Lacrosse is an east coast sport no more. Montana State University houses one of the finest lacrosse teams in the west, nationally ranked in the top 25. This year, the lacrosse team is ranked 17th going into the spring season. If you didn’t know we had a lacrosse team, it may be time to take a look.
“Our dedication brings good players,” said President Paul Mariani. “You have to love to play.” Lacrosse has been registered on Montana State’s campus since 2003. It is a sport that is played primarily in the spring. The team takes part in 12-15 games against schools from all over, including Colorado State University, the University of Colorado and the University of Utah. The team is a part of the RMLC, or Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference, a part of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association.
In the last 11 years, the RMLC has been the home conference of eight of the championship teams. There are currently 213 teams in the MCLA. Mariani describes the sport as “different than any other.” Because the lacrosse team pays for almost everything out of players’ dues, there is a “high level of commitment.” The students have shown this level of commitment not only through playing, but also by reaching out to the younger children in the community.
The team started a youth program in Bozeman for those that have no other chance to play lacrosse. Missoula has a similar program, and the two cities get together to provide an outlet for the students. This year, the Montana State lacrosse team can boast two local talents. Two of the freshmen on the team are from Bozeman, thanks to the youth program Mariani and the others started. They are joined by students from all over the country, including Minnesota, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire.
The team is currently in the middle of fall ball, when no membership is required. There is a low commitment level for fall ball, but it is the only outdoor time the team has until after the snow melts in the spring. In the winter, the team practices in the basketball courts at 6 a.m. because they have no indoor facilities.
It costs about $1,200 per player to participate on the lacrosse team. Because the team is associated with the NCAA, they must pay for certified referees and trainers as well as pay league dues. Additionally, the team must pay for their equipment and travel costs.
The team has also decided this year will be the first year they pay their coaches, what Mariani says is necessary for their “extreme progression” when competing nationally. This year the team is crossing their fingers for two home games, more than they have ever had before. Weather permitting, they hope fans may be able to witness just how good they are.
“It’s a sport of dedication and finesse,” Mariani said. “And in Montana it all depends on the weather.”
