Kentucky Lacrosse

	When its 90 degrees in the shade and the intermittant breezes carry the long clicks of the cicadas, most folks would think of kicking back with a tall glass of cold lemonade on a cool front porch or an escape to a sandy beach where the suns heat is stifled by long breezes and crashing waves. Yet, for 130 boys between the ages of 14 and 18, a dozen coaches, and scores of fans, a hot July 19th called for lacrosse---and lots of it! The Bluegrass State Games, an affiliate of the National Congress of State Games and the National Olympic Committee, teamed up with corporate sponsor Subway for the "Get Healthy Kentucky" campaign to provide competitive athletic challenges for sports teams across the state of Kentucky. A non-profit program sponsored privately to promote amateur athletics in the Commonwealth, the games were designed to provide Kentuckians of all ages and skill levels a wholesome avenue for positive development through sports and physical activity, to promote and develop amateur athletics and to provide the amateur athlete an opportunity to showcase their talent and receive statewide recognition. Saturday, July 19th marked the first time the event has included lacrosse, and a Lexington home-town favorite is bringing home gold medals. The Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs, coached by Dave Kaetzal, went undefeated in five games of competitive eight-man play. The day began with team arrivals at 8:30AM on the University of Kentucky club sports fields. Rigorously promoted by the Lexington Youth Lacrosse Association, the Lexington area presented four teams to the competition: Tates Creek Commodores coached by Andy Tartar, Lexington Catholic Knights (Blue Team) coached by Nugent. Lexington Catholic Knights (White Team) coached by Terry Justice, and the Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs coached by Dave Kaetzal. In addition, northern Kentucky traveled to Lexington with a team made up of players from the Northern Kentucky Warriors and the Covington Catholic Colonels coached by Tom McKee. The group was rounded out by a competitive elite travel team from Louisville consisting primarily of students from the 9th grade at Christian Academy of Louisville, Holy Trinity, and Saint Xavier coached by Greg Phillips. After three rounds of play, by the extended lunch break during the heat of the day, Team Louisville, Dunbar, and Lexington Catholic Blue had demonstrated highly skilled play, solid team dynamics, and a command of the field against their opponents. As the afternoon waned and the summer sun began to wear down the athletes, the tensions were high and the games presented their second test on all of the players--stamina and endurance. The winners would be the team still standing--controled and composed--after five games of intense short field lacrosse play. The eight man game consisted of two 20 minute running clock halves. Face-offs were utilized to begin period play; however, all goals were followed by a short whistle and goalie clear. Player substitutions were made "on the fly" with no horns. All other NFHS rules applied. From an observers standpoint, the game moved very quick with most players working diligently to account for the shorter field length in their passes and clears. All classes played a double elimination tournament/pool play to determine medals. When the dust settled (and it literally did settle on the dry fields), Dunbar demonstrated the greatest command of the games with a 10+ goal margin on all of their opponents (excluding one opponent forfeit). Coach Terry Justice and Sports Commissioner Tim Yessin both agreed that despite the heat, intensity, and long day, the first annual Bluegrass State Games for Lacrosse were a tremendous success showcasing local and statewide talent and innaugarating a new chapter in the growth of the Kentucky sport. Special thanks to all of the coaches, officials, parents, fans, and players who dedicated a long Saturday to the "fastest sport on two feet." Game Results: Lexington Catholic Blue (12) v/s Tates Creek (6) Lexington Catholic White (4) v/s Dunbar (15) Louisville (11) v/s Tates Creek (4) Lexington Catholic Blue (8) v/s Northern Kentucky (4) Lexington Catholic White (4) v/s Louisville (8) Dunbar (17) v/s Northern Kentucky (2) Tates Creek (9) v/s Northern Kentucky (10) Lexington Catholic White (5) v/s Lexington Catholic Blue (13) Louisville (8) v/s Lexington Catholic Blue (4) Tates Creek (2) v/s Dunbar (14) Northern Kentucky (3) v/s Louisville (15) Lexington Catholic White v/s Tates Creek (forfeit) Dunbar v/s Louisville (forfeit) Northern Kentucky (6) v/s Lexington Catholic White (16) Lexington Catholic Blue (1) v/s Dunbar (14) GOLD Paul Laurence Dunbar Bulldogs SILVER Louisville Centurions BRONZE Lexington Catholic Knights Blue