Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the nation and most commonly referred to as the “fastest sport on two feet.” Westside’s lacrosse team has been around for a few years and is hoping to be school sponsored in the near future. Senior Dustin Ecklebe has been on the lacrosse team since his sophomore year and thinks being school sponsored would be beneficial to the team in many ways,

“School sponsored would mean that more people would be aware of the sport, and willing to try out. It would also mean that we wouldn’t have to play around sponsored sports schedules.” said Ecklebe

Senior Zane Fletcher just started playing Lacrosse as a junior, but notices the difficulties that come with not being school sponsored.

“Our biggest problem not being school sponsored is coming up with funds and gaining players, not many people are aware there is a team. It’s also difficult having to play around school sponsored sport’s schedules.”

Millard West and Creighton Prep both have school sponsored lacrosse teams. For Westside’s lacrosse team to be sponsored by the school they have to have a girls team as well, along with other requirements. A girls team was formed this year and is the only high  school team in the state of Nebraska. Many team members are hopeful that this step will make Westside’s team a lot closer to becoming school sponsored.

Senior lacrosse team member David Korff sees the increase in lacrosse at the youth level and it believes it is key in getting more students to try out in high school.

“Kids starting younger and playing on youth teams increase the quality of the sport as it gets to a high school level.” said Korff

With the push for not only more lacrosse in Nebraska, but around the United States, the sport’s popularity is growing. In the next few years Westside may be adding another spring sport to it’s field.