Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. As protests about racial injustice occurred in cities across the country, Jules Heningburg penned a powerful piece on his Twitter account about racial identity.
Heningburg’s father is black and his mother is white, and he wrote that his family endured racial discrimination. His grandfather, Gus Heningburg Sr., was prominent during the Civil Rights Movement.
“You are never white enough to be accepted by white people and never black enough to be accepted by black people, entirely,” he wrote. “That is the reality I dealt with my entire life. My light skin, wavy brown hair could go either way.”
Read Heningburg’s story in its entirety right here.
2. Reports surfaced Friday that changes are coming to the faceoff X.
US Lacrosse Magazine confirmed through multiple sources that the new rules require faceoff men to start from a standing position and use a neutral grip. An increased emphasis on disallowing clamping will be placed.
The NCAA is expected to officially announce these changes Monday. More on that here.
3. US Lacrosse Magazine contributor Phil Shore ranked the 20 best players in Major League Lacrosse history, a list which culminated Friday. John Grant Jr. was named the league’s all-time best.
In a separate piece, Grant revealed that he hopes to play for the Outlaws again this summer. But if there’s no season, “that’ll probably be the end.” He also opened up about his coaching aspirations.
4. Former U.S. men’s national team coach Tom Flatley died Tuesday at 80 from pancreatic cancer. He guided the 1982 U.S. team to a gold medal in the world championship, and he was the general manager for the U19 men’s program from 1988-2008.
Paul Ohanian and Skip Lichtfuss remember the legend here.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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In the most recent installment of our “The Vault” series, Matt DaSilva caught up with NC State All-American Stan Cockerton, who was on the cover of the April 1979 edition of Lacrosse Magazine.
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Jack Brixius and Gabriella Henson-Vendrell are helping their communities during COVID-19. They’re US Lacrosse Impact Athletes.
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After issuing Return to Play guidelines last week, US Lacrosse is offering the first in a series of free webinars with expert panelists beginning today at 11:30 a.m. EST.
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Lindsay Kramer of Syracuse.com writes that the Syracuse men have scooped up another transfer from Furman. First reported by Chris Jastrzembski, Brett Tenaglia will join the Orange in the fall.
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At Marquette, four men and four women will return for extra seasons in the wake of the pandemic. Ben Steele of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel with the story.
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From Virginia Tech’s athletics website, Angie Benson has been making a difference with Harlem Lacrosse.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
Standing at the Crossroads, by Jules Heningburg.
"Stay strong, stay proud, stay black and keep loving.
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) May 30, 2020
Your brother in the game, Jules."
"Standing at the Crossroads." @Julesheningburg." pic.twitter.com/YRZUvMZis6
WHAT’S ON TAP
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The NCAA is expected to reveal the full details regarding changes to the faceoff and other rules.