This article appears in the Midwest version of the November edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don’t get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.

Businesses and organizations sometimes hamper themselves when their proverbial left hands and right hands don’t communicate with each other on current operations. For the Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation, the Badger State’s chapter of US Lacrosse, one such instance resulted in a net positive for the growth of the game in Milwaukee.

Despite some disjointed efforts along the way, chapter volunteers successfully launched an equipment drive and hosted a Sankofa Clinic Sept. 23, exposing lacrosse to some 100 kids affiliated with either Journey House or PeppNation. Those organizations, among other offerings, operate various programs designed to positively influence youth within the city limits of Milwaukee.

The ultimate goal? Fix an enigma by fielding the first Milwaukee city-based team in the Milwaukee Area Youth Lacrosse Association, perhaps as soon as 2019.

“MAYLA’s growth has been fantastic, but there’s that irony of not having any teams actually in Milwaukee,” said Randy Kohn, a longtime chapter volunteer and on-field official.

A self-described hockey guy that got infected by lacrosse when his sons began to play, Kohn continued his involvement even after his sons stopped. Four years ago, he began working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee on an introduction to lacrosse. Those efforts ultimately led to PeppNation, founded in 2010 by former Minnesota-Duluth linebacker and NFL hopeful Brandon Culpepper to help youth on Milwaukee’s northwest side.

“There are so many people doing heavy lifting for the sport that don’t get recognized, and they don’t want to be,” Kohn said. “They’re doing it for the kids.”

Meanwhile, and unbeknownst to Kohn until a chapter board meeting, fellow volunteer and current Marquette University High School (Wis.) boys’ lacrosse coach Rich Pruszynski had begun working with Journey House CEO Charles Brown on similar efforts to expose the sport to urban youth. Journey House services kids and adults in Milwaukee’s southside district with job training, development programs and the like.

The Marquette University High School teams play their home games at Journey House’s field, and Brown had grown up in Baltimore watching lacrosse frequently.

“Our school and Journey House have collaborated on several initiatives in the past, and Charles and I both wanted to add lacrosse to their lineup,” Pruszynski said.

He began conversations with US Lacrosse senior manager of diversity and inclusion Eboni Preston-Laurent regarding the possibility of hosting a Sankofa Clinic at Journey House. US Lacrosse, through membership dues and donations, covers the costs of the clinicians, who are affiliated with the Sankofa Lacrosse Foundation. These clinics are free for attendees.

Pruszynski reported on his efforts during a recent chapter board meeting.

“You are?” Kohn recalled saying. “I’ve been working with PeppNation.

“Rich and I had a longer meeting than the chapter meeting was,” Kohn said, with a laugh.

The chapter’s hands having met, volunteers united in their goals and efforts to bring lacrosse to the youth of the city of Milwaukee. Kohn continues to collect equipment, and he saluted former longtime chapter volunteer Robin Buckley for cleaning the donated gear.

Sankofa Lacrosse Foundation clinicians Rick Burton, Omar Dupree and Christianne Sims-Malone joined US Lacrosse Midwest regional manager Bryce Woodson and Preston-Laurent for the clinic at Journey House.

“I really didn’t know anything [about lacrosse] other than from movies and shows that I’ve seen,” said Roseana Mendez, 11. “Then I came here and started understanding the sport. It’s an interesting sport, it’s new to me, and I would like to try it.”

Brown’s career in the Air Force initially brought him to Milwaukee. When he retired from active duty 15 years ago, he returned to the city by choice. He’s been there ever since, working with Journey House in various capacities.

“I really want kids to learn the values that team sports teach,” Brown said.

Pruszynski estimated more than 40 volunteers attended, including players from Marquette University, Marquette University High, and University School of Milwaukee.

“Most of our successful initiatives are accompanied by community involvement and a youth league or program,” Woodson said. “When you have that collaboration and investment from a community, the potential for growth is astronomical.”

— Brian Salgado contributed to this article.

Locally Grown

North Coast Ohio

This fall marks the second year that the Cleveland State men’s lacrosse team has partnered with the Urban Community School to provide the Lacrosse Academy — a 10-week class that meets every Thursday that teaches the history and fundamentals of the sport to UCS students. This is part of the Lacrosse Communities Project, a US Lacrosse initiative in Ohio City.

Central Ohio

On Nov. 10, US Lacrosse is hosting a Coach Development Program Level 1 clinic at Capital University. On Dec. 1, the Ohio Machine will hold its annual lacrosse convention in Dublin. Both of these opportunities are great for parents and coaches, regardless of their level of experience.

Southern Ohio

Cincinnati Public Schools teamed up with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission to provide its first summer Camp for Champs — a multi-sport camp that included lacrosse. CPS now has a lacrosse coordinator and is committed to bringing the sport to all elementary schools by fall 2019.

Indiana

The IHSLA annual coaches meeting Nov. 10 at Fishers High School will include a free coaching clinic.

Michigan

Western Michigan Lacrosse (WMLAX) offers an alternative to competitive clubs. Founded in April 2017, WMLAX features Native American demonstrations to promote the origins of the sport, provides support to lower the cost of play and hosts 7v7 tournaments. Most recently, WMLAX held its 7v7 Yeti Festival in Grand Rapids in conjunction with the Michigan chapter of US Lacrsose.

Minnesota

On the heels of a successful summer season that included 140 teams, the Minnesota Schoolgirls Lacrosse Association started a fall league that focused on skills training. Games concluded each session. The MSLA continues to provide opportunities for player development to raise competition at the high school level.

Picture This 

Competing with Confidence

US Lacrosse member Quinn Smith was born with one hand, but that has little effect on his outlook and approach to athletics. A three-sport athlete, Smith started on the Lakota West High School JV team as a freshman and competed for Resolute Lacrosse Club over the summer.

My USL Rep

Bryce Woodson, Midwest

Woodson joined US Lacrosse last July. He oversees development and growth efforts in the Midwest, including parts of Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio and Wisconsin. A Hampton Roads (Va.) native, Bryce began playing lacrosse in first grade. He was a four-year letterwinner at Ohio State and captain of the team in 2011. Since college, Bryce has enjoyed coaching at the high school and club levels in Miami and Cleveland.

How can US Lacrosse help develop the sport in your area?