One of the oldest sports on the north American continent, Native Americans invented lacrosse, and now our national champion cougars make it look really good.

At first lacrosse seems to be a game of running, some sort of hybrid between hockey and soccer. But there’s more than meets the eye in this game. The trick is in the stick. Actually sticks, depending on which position you play. Coach Matt Schneck talks about the history of the sport.

“They found different ways to be able to make the game more competitive, and so as they did that they decided that they’d have longer poles for the defense and shorter poles for the offense,” explained Coach Schneck.

The size difference between the two sticks give offensive and defensive players exclusive abilities. At twice the length the long stick allows defenders to make checks, intercept passes, and make long throws down field to the offensive players who use the short stick to make quick passes, cuts, and shots on goal.

The long stick gives defenders superior reach and extra defensive moves to keep the attack from scoring a goal. Senior defensive player Tyler Sabey describes the advantage of a long stick.

You can poke, you can do a slap or , if you keep you hands pretty close together you can kinda punch,” says Sabey.

But the short stick helps the offense with maneuverability and keeping the ball close to the body. With all the stick action there’s a lot flying around. And between short and long, it’s always a battle to see who will win out.

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Clint Martinson

Hey I am a reporter for Channel 11 Coog Tube. I love sports and want to talk about it all day. Basketball is my passion but I am excited to get into other sports as well! I look forward to reporting the good stuff and bringing excitement to the show!

Latest posts by Clint Martinson (Posts)

• Queen of Collision - April 6, 2012
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• Admission Addition - March 23, 2012