Recon Lacrosse #morethanlax

by Robin Naggar

In the hyper competitive world of club lacrosse, it is very easy to lose sight of the true benefits of playing sports and being a student athlete. There are many thoughts on the subject. Are sports an avenue to getting a college scholarship? Is it to learn how to compete both physically and mentally? Is it to learn how to win or how to lose? Is it a means to maintaining a healthy lifestyle? While all of these may hold some validity, there is one aspect that is most needed and often forgotten. Leadership. Leadership is a quality needed in every walk of life, both on and off the field, for the entirety of one’s life.

Two young men from the Recon Lacrosse Club Team 2024 Sharks (Long Island, NY) have been selected to the prestigious honor of attending Boy’s State in upstate New York this Summer. Andrew Connolly, Walt Whitman H.S. and Jack Poller, Harborfields H.S. are teammates on the field but will have a unique opportunity to work together off the field this summer. American Legion Boys’ State is a week-long program that immerses high school youth (currently completing their junior year) in citizenship and leadership training. They learn the practical aspects of government as it exists in New York State, and come to recognize that the individual is integral to the character and success of government. They also participate in physical fitness, team work and other activities under the guidance of American Legion counselors and U.S. Marines. These fine young men were nominated by their teachers and school and were chosen after an extensive application process that included interviewing with members of the Local American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244. These two young leaders will be joined by others selected like them from around the state, giving them the opportunity to hone and develop their leadership skills amongst a group of their peers.

I have had the opportunity to work very closely with these two excellent examples of what makes a successful student-athlete. I am one of their club lacrosse coaches. I have seen them on the field, at practices, scrimmages, games and tournaments. I have watched as both of these young men developed their games through hard work and determination. In the high stakes and high money game that club lacrosse has become these days, it gives me hope that the future is bright due to people like Andrew and Jack. I could not be more proud of them and for their families. They embody everything that we at Recon Lacrosse Club value, teach and appreciate.

To learn more about the Boy’s State program visit their website at https://nylegion.net/boys-state/