by HAYLA News posted 07/16/2010
A Hagerstown Saint History and Reflection - by Susan Peterson
The four remaining founding members of the original 2003/4 Hagerstown Saints - Leah Peterson, Maddie Kutzera, Emma Moss and Kayla Peterson (pictured left) played their final youth lacrosse game as Saints on May 23, 2010 after 7 seasons in the Western Maryland Youth Lacrosse Conference. The girls are part of the original team that can be credited with sparking the youth lacrosse movement in Hagerstown. They provided the foundation for the formation of HAYLA in 2006 and the growth of lacrosse as enthusiastic ambassadors.
In 2003, Erin Rafi and Susan Peterson walked into St. Mary Catholic School's 2nd and 3rd grades and asked if anyone wanted to play lacrosse. They were greeted with an overwhelming response from the girls. In need of field space in the county and the insurance required to join the WMYLC conference, the ladies approached Dan Prescott at the YMCA with the idea of partnering/sponsoring the team. Dan was extremely receptive to the idea of youth lacrosse, and with the Y's support, the Hagerstown Saints were born. With the introduction of the boys side in 2006 and the increased growth of the sport and need for organization, Erin, Susan joined by Mike Ewing, founded HAYLA as a governing body for the Saints later that year.
The most telling thing about the original Saints was that their enthusiasm for the sport was not determined by their success on the field. The 2004 Hagerstown Saints went 0-8-1 in their inaugural season at what was then the u-10 division (full 100 yard field). The joy and celebration after each game confused all who looked at the scoreboard. The highlight of the season was a tie in the final game- the roar of the crowd still resonates at Black Rock field.
The 2005 season showed much improvement with a break even record and the addition of new lax enthusiasts. In 2006 (at u-11), the Saints proudly posted their first undefeated season which was hightlighted, as recalled by Maddie, with a ceremonial water dumping on coaches and teammates. As word of the joys of lacrosse spread, the original team grew and evolved, complimented by new talent- however the core group of original players remained intact.
As u-13's and u-15's the team earned the respect of the league. Many an opposing coach has approached the writer over the last 3 years commenting on the development of the team, and the skill and heart exuded by the girls. The team became a dominant force in the WMYLC- going undefeated in 3 seasons and recording only 1 loss in 4 seasons. As Leah and Madison noted with amused hindsight, the loss in 2009 at u-15 against arch rival Middletown produced an emotional tearfest of proportions unseen in the WMYLC. Every player left everything they had on the field and, given that, these players have secured Hagerstown's reputation in girls lacrosse as the club to beat in the WMYLC.
The final four girls were fortunate to have played together their entire Saints careers and have many memories from their time as Saints. The writer asked Emma, Kayla, Leah and Maddie, along with three other original players- Madison Fahey, Claudia Rafi and Jessica Swarner- to comment on what it means to be an original Saint and what they have learned as a Hagerstown Saint. The following are exerpts:
"Saints Lacrosse is where we started our love for the sport",
"I am honored to have been part of the original Saints",
"The Saints are a huge part of my life"
"We have gone against teams that were bigger and stronger than us, but in the end WE KNEW who had the skill and practice to pull it out!"
"My coaches showed me I could do anything and my teammates have helped me understand myself better"
"We had fun- happy memories and best friends"
"I would not be where I am without the Saints",
"Discipline as an individual and athlete",
"Priviledge to play and be taught the game as a Saint",
"My best friends are Saints",
"It was not just fun, but taught me to have passion and love for the game",
"taught me about teamwork, determination and becoming an all around player",
"I miss my teamates- I realize how much I want to put on the gold uniform and play my heart out with my friends",
"Each Saint was held to high standards and was expected to try your hardest- with this mentality we learned more and improved our game",
"Give 110% in everything and push myself- I learned about commitment, how to be a team player, and developed a passionate love for a sport"
"lacrosse is a huge deal in Hagerstown and I am honored that I am one of the originals"
"Being on the original team showed me that whenever you try something new, no matter how bad you are, if you work hard and throw yourself into it, with determination you can become an undefeated team!"
The HAYLA family celebrates these young ladies for their love of the game and role they played in promoting the sport and paving the way for all the current young laxers. Our thanks to the girls who comprised the Original Saints and to the current and future Saints. Hagerstown lacrosse has a fine history and wonderful future. "Honor the game". GO SAINTS!
Hagerstown Saints First Girls team
Founders and coaches, Susan Peterson & Erin Rafi
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