How did Kenny Jerkins become a key figure in lacrosse without prior experience. What impact did he have on diversity in the sport. How did Mount Washington Lacrosse Club shape the history of lacrosse.
The Legacy of Mount Washington Lacrosse Club
Mount Washington Lacrosse Club (MWC) stands as a pillar in the history of lacrosse. Founded in 1904, it dominated the sport until the 1960s, regularly defeating top college teams. The club’s impact on lacrosse is evident in its representation in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame – before 1992, one in five men’s inductees had played or coached at MWC at some point in their careers.
Skip Lichtfuss, who spent 35 years at MWC from 1975 to 2009, provides unique insights into the club’s legacy and its role in shaping lacrosse history. His tenure included 10 years as a player, 22 as head coach, and the remaining years as president – the longest tenure in club history.
The Evolution of Post-Collegiate Lacrosse
During the 1980s, post-collegiate lacrosse experienced significant growth. The United States Club Lacrosse Association (USCLA) formed, comprising over 50 clubs at its peak. These teams included prestigious names like Long Island L.C., Maryland L.C., and Philadelphia L.C.
In 1984, the American Lacrosse League (ALL) was established with 29 teams, providing opportunities for players beyond the top-tier athletes who typically played in the USCLA. This expansion reflected the growing popularity of lacrosse and the desire of players to continue competing after college.
Mount Washington’s Unique Position
Mount Washington held a special place in this landscape. The club practiced twice weekly and played home games on Friday nights at the historic Norris Field. Until the late 1980s, MWC regularly competed against – and often defeated – top college teams like Cornell, Virginia, Maryland, and Navy, as well as national teams from Canada, Australia, and England.
Kenny Jerkins: An Unlikely Lacrosse Pioneer
In 1986, during a routine practice session, an unexpected visitor arrived at Norris Field. Kenny Jerkins, a muscular Black man standing 6’2″ and weighing about 240 pounds, approached the team with lacrosse and hockey sticks in hand. Despite never having played lacrosse before, Jerkins expressed his desire to join the sport.
Why was Kenny Jerkins’ arrival significant for Mount Washington Lacrosse Club? His presence challenged the existing norms and opened discussions about diversity and inclusion in lacrosse. Jerkins, who had experience in semi-pro baseball and hockey, brought a unique athletic background to the sport.
Breaking Barriers in Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins’ journey in lacrosse is a testament to the sport’s potential for inclusivity. Despite his lack of experience, Jerkins was given an opportunity to learn and play at one of the most prestigious lacrosse clubs in the country. His story raises important questions about access and opportunity in lacrosse.
How can lacrosse become more inclusive? Jerkins’ experience suggests that providing opportunities to athletes from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their prior exposure to the sport, can lead to positive outcomes. His success at Mount Washington demonstrates that talent and determination can overcome initial lack of experience.
The Impact of Diversity on Team Dynamics
Jerkins’ presence at Mount Washington likely had a profound impact on team dynamics. His unique background and perspective could have brought fresh ideas and approaches to the game. Moreover, his inclusion may have paved the way for other diverse players to join the sport.
How does diversity enhance a team’s performance? Research suggests that diverse teams often outperform homogeneous ones, bringing a wider range of ideas, experiences, and problem-solving approaches. In the context of lacrosse, this diversity could translate to innovative strategies and playing styles.
Challenging Preconceptions in Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins’ story challenges preconceptions about who can excel in lacrosse. His success despite his late start in the sport demonstrates that lacrosse skills can be developed at any age, given the right opportunity and support.
What does Jerkins’ story teach us about talent identification in lacrosse? It suggests that looking beyond traditional pathways and embracing athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds can uncover hidden talent. This approach could potentially expand the talent pool for lacrosse and contribute to the sport’s growth.
The Role of Established Clubs in Promoting Inclusivity
Mount Washington’s decision to welcome Kenny Jerkins highlights the crucial role that established clubs can play in promoting inclusivity in lacrosse. By opening their doors to non-traditional players, these clubs can set an example for the broader lacrosse community.
How can other lacrosse clubs follow Mount Washington’s example? Implementing open tryouts, creating developmental programs for new players, and actively reaching out to diverse communities could help increase representation in the sport. Clubs could also partner with schools and community organizations to introduce lacrosse to a wider audience.
Lessons from Kenny Jerkins’ Journey
Kenny Jerkins’ story offers several valuable lessons for the lacrosse community:
- Talent can come from unexpected places
- Providing opportunities to diverse athletes can enrich the sport
- Age should not be a barrier to starting a new sport
- Established clubs have a responsibility to promote inclusivity
- Diverse backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives to traditional sports
How can these lessons be applied to youth lacrosse programs? Implementing inclusive recruitment strategies, offering scholarships or equipment assistance to underrepresented groups, and creating a welcoming environment for all players could help diversify the sport from the grassroots level.
The Future of Diversity in Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins’ experience at Mount Washington Lacrosse Club in the 1980s was a step towards greater diversity in lacrosse. However, the sport still faces challenges in terms of inclusivity and representation.
What steps can be taken to increase diversity in lacrosse at all levels? Some potential strategies include:
- Expanding youth programs in diverse communities
- Providing financial assistance for equipment and league fees
- Increasing representation in coaching and leadership positions
- Partnering with schools to introduce lacrosse in physical education programs
- Creating mentorship programs to support players from underrepresented backgrounds
By implementing these strategies, the lacrosse community can work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse sport, building on the legacy of pioneers like Kenny Jerkins.
Reflecting on Lacrosse’s History and Future
The story of Kenny Jerkins at Mount Washington Lacrosse Club serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the work still to be done in making lacrosse more inclusive. It highlights the potential for growth and change within the sport when opportunities are extended to those who may not fit the traditional mold of a lacrosse player.
How can the lacrosse community honor the legacy of players like Kenny Jerkins? Establishing diversity and inclusion initiatives, creating scholarships in their names, and sharing their stories can help inspire the next generation of diverse lacrosse players. Additionally, continual reflection on the sport’s history and a commitment to progress can ensure that lacrosse becomes increasingly accessible and welcoming to all.
The Role of Leadership in Promoting Diversity
The decision to welcome Kenny Jerkins to Mount Washington Lacrosse Club likely came from the leadership, including Skip Lichtfuss as the head coach. This highlights the crucial role that leaders play in promoting diversity and inclusion in sports.
How can lacrosse leaders at all levels contribute to increasing diversity? They can:
- Implement inclusive policies and practices
- Provide diversity and inclusion training for coaches and staff
- Actively recruit players, coaches, and administrators from diverse backgrounds
- Create partnerships with organizations focused on increasing diversity in sports
- Use their platform to speak out against discrimination and promote inclusivity
By taking these steps, leaders can create an environment where players like Kenny Jerkins are not the exception, but the norm.
The Impact of Representation in Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins’ presence at Mount Washington Lacrosse Club likely had ripple effects beyond his immediate team. Seeing a Black player succeed at one of the most prestigious clubs in the country could have inspired other people of color to take up the sport.
Why is representation important in lacrosse? Representation can:
- Provide role models for young players from underrepresented groups
- Challenge stereotypes about who can excel in lacrosse
- Encourage more diverse participation at all levels of the sport
- Lead to more inclusive decision-making in lacrosse organizations
- Help lacrosse reflect the diversity of the communities it serves
By embracing diversity, lacrosse can become a more vibrant and dynamic sport, appealing to a wider range of players and fans.
Learning from Other Sports’ Diversity Initiatives
While lacrosse works to become more inclusive, it can draw lessons from diversity initiatives in other sports. Many professional leagues and collegiate athletic programs have implemented successful strategies to increase diversity and inclusion.
What can lacrosse learn from diversity efforts in other sports? Some key lessons include:
- The importance of grassroots programs in diverse communities
- The value of mentorship programs for players from underrepresented groups
- The need for diversity in coaching and administrative positions
- The impact of marketing and media representation on attracting diverse players
- The role of education and cultural competency training in creating inclusive environments
By studying and adapting successful strategies from other sports, lacrosse can accelerate its progress towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive sport.
The Economic Benefits of Diversity in Lacrosse
Increasing diversity in lacrosse isn’t just about social responsibility – it can also bring significant economic benefits to the sport. A more diverse player and fan base can lead to expanded markets, increased revenue, and greater overall growth for lacrosse.
How can diversity drive economic growth in lacrosse? Consider these potential benefits:
- Expanded market reach and increased ticket sales
- Greater sponsorship opportunities from companies looking to reach diverse audiences
- Increased merchandise sales to a wider fan base
- More diverse talent pool leading to improved on-field product
- Enhanced global appeal, potentially leading to international growth
By embracing diversity, lacrosse can position itself for sustainable long-term growth and success.
Overcoming Barriers to Diversity in Lacrosse
While Kenny Jerkins’ story is inspiring, it also highlights the barriers that have historically existed in lacrosse. Understanding and addressing these barriers is crucial for increasing diversity in the sport.
What are some common barriers to diversity in lacrosse? They may include:
- Limited access to equipment and facilities in certain communities
- Lack of exposure to the sport in diverse schools and neighborhoods
- Financial constraints related to league fees, travel costs, and equipment
- Cultural perceptions of lacrosse as an exclusive or elitist sport
- Limited representation in coaching and leadership positions
Addressing these barriers requires a concerted effort from all levels of the lacrosse community, from youth programs to professional leagues.
The Role of Education in Promoting Lacrosse Diversity
Education plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion in lacrosse. This includes not only teaching the sport to new players but also educating the existing lacrosse community about the importance and benefits of diversity.
How can education contribute to increased diversity in lacrosse? Consider these approaches:
- Introducing lacrosse in physical education programs in diverse schools
- Providing cultural competency training for coaches and administrators
- Offering clinics and camps in underserved communities
- Creating educational materials that highlight diverse players and their contributions to the sport
- Partnering with educational institutions to create pathways for diverse students to play collegiate lacrosse
By focusing on education, the lacrosse community can create a more informed and inclusive environment for all players.
The Future of Lacrosse: Building on Kenny Jerkins’ Legacy
Kenny Jerkins’ story at Mount Washington Lacrosse Club represents a pivotal moment in the sport’s history. It demonstrates the potential for lacrosse to become a more inclusive and diverse sport, welcoming players from all backgrounds.
How can the lacrosse community build on this legacy? Some strategies include:
- Celebrating and sharing stories of diverse players who have made an impact on the sport
- Implementing comprehensive diversity and inclusion programs at all levels of lacrosse
- Fostering partnerships with organizations dedicated to increasing diversity in sports
- Continuously evaluating and improving efforts to make lacrosse more accessible and welcoming
- Encouraging open dialogue about diversity and inclusion within the lacrosse community
By embracing these strategies, lacrosse can honor the legacy of players like Kenny Jerkins while paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future for the sport.
Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport
Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Skip Lichtfuss: How it Can Be in Our Sport
Tue Jul 28 2020 | Skip Lichtfuss | Fuel
US Lacrosse
Kenny Jerkins never played lacrosse, then became a fixture with one of its most storied teams.
Like many of us, I have been ruminating about the issue of diversity and inclusion relative to the game we all love. The recent circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have been complicated by questions of racial and other social injustices.
There are no easy answers, but one absolute is that without continued, open and honest dialogue, there can be no solutions. I know I certainly don’t have the answers. It’s very difficult, despite one’s own experiences, to put oneself in the shoes of another.
But as I’ve pondered my own personal experiences, specifically within the game of lacrosse, I’ve concluded that it might not always have been so divisive and unjust. While I am aware that the inequities and exclusion do exist, I can’t understand why, because I’ve always believed in merit and giving someone the chance. I choose not to use a broad brush on either side of the discussion.
Consider the story of Kenny Jerkins.
This story starts in the 1980s at the Mount Washington Lacrosse Club (MWC) in Baltimore. For the uninitiated, MWC was an iconic post-collegiate club that was founded in 1904. Up until the 1960s, MWC was arguably the most dominant team in field lacrosse, regularly beating the best in the college ranks. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since the club was heavily comprised of the finest post-collegiate All-Americans. Prior to the advent of the inclusion of women’s players, coaches, officials and contributors into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992, one of every five men’s inductees played or coached at Mount Washington at some point. Thus was the legacy of MWC.
I was fortunate enough to spend 35 years (1975-2009) at MWC, the longest tenure in club history — 10 years as a player, 22 years as head coach and the remaining years as the president.
Not only did I experience the game at the highest level with the finest players and coaches of the era, but I also gained some perspective on the sport’s diversity and inclusion issues over that time span.
During my tenure at MWC, clubs such as the Long Island L.C., Maryland L.C., Chesapeake L.C., Philadelphia L.C. (aka, Eagle’s Eye and MAB), North Hempstead L.C., Brine L.C., Toyota L.C., Capital L.C. and NYAC were among those that formed the United States Club Lacrosse Association (USCLA). There were more than 50 clubs in the league at its peak.
In 1984, the American Lacrosse League (ALL) started with 29 teams. Because of the growth of the game in the ‘70s and ‘80s, there was a need for more teams as more and more post-collegiate players wanted to continue playing. The ALL afforded that opportunity to players other than the All-Americans and top Division I and Division II and III players who comprised the USCLA.
Mount Washington used to practice two nights a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and play home games on Friday nights at historic Norris Field and road games on Sundays at other venues.
Tuesdays and Thursdays were something that we all looked forward to. First, it gave us all an excuse to get together and play and allowed us to game plan. Since we had our own facility, it was always a benefit that attracted players to our club. Up until the late 1980s (as a result of a change in NCAA competition dates rules) we’d annually play — and defeat — the top college teams such as Cornell’s great 1976-78 teams, Virginia, Maryland, Navy, Hobart and Princeton as well as the Canadian, Australian and English national teams.
During one such weeknight practice in early in the 1986 season, a muscular black man with a significant Afro sauntered through the Norris Field gate on foot with an equipment bag slung over his shoulder and both a lacrosse and hockey stick in hand. I was in my second season as head coach at the time, and I summoned over Dennis Wey, my longtime assistant and close friend, asking him if he had any idea who this man might be. Dennis shook his head no, and so I met the man behind our team bench.
He identified himself as Kenny Jerkins, with a broad smile and a casual affability. I was struck by his physical presence. He was 6-foot-2 and about 240 pounds. He was NFL linebacker big. His handshake was vice-like and although he was wearing sweatpants, they barely contained his disproportionately large thighs. He had a booming voice and a distinctive chuckle which would become one of his most endearing qualities.
Kenny explained that he had always wanted to play lacrosse. As a young adult, he already participated in a semi-pro baseball league (later to become its commissioner) and a semi-pro football league while also playing pickup ice hockey at the Mount Washington Ice Rink. During his trips to the rink, he had seen us playing and practicing at Norris Field. Ultimately, he decided what the heck and summoned the nerve to walk in, introduce himself and inquire if there was any chance that he could “try out” for the Wolfpack.
As a multi-sport athlete that played basketball and from an early age competed with and against players of color in the Baltimore metro area through college and beyond, I guess I never really paid a lot of attention to issues of diversity and inclusion in sports because it wasn’t apparent to me.
However, lacrosse has been and continues to be overwhelmingly white.
Admittedly, I was surprised on several levels. One, this young man had never played the game and here he was walking onto a field with college All-Americans and putting himself out there. That, in itself, was impressive. Two, at the time, we had one other black player on the roster of 35, an All-American from Maryland named Curtis Rountree. As years progressed, we had many other people of color play with us at MWC, but the sport was even less diverse then than it is now.
As head coach for 22 years, I had a no-cut policy. If you were willing to attend practices on a regular basis and put in the time to improve your skills, you would get a uniform and suit up for all games. There was never a playing time guarantee for any of our players, since our goal every year — aside from the great experiences we had and friendships we formed — was to win the USCLA championship. We had prospects who upon seeing the caliber of play decided to remove themselves from the roster.
We had others who just loved the experience so much that it didn’t matter if they ever stepped on the field in a game situation. However, there was never a season in which even those less-talented players didn’t get some game time, notably in lopsided games. It was awesome to see their teammates root them on and support them.
Back to Kenny. I explained the competitive nature of our club and was very candid about his chances of ever seeing the field. However, his countenance indicated to me that he just might be one of those exceptions. I invited him to suit up and jump into the warmups. I vividly recall that he didn’t have a lacrosse helmet, and though a hockey helmet would have sufficed, we had a couple of extras in our equipment room, so I grabbed one and handed it to him. Back then, the bucket helmets had laces up the back (old school), and despite loosening them to their maximum without taking them out altogether, the helmet perched precariously high on his head and the facemask left his chin exposed.
Kenny was very introverted and observant. His father was a professor at Morgan State University. Kenny was well-informed, more polite than most, a little gullible at times, but honest and hard-working. He had a good amount of trouble with the stick skills required for even the basic drills, but he exhibited a powerful athleticism and fierce intensity. In the years to come, very few players fared well in a physical confrontation on the field with Kenny Jerkins.
After practice, Dennis and I, along with a few of the players, discussed the possibility of having Kenny continue practicing with us. We were unanimous in our decision to have him continue. I can count on one hand the number of practices or games Kenny missed over the next 20 years.
Kenny’s skills progressed to the point where he got some meaningful playing time in competitive games. His spirit and intensity in practice and as a teammate on the sidelines were unmatched. He became a friend with whom we shared many competitions, social events and laughs.
His opinion was respected, and very few players walked away unscathed after a Kenny Jerkins stick or body check. He was fierce.
During one scrimmage with Johns Hopkins at Homewood Field in the late 1980s, at the faceoff we lined up Kenny on the wing as the long-stick midfielder. On the other side of the field, Hopkins lined up its 6-foot-4, 220-pound All-American middie. The whistle blew and the ball popped out to open space. Kenny and the Blue Jay raced headlong toward the ball, neither looking to back down from the impending collision.
And collide they did. It was like a cartoon scene. For what seemed like an eternity, which in reality was a matter of a couple of seconds, both players stood firm. Then gradually, the legs beneath the Blue Jay wobbled and he fell to the turf in a heap. Play stopped as the Hopkins training staff attended to the fallen Blue Jay and Kenny sidled over to the sideline with his usual understated body language to the amazement of his teammates. He was a specimen.
Little did we know on that initial day that Kenny arrived at Norris Field he not only was carless, he didn’t even have a driver’s license. To get to Mount Washington from his home near Morgan State, it required a bus trip including two transfers and 40 minutes. He did this for several years.
Kenny lived with his dad, who left a car to him after passing away. Kenny eventually got his license and started driving to and from practices and games, but not until after several years of boarding three buses each way three times a week to play lacrosse with us.
This account began as an example of inclusion in our sport. At the time, we thought nothing of welcoming Kenny Jerkins to the Mount Washington Lacrosse Club. We embraced him. I realize now what an isolated example it is.
As I struggle in many ways with the racial issues as they are presented today in our country and community, I understand them, but don’t believe it has to be this way. I’m compelled to share this story in hopes that it will shine a light on the positive effects of diversity and inclusion, not only for our sport but as an accepted societal direction.
I’m confident that there are more such stories and hopeful that we can all come to terms with a stigma that needs to be addressed more universally.
Skip Lichtfuss, a National Lacrosse Hall of Famer, is the director of national teams and high performance at US Lacrosse.
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Skip Lichtfuss named director of national teams and high performance for US Lacrosse – In Lacrosse We Trust
SPARKS, Md. — Skip Lichtfuss, a National Lacrosse Hall of Fame player with a long connection to the U.S. National Teams Program, has been named as the director of national teams and high performance for US Lacrosse.
“We’re very fortunate to have Skip join US Lacrosse and to serve our national teams program,” said Ann Kitt Carpenetti, vice president for lacrosse operations at US Lacrosse.
“His lifetime involvement with lacrosse at every level, from youth through collegiate, professional and the U.S. team underscores his passion and love for the game. We’re excited about him providing the vision and direction to support our national teams and help move the program to another level.”
“The opportunity to become a staff member of US Lacrosse is extremely exciting,” Lichtfuss said. “I have a long history of service with US Lacrosse and this a very unique and challenging opportunity that I think I’m ready for. I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
Among Lichtfuss’ primary responsibilities will be:
- Strategic development of National Team program and execution of associated events and properties within the platform
- Serve as US Lacrosse expert and resource on High Performance in lacrosse
- Represent US Lacrosse and its National Team program to other leadership groups within the sport
- Develop long and short-term plans for the National Teams program as a whole, and for each of the five individual teams
- Oversee High Performance system development from the Lacrosse Athlete Development Model (LADM) through the US Lacrosse National Team Development Program (NTDP)
Lichtfuss was a standout player who was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1993.
Lichtfuss was a three-time All-American at Washington and Lee University, helping the Generals reach the NCAA Division I semifinals his junior and senior seasons. He went on to earn All-Club honors five times in the United States Club Lacrosse Association and represented the United States in the 1978 world championship.
A longtime volunteer with US Lacrosse, Lichtfuss has served as a selector for every U.S. men’s team since 1986, and was as an assistant coach for the 1994 U.S. team. Most recently he was vice chair of the U.S. National Teams High Performance Committee and he previously served as chair of the Men’s National Team Subcommittee. He has served two terms on the US Lacrosse Board of Directors.
Following a 30-year career in the corporate world, Lichtfuss moved to Indiana to start the men’s varsity lacrosse program at Hanover College. Lichtfuss has served as the program’s head coach since 2009.
He previously served as the head coach with the Mt. Washington Lacrosse Club, as a volunteer assistant coach at Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University), head coach for the Baltimore Thunder in what is now the National Lacrosse League, and for more than a decade as a youth coach with the Kelly Post Lacrosse program in Towson, Md.
