Our view: As lacrosse makes inroads, stay tuned

Imagine the uproar if the Cloquet School Board decided to eliminate soccer as a sport for its students.

We’re fairly certain that will not happen any time soon, but we mention it to properly frame this premise: it is undeniable that lacrosse is becoming a very popular sport with today’s children. And it is undeniable that, if the sport’s popularity continues, local school districts will have to consider adding lacrosse, which often means eliminating a different sport.

Recently, organizers of lacrosse in Carlton County have approached schools with a plan to add the sport to the lineup. Although the organizers were well prepared and had solid data, the Cloquet board was less than receptive.

Citing the numbers, and that several other sports are offered to students, and the relative newness of the sport, Cloquet declined to add lacrosse.

We recall the uproar when soccer started to become popular more than 20 years ago. Fans of football and other sports feared they would lose their teams, while soccer fans struggled to gain acceptance from the schools as a legitimate sport. Eventually, soccer took a firm hold. Hundreds play in youth leagues and the schools (and community) share facilities to make it all happen. But it was a struggle, and it took time.

We encourage local school districts to keep an open mind on lacrosse, and we encourage fans of the sport to have patience. If the popularity of lacrosse continues as it has, we have no doubt fans will see greater support from the schools and community.

We welcome your input to the Pine Knot News.

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Email: [email protected]

Mail: Pine Knot News Editor, 122 Avenue C,

Cloquet MN 55720