. 

For more information or to become involved with Durango Lacrosse call 375-7323 or 749-7703.

Lacrosse’s winter sibling, hockey, also returned to form this week. The Chapman Hill Zamboni recently went on the injured-reserved list, and rough ice and missed games were the norm last week. But the crack team at Chapman Hill has announced that the Zamboni is now up and running again. This week’s schedule has returned to normal, and the rink will be making up missed adult hockey games throughout the rest of the week.