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LAX aficionados team up for E.L.

East Longmeadow's recent success in the local high school lacrosse arena is producing athletes that are interested in continuing their careers at the college level.

This years graduating class of '06 has several Division III bound players that are looking forward to complying with every college coach's instructions: "play summer league!" The problem in East Longmeadow is that the tremendous shortage of field space often combined with three seasons of overplay does not give sports fields the opportunity to regenerate growth. With the looming possibility of a men's summer league season on the horizon, a few local businessmen, two pastors and the E.L. recreation department put their heads together and came up with an innovative solution to help young men out of high school stay in touch with lacrosse, even when field space is at a premium.

A father and son team of local sight contractors, Tom Wilson Sr. and Jr. from Abbott Enterprises got together with another father and son combination Pastors David and John Chase of New Life Baptist Church on Westwood Ave. to discuss the field shortage issue. There was an un-used and slightly uneven field behind New Life Church off Westwood Ave. that could make a great summer lax facility with some ingenuity and hard work. Both pastors were eager to get involved and help the players. Just as New Life has stepped up to assist the town's library during new construction in the past, the Chases and their parishioners unselfishly agreed to become involved again. They approved the new field strictly for E.L. Recreational lacrosse.

Many hours of hard work by the Wilsons and an off-season of growth produced a beautiful playing surface tucked away between the church, the golf course and a residential neighborhood.

While the new grass came in, a few other local business people contributed as well. Professional mechanical plumbing estimator Jim LaSonde arraigned to have irrigation installed for the newly grown facility. Local plumber Rich Paige agreed to assist with the water meter. Pete DeMichele from Expert Tree Service removed some trees and the excessive overhead canopy to permit a better game. Finally, Mr. Glen Hastie of GMH Fence Co. and his crew installed custom pipe, set in concrete and 12 foot high posts on the end-lines, which would accommodate large nets to keep balls out of the woods and adjacent neighbor's yards. When all the work was completed and it was time to discuss sign-ups at the E.L. Recreation Department. Director John Whalen, who was instrumental in developing the town's youth lacrosse program over the past few years, agreed to allow the team to form as a men's league under the E.L. Rec. Dept's guidance. Additionally, The East Longmeadow DPW Board agreed to help out by cutting and lining the fields.

The entire project came together thanks to the help of all these local businessmen, some very genuine town officials and the generous people at New Life Church, a few days before the start of last season. Nets from Whips Sports were being delivered as the field was being lined by E.L. DPW's John Collins and his staff. Local Carpenter Joe Douglas custom built a few sets of heavy duty team benches just in time for the first face-off whistle.

The new over-18 team is called The Killer Bees

Because East Longmeadow is new to the Pioneer Valley Lacrosse League, there are some struggles. For instance, the Bee's roster is comprised primarily of recently graduated high school seniors. Very few taem members have ever played at the college level. Their teammates travel from as far away as Pittsfield MA and Tolland CT. to make the Tuesday and Thursday night games. Paige is the first one to tell all his players that the Killer Bees have tremendous potential- and the future looks bright. It appears that within the next few summers, as the Bee's gain more collegiate experience, the scores will become more competitive. This past week, the Bee's posted their first victory against another new club called Greylock Lacrosse by a one point margin.

Another great product of this partnership between the town, the church and local business' are the fans that come out to watch some great lacrosse. It is not uncommon to see spectators in folding lounge chairs cheering for both teams. A closer look will reveal an occasional parishioner, near-by neighbors with young kids in tow, one of the pastors and their families, or player's parents and girl friends. Passing Franconia golfers wander up to check out the whistles and shouts, and sometimes even a curious town employee drives in. While the scores have been lopsided, the officiating has been outstanding and the level of enthusiasm is impressive. The great part about summer lacrosse is that everybody's there for the same reason, to have a good time. This is very evident as the Killer Bee's head to their un-official headquarters- DeNardo's restaurant, for a post game pizza. Even after a tough game, Player/Coach Frank Paige said it best "looking at their smiles and their appetites, you'd never know that they lost".

The Killer Bees are grateful to the many people who made it all possible a unique partnership comprised of a church congregation entrenched in their community, caring local business people and town officials which clearly demonstrate the benefits of working together for the sake of kids. The 2006 summer season ends at the end of July.