by Brent Hovey
Reporter
Aurora -- Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in Ohio and all of North America, and Aurora is providing an opportunity for the sport to grow.
The city's parks-recreation department, through sports coordinator Scott DeMarco, has implemented a youth lacrosse program.
The first camp for children in grades 1 to 5 took place in early June with 25 participants. Two more camps are scheduled in July.
For boys in grades 5 to 12, sessions camp will take place from July 21 to 25.
Boys in fifth and sixth grades will compete from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., seventh- and eighth-graders from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and high schoolers from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
A girls camp will be July 28 to Aug. 1. Times and grade breakdowns are the same as the boys.
The camp costs Aurora residents $80 and non-residents $100. Campers will receive a reversible Aurora lacrosse practice jersey, an official ball and other sponsor giveaways.
"I think the program has great potential considering the dynamics of the residents in Aurora and how well they have taken to some of our other programs," said DeMarco.
The camp is run by Jumpstart Sports, with help from Aurora residents Tracy Rausch and Leroy Katz. Tim Weber, a teacher at Leighton School, is in charge of the camp.
Rausch played lacrosse in college and Katz was a two-time All-American at John Hopkins University.
DeMarco said surrounding areas have seen a lot of growth in their lacrosse programs.
"Hudson has a waiting list because of its popularity," he explained. "Solon has a very successful program that began about eight years ago. Chagrin Falls started a couple of years ago and has already tripled its participants."
Kenston, Stow, West Geauga and Kent are other cities which recently have begun programs.
DeMarco said the rec department is hoping to offer fifth- and sixth-grade, seventh- and eighth-grade, and high school teams by next year.
"At some point the high school may have its own team and we'll serve as a foundation," he said.
Registration for the summer lacrosse camps are being taken at the parks-rec office in the Walker Building weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by calling 330-562-4333.
E-mail:
bhovey@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115