Eight Pasco Schools have been targeted in a new Lacrosse program. These schools include Anclote, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and our own, Wiregrass Ranch High School (WRHS).

This Lacrosse program will target both boys and girls. The sport is currently considered a club sport across Pasco County; however, this will be changing very soon. The Pasco County Lacrosse Alliance (PCLA) has recently announced an agreement with Pasco County Public Schools that will officially change Lacrosse from a club sport to a Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) approved sport.

Pasco County Public Schools’ development of the Lacrosse program over the past 10 years has steadily expanded. Wiregrass and Wesley Chapel united last year to win the championship. This will be the first year Wiregrass has its own completely independent lacrosse team since 2014.

This move is a major success for both Pasco County and Wiregrass Ranch.

“With some area high schools joining the FHSAA in the sport of lacrosse within Pasco County will be a huge step in growing the sport of lacrosse in Florida,” said David Mazursky, the president of PCLA.

This move also shows that Pasco County is looking toward the future and is actively trying to raise the popularity of the sport.

“Our neighbors in Hillsborough County took that step a few years ago, and we are looking forward to offering boys and girls attending Pasco Schools the opportunity to play lacrosse for their high schools,” explained Mazursky. “Interest from students has been fantastic, and we are actively looking for local business sponsors to help support this cause.”

Many have high expectations for the Lacrosse team at WRHS, as the team is very strong. On person in particular is Coach Fitzsimons.

“My expectations for the year are to compete at a high level and get our new program on the map early,” said Fitzsimons. “I think we have a strong shot at the FGCLL championship; we do have the majority of the championship team from last year, but we are a new team so you never know.”

Signups will begin after Thanksgiving Break. Both the boys and girls teams will be practicing in mid-January.