Patch has invited high school athletes across the East Bay to write columns and blogs about why they play sports as the spring season comes to a close. Here are some thoughts from Danny Ennis, a sophomore goalie for the Acalanes High NCS Division II champion boys lacrosse team.
Lacrosse is my connection to history. To play a sport so close to our nation’s past speaks to me and is the fuel to my passion.
I remember at Peter Worstell’s “Be the Best” camp, there was a special guest who told us an Iroquois fable describing when the animals and birds played lacrosse or the “Creators Game." That story resonated with me in particular due to the message of unselfishness and inclusion it delivers.
The animals denied the squirrel and the mouse a spot on the team due to their size, but the birds included the two, turning them into the bat and the flying squirrel. The flying squirrel went onto score the game-winning goal.
So it goes to show that regardless of how unworthy you feel an individual is, that person may have qualities that could be a great help to you some day.
Lacrosse was the way the flying squirrel was able to better himself, and I play lacrosse so I can better myself. Lacrosse pushes me to be a better person because I know when I put on that jersey, I represent something bigger than myself.
I represent my family, teammates, coaches, my school, my community and the lacrosse community. I love lacrosse because of the camaraderie and companionship it creates.
The brotherhood I have with my teammates is everlasting and an eternal bond that we will share the rest of our lives. Lacrosse creates connections with people I would have never known existed if it wasn't for lacrosse.
The lacrosse community is forgiving and uplifting. In fourth grade, I scored on myself in double overtime, losing us the game. But I was shown the true spirit of lacrosse that day. My teammates all came out to the field and helped me up when I was at my lowest, because lacrosse had taught them a game doesn't come down a single play or one player's folly.
The fact a kid who just scored on himself can be met with inclusion and care from his fellow teammates is a beautiful thing and I will carry with me forever.
I love lacrosse because its more than a game to me. Its a lifestyle.
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