Each week, Lowell Youth Lacrosse hosts a youth clinic for players going into Grades 1-4 that blends fundamental skills with leadership and mentorship. Led by Lowell High School student-athletes, the clinic continues to grow in both attendance and impact. This weekly column will highlight the high school players making a difference and spotlight one standout participant from the clinic.

Clinic Highlights

With the end of many of the summer sports, there were lots of new faces on the field.

The session once again included some one-on-one work for the group of players trying out lacrosse for the very first time. The points of emphasis this week were once again ground balls and passing. The last 15 minutes were spent ripping shots on the cage and some spirited ball hunts. All sessions end by Coach Bo breaking down a huddle of youth players squeezed between the high schoolers with a singular “LOWELL!”

It was one of the player’s birthdays so all the kids were treated to well deserved popsicles at the end of the session courtesy of Lowell Youth Lacrosse Coach Jon Dolan.

Featured High School Player: JACK BLASCHKE

Jack Blaschke, a Sophomore at Lowell High School, serves as this week’s featured player.

An attacker for the varsity lacrosse team, McTeague has been part of the high school program since 7th Grade. Lucas is a product of the Lowell Youth Lacrosse Program.

When asked, coach Bo said, “Having been part of the program since 7th Grade, Jack is a bit of a veteran despite only going into his Sophomore year. He is a tremendous talent, but an even better kid to be around. He has shown that over the summer quickly becoming a favorite amongst the youth players. It’s exciting to realize that a kid like this will be part of the program for another three years.”

Player Profile

• Grade: Class of 2028
• Position: Attack
• Favorite lacrosse memory: “Going to the Mass Youth Lax Jamboree every season.”
• Personal goals for the season: “I want to be a better teammate and show more leadership with both the JV and Varsity teams. I want to make states.”
• Fun fact: Jack works for the Lowell Rec Department. He works with many of the lax kids every day in the Summer Program.

Clinic Player of the Week: TEDDY DOLAN

The Clinic Player of the Week is selected based on effort, attitude and growth…and it was his Birthday! This week’s honoree is Teddy Dolan, newly age 7.

When asked about Teddy, one of the youth coaches said, “Teddy is another of the group of kids that started together as Kindergarteners. Despite his size he is one of the more physical players on the team. Teddy has been a consistent participant during the summer workouts. With kids like Teddy, the future is bright for lacrosse in the City \of Lowell.”

What’s Next

Thanks to the generosity of UMass Lowell we have added two additional dates. Next Tuesday’s clinic will start at 5:30 at the UMass Lowell Recreation Complex on Aiken St. Our final session will be the following Tuesday at Cushing Field, Home of the River Hawks Men’s Lacrosse. The focus will be on continuing to develop the skills of the current players; and just as important introducing any newcomers to the basics of the game. All skill levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a stick, and appropriate footwear.

Please reach out with any questions to LowellYouthLacrosse@yahoo.com.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Evan Millett for working on this with me!