Which states have the most college lacrosse teams. How many NCAA men’s lacrosse programs exist nationwide. What factors influence the distribution of college lacrosse teams across different regions.
The Current Landscape of Men’s College Lacrosse in the United States
Men’s college lacrosse has a rich history and strong presence in certain regions of the United States, particularly in the East Coast and Midwest. However, the sport’s distribution across the country is far from uniform. With the recent closure of California’s only NCAA men’s lacrosse team at Whittier College, the landscape of collegiate lacrosse continues to evolve.
The number of NCAA men’s lacrosse programs varies significantly by state and region. To provide a comprehensive overview, let’s examine the distribution of teams across different divisions and geographical areas.
NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Teams by State
- New York: 11 teams
- Massachusetts: 5 teams
- Pennsylvania: 5 teams
- Maryland: 4 teams
- Virginia: 4 teams
- North Carolina: 3 teams
- Ohio: 3 teams
- Connecticut: 2 teams
- New Jersey: 2 teams
- Vermont: 1 team
- Delaware: 1 team
- Michigan: 1 team
- Colorado: 1 team
- Utah: 1 team
This distribution highlights the concentration of top-tier lacrosse programs in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. However, it’s important to note that the presence of Division II and III programs significantly expands the sport’s reach across the country.
The Historical Roots and Regional Bias in Lacrosse
The geographical distribution of college lacrosse teams is deeply rooted in the sport’s history. Lacrosse, often referred to as the oldest organized sport in North America, traces its origins to Native American tribes, particularly the Iroquois in Upstate New York. This historical connection has contributed to the sport’s enduring popularity in the East and Midwest.
Why has lacrosse struggled to gain a strong foothold in the Western United States? Several factors contribute to this regional bias:
- Historical precedent and cultural familiarity
- Established youth and high school programs in Eastern states
- Proximity to professional lacrosse leagues
- Availability of experienced coaches and infrastructure
- Recruitment pipelines and alumni networks
Despite these challenges, efforts have been made to expand lacrosse’s presence in Western states. However, progress has been slow, and setbacks like the closure of Whittier College’s program highlight the ongoing difficulties in establishing a strong lacrosse culture outside its traditional strongholds.
The Impact of Whittier College’s Decision on West Coast Lacrosse
The shuttering of Whittier College’s men’s lacrosse program marks a significant setback for the sport’s growth in California and the broader West Coast region. As the only NCAA men’s lacrosse team in California, Whittier’s Poets had played a crucial role in representing the sport at the collegiate level in the state since 1980.
What are the immediate consequences of this closure?
- No NCAA men’s lacrosse teams remain in California
- Reduced opportunities for West Coast players to compete at the NCAA level locally
- Potential decrease in visibility and growth of the sport in the region
- Loss of a unique recruiting avenue for East Coast players seeking to play in California
The decision to end the lacrosse program, along with football and golf, was attributed to financial considerations and the need to focus resources on other athletic programs. This situation highlights the challenges faced by smaller private institutions in maintaining diverse athletic offerings, especially for sports with limited regional presence.
Financial Challenges and Decision-Making in College Athletics
The closure of Whittier College’s lacrosse program brings to light the complex financial considerations that influence collegiate athletic departments. How do institutions balance the desire to offer diverse sports programs with budgetary constraints?
Several factors come into play:
- Travel costs: For sports with limited regional competition, extensive travel can strain budgets
- Facility maintenance and equipment expenses
- Coaching staff salaries and recruitment costs
- Revenue generation potential of different sports
- Alumni engagement and donor support
- Title IX compliance considerations
In Whittier College’s case, the decision to discontinue certain sports programs was described as a difficult but necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution’s athletic department. The college aims to focus resources on 18 other NCAA teams that can be supported more efficiently through on-campus facilities and conference play.
The Role of College Lacrosse in Student Recruitment and Enrollment
While the financial challenges of maintaining a lacrosse program are evident, it’s crucial to consider the potential benefits these programs bring to institutions. How does a sport like lacrosse contribute to a college’s overall enrollment and student diversity?
Lacrosse programs can serve several important functions:
- Attracting student-athletes who might not otherwise consider the institution
- Enhancing geographic diversity by drawing students from lacrosse-strong regions
- Providing unique experiences and exposure for students from different backgrounds
- Serving as a marketing tool for the college in regions where recruitment visits occur
- Fostering alumni engagement and potential donor relationships
Former Whittier lacrosse player Joe McCarthy highlighted this aspect, noting that the team’s travel for games served as “one of the best advertisements for Whittier College.” The program’s ability to attract East Coast students to Southern California was seen as a valuable asset for the institution’s diversity and enrollment efforts.
The Future of Lacrosse Expansion in the Western United States
With the closure of Whittier’s program, questions arise about the future of lacrosse expansion in the Western United States. Can the sport overcome its regional bias and establish a stronger presence beyond its traditional strongholds?
Several factors may influence the sport’s growth potential:
- Grassroots development of youth and high school programs
- Investment in coaching education and infrastructure
- Partnerships with professional lacrosse leagues for promotion and development
- Support from national governing bodies to foster growth in new regions
- Increased media coverage and exposure of lacrosse at all levels
While the loss of Whittier’s program is a setback, it’s worth noting that lacrosse continues to have a presence in Western states. NCAA assistant director Matt Holmes pointed out that there are still two teams in Utah and six in Colorado. Additionally, club teams like UCLA’s continue to provide opportunities for players to compete at the collegiate level.
The Emotional Impact on Players, Alumni, and the Lacrosse Community
The discontinuation of a long-standing athletic program like Whittier’s lacrosse team has profound emotional implications for those connected to it. How does the closure affect current players, alumni, and the broader lacrosse community?
Several aspects come into play:
- Loss of athletic opportunities for current players
- Disruption of team camaraderie and shared experiences
- Emotional distress for alumni who cherish their memories and connections to the program
- Concern about the sport’s future in the region
- Challenges for coaching staff and support personnel
Rock Carter, executive director of Whittier College athletics, acknowledged the strong following and significance of the lacrosse program, describing it as “the face of the athletic department.” The final game was marked by special events and gatherings to honor the program’s legacy and provide closure for players, alumni, and fans.
Former player Joe McCarthy expressed the emotional toll, describing the news as “heartbreaking.” This sentiment likely resonates with many who have been part of the program over its four-decade history.
Strategies for Preserving and Growing Niche Sports in College Athletics
The challenges faced by Whittier College’s lacrosse program raise important questions about the future of niche sports in collegiate athletics. How can institutions balance financial constraints with the desire to offer diverse athletic opportunities?
Several strategies could be considered:
- Collaborative partnerships between institutions to share resources and reduce costs
- Exploration of alternative competition models, such as regional leagues or tournaments
- Increased focus on fundraising and alumni engagement specific to niche sports
- Integration of sports programs with academic initiatives to enhance their value proposition
- Leveraging technology for virtual training and remote coaching to reduce travel expenses
- Developing multi-sport athletes to maximize roster efficiency
While these approaches may not be universally applicable, they represent potential avenues for institutions to explore in their efforts to maintain diverse athletic offerings. The key lies in finding innovative solutions that balance financial sustainability with the unique benefits that niche sports bring to campus life and student experiences.
As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to evolve, the story of Whittier College’s lacrosse program serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. It highlights the need for proactive measures to support and grow sports beyond their traditional strongholds, ensuring that future generations of student-athletes have diverse opportunities to pursue their passions at the collegiate level.
California’s only NCAA lacrosse team is shuttering. Here’s why
Just the image of a lacrosse player, stick held high, charging helmet-first across the field evokes “East Coast boy’s prep school.”
And that mid-Atlantic bias has existed for almost as long as lacrosse — dubbed the oldest organized sport in North America — has existed.
Since Native Americans from Iroquois tribes in Upstate New York began playing the game in the 12th century, lacrosse has been popular in the East and Midwest, but not so widespread in the West.
Lacrosse’s popularity in western states has accelerated in more modern times, but now, with the shuttering of the only men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association team in California, that slow march is at a standstill.
The Whittier College Poets put down their sticks for good on Saturday, April 22.
The loss of Whittier College men’s lacrosse, an NCAA team since 1980, means there are no NCAA men’s teams left in California, according to Matt Holmes, NCAA’s assistant director of media coordination and statistics.
In the West, there are two teams in Utah and six in Colorado, he added.
And sure, the Poets play UCLA for its final match, but that California team is a club team, not an NCAA team.
The loss of lacrosse — coupled with Whittier College’s decision to end its football program — is poignant and pervasive for those close to the program.
“It’s kind of hard to get your head around,” said Rock Carter, executive director of Whittier College athletics.
Carter is making Saturday special for the Poets and their fans. In addition to the Purple and Gold tailgate, there will be an alumni gathering before the 1 p.m. game at Memorial Stadium, and there will be a special dedication for the seniors. And, no doubt, there will be tears.
“Lacrosse has a very strong following here,” Carter said by phone the day before the final game. “They’ve been the face of the athletic department.”
And, that’s because, unlike for other Whittier College sports, there are no NCAA men’s teams to play that don’t require rounding up some 40 players onto an airplane.
Four Whittier College lacrosse players enjoy their freshman year on campus in 1993. Joe McCarthy (from left), Geoff Ianiri, Brad Downey (an All-American in 1996 and 1997) and Reid Rokitta. (Photo courtesy Joe McCarthy)
The financial situation at Whittier College has been in the spotlight ever since the school announced the end of its 115-year football program last fall.
That decision launched an alumni campaign to oust President Linda Oubré, claiming its her mismanagement that is behind the college’s troubles. Oubré strongly denies the allegations and said she has Board of Trustee approval and that she’s doing the tough job many at small private institutions are charged with during tough economic times.
The decision to discontinue football and men’s lacrosse, in addition to men’s and women’s golf programs, said Oubré at the time, was a difficult one. The college’s Board of Trustees came to it after a three-year review period.
In a statement on the Whittier College website, Oubré and Miguel Santana, board chair at the time responded to concerned alumni about the closures:
“The Poet programs sunsetting at this time are disproportionately more expensive to sustain than other sports that have thrived and remained competitive within our SCIAC conference.
”
The college’s goal, continued the statement, is to focus on the 18 other NCAA teams that can be supported on campus and via conference play.
Still, the rationale for letting go of the program doesn’t take the sting out of the situation.
For former Whittier lacrosse player Joe McCarthy (1997), first hearing of the program’s demise was rough.
“Heartbroken is the easy word,” McCarthy said by phone.
McCarthy, who played lacrosse for three years under Coach Doug Locker, said he understands the challenges and budget constraints going on in higher education today, but he’s still skeptical the school made the right decision.
Those 40-some lacrosse players who have to travel for games? Well, that’s 40 more students to boost enrollment, too.
“That traveling (for games) is one of the best advertisements for Whittier College that the school has,” McCarthy said. “If you are an East Coast kid, would you rather play lacrosse in upstate New York or in Southern California?”
The dismantling of the program does leave Whittier men’s lacrosse freshman, sophomore and juniors without a home, Carter said.
The college is sure to lose athletes, he said, but he didn’t know how many would transfer.
Carter said he was sad, sure, to see the program come to an end. But, he was trying to stay positive, he added.
“It was a decision that the institution made that they think will better our college,” Carter said.
To those 40-some athletes, Carter was grateful, saying they’ve given value to the department and have created a wonderful culture on campus.
“They’re great ambassadors to Whittier College,” Carter said. “There’s a lot we’re gonna miss about that.”
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45KBCollege sports in the USA
College sports in the USA
The United States of America is a sports nation.
Sports, both professional and amateur, play a huge role in American society.
The main base of amateur sports in the USA are educational institutions – schools and colleges. College sports in the US are incredibly popular.
The start of such an incredibly popular college sport in the United States was laid in 1843, when a boat club was organized at Yale University.
In 1844, the same club was created at Harvard University.
The history of college sports in the USA dates back to 1852, when the first rowing competition between the teams of Harvard and Yale universities took place. It was as a sports organization that the “Ivy League” (“The Ivy league”), which has become the popular name of the eight most prestigious universities in the United States today, appeared.
The US collegiate sports system includes three associations officially approved by the Governing Body: the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NAIA), and the National College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a national collegiate athletic association founded on February 3, 1906 as Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Since 1910 – NCAA. The NCAA is made up of 1,281 different college and university sports organizations in the United States and Canada. The association is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana headquarters.
The NCAA comprises 23 sports and is divided into Divisions 1, 2, and 3. The first division significantly surpasses the second and third in terms of the number of sports, the level of sports results, funding and the seriousness of the attitude of athletes to training.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association “holds championships in popular team and individual sports in the United States, such as American football, boxing, golf, track and field, baseball, softball, and basketball. College basketball teams in the United States (since 1891) are most often in the NCAA.
In addition, the NCAA competes in “original” sports that are popular in the United States but relatively uncommon elsewhere in the world. Among them are lacrosse (a team game invented by American Indians, which is played with a small ball and racquet clubs), bowling.
Since the 50s of the 19th century, baseball has been very popular in US universities – a team sports game with a baseball ball and a bat (lapta in Russia) – a North American development of the older English lapta, popular in Great Britain and Ireland.
Later athletics, rugby, American football became popular. American football is by far the most popular college sport, a transformation of British rugby, football that developed from early forms of rugby and soccer.
On average, US universities participate in 20 sports. This is approximately 400,000 students. They are assigned to university teams officially registered with the student sports association. About two million more American students play sports, being members of unaffiliated clubs.
University sports in the USA is a real school of “team spirit”.
American college sports are very organized. Studying at the university and collegiate sports in the USA are inextricably linked concepts. With unsatisfactory academic performance, a student may not be allowed to train, to play. American student athletes have no special privileges.
The level of university sports in the USA is not comparable to the level of college sports in any country in the world.
Being a student-athlete in the USA is comparable to playing professional sports, only instead of wages, the student receives payment for his studies at the university. Outstanding student players have earned themselves not only sports fame, but also the right to a “sports” scholarship of several thousand dollars.
Sports in US universities is one of the main marketing tools to attract students. In order to attract the strongest athletes, sports programs are financed. More than a thousand educational institutions in the United States are looking for boys and girls in their sports teams to glorify the university. The basis of amateur sports of the highest achievements in the United States is precisely collegiate sports.
Collegiate sports in the US have given rise to professional sports for athletes such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, John Isner, Rine Lochte, Rebeca Soni and many more.
The scale of university sports in the USA is colossal. Popularity and achievements in some sports are comparable to the popularity and level of achievements in professional sports, and national student championships are comparable to the Olympic Games.
The strongest student sports teams perform at the highest level.
University sporting events are of great interest to the US population. The best college teams in popular sports in the United States are packed to capacity in excess of 100,000 spectators. Special stadiums designed for games between university teams are built on each campus. Millions of fans across America queue for hours to buy tickets. Often there is not enough space for everyone at the stadiums – then bivouacs are set up nearby.
Press, Internet, TV broadcasts at the service of university sports. Television broadcasts of college basketball, baseball, American football are watched by millions of viewers across the country.
Collegiate sports in the US is a big business with more than a billion dollars in annual turnover.
The most outstanding athletes – students receive an invitation to professional sports. It is student sports that are the “forge of personnel” for national teams (including the Olympic ones) and professional leagues.
