Another Hart district high school is adding lacrosse to its sports lineup, the third high school in the district to do so, officials said Wednesday.
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“I am very excited about this additional opportunity for students to get connected to Hart High School through lacrosse,” Hart High Principal Collyn Nielsen said in a news release. “I am looking forward to an outstanding inaugural season.”
West Ranch High became the first school to add the program in the 2012-13 school year.
Related: West Ranch High To Host SCV’s First CIF Lacrosse Game
The team has previously been a club at Hart High School for four prior seasons, and it’ll be the third school to add a lacrosse program, following West Ranch and Valencia high schools.
The district is currently seeking a coach for the team, with a salary for the position dependent upon funding from those who wish to support the program, according to a posting on the district’s website.
Hart lacrosse enthusiasts credited Steve Tyson for invaluable assistance and expertise in creating recreational and club leagues for many years in the Santa Clarita Valley, according to school officials.
“Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and we are proud to be able to call it an official (CIF) high school sport and to be amongst the long tradition of excellence in sports at Hart High School,” said Steve Mehta, Hart lacrosse booster club president.
A girls’ team is not currently planned, however, girls are eligible to try out and play on the teams. Tryouts are planned for late October and early November.
“Strong interest is expected and plans are in place to field a junior varsity and varsity squad this year, with hopes to continue expansion,” according to a Hart district news release.
Lacrosse is growing in popularity, as well as wrestling, which is going to be added to Valencia High this year on an intramural basis.
Related: Parents, Students Seek Hart District OK For Wrestling Team At Valencia High
The sports program is going to be self-funded by participating parents, according to Hart district officials.
The sport of youth and club lacrosse has roots extending nearly a decade in Santa Clarita with now more than 300 participants.
Candidates for the head coach position should send a letter of interest and their resume to John Turner, athletic administrator for Hart High, at jturner@hartdistrict.org. Please call 661-259-7575 with questions.
“All high schools in the Hart District are eligible to offer a lacrosse program in the future assuming that our new sport and self-funded guidelines are met,” Greg Lee, director of human resources and equity services, said. “We anticipate having a lacrosse Foothill League in the coming years as more high schools choose to add this sport.”
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