Grayslake Youth Lacrosse Night

The Grayslake Youth Lacrosse Association hosted its sixth Youth Lacrosse Night. Each of the youth players teams, 145 kids in all, were announced during the JV Lacrosse game between the Rams and Knights at Grayslake North High School May 18. 

Grayslake North Head Coach Brad Fish said that the first group of athletes to come through the GYLA are the current group of junior and senior athletes, back when there was only 26 kids in the program. Each of the youth players received a T-shirt and food, courtesy of the partnership with the Grayslake North Booster Club.

"Grayslake Central, under first year coach Chris Ridella, is off to a 9-4 start and will be a threat as the State Tournament gets under way," said Fish. "Tampa bound Jake Paust leads the way for the Rams with his standout play from the Midfield, which will bode well for him as he take his talents to Tampa in the fall."

Fish said the North Knights fell one game short last season, losing in the Class B State Championship Game to Waubonsie Valley. This year, they only lost three games all season. Team leaders Matt Schlagetter, Josh Kortenkamp, Joey Amsler, Josh Cokefair and Bryce Hermsen hope to end this season on a high note.

Fish said recognizing the youth lacrosse players is a way to celebrate lacrosse, the fastest growing sport in America.

"Grayslake can certainly attest to the sports growth from 26 in year one to 145 kids six years later," Fish said. "The GYLA is for boys (girls are allowed to play as well, though the girls game is not currently offered) in grades 2-8. Teams are based on the following age brackets: U-9, U-11, U-13, and U-15.

Current coaches for the Youth Program include:

Ernie Herlt, Joe King, Fred Troy, Jerry Pech and Bob Monaghan with Brad Fish, Chris Ridella and Ed Trabulsy helping out. These adults are assisted by current North and Central players who donate their time to help coach the younger players.

Players who have volunteered many hours this year include Josh Kortenkamp, Jake Paust, Brendan Walker, Tyler Lyon, Alex Fletcher, Bryce Hermsen, Matt Schlagetter, AJ Fish, Eric York, Joey Amsler, Shane Pech and Ben Smith.