Lacrosse instills warrior camaraderie

Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt
okinawa marine staff

CAMP FOSTER — Lacrosse is a sport that originated among Native Americans in the 15th century and continues today, among other places, amidst the warrior culture of Marines.

The Eastern Cherokee called the sport da-nah-wah’uwsdi for “little war” a fitting name since the sport was used to settle tribal disputes and train young warriors for battle. The first lacrosse players competed as armies of competitors, anywhere from 100 to 1,000, on vast playing fields that sometimes stretched for miles.

The game has changed much over the years but the spirit and camaraderie of those original warriors lives on in Lacrosse clubs and leagues world-wide.

Since 2001, the Okinawa Lacrosse Club has strived to bring people together through the full contact sport and provide the opportunity to enjoy the game.

The club is open to all service members, and includes several Japanese members as well. This creates a diverse group and a sense of camaraderie between local citizens and their military neighbors, said Jim Peterson, the club’s manager.

In recent years, the lacrosse club has traveled to mainland Japan, Spain and Hawaii to play in international tournaments, where many team members discovered that the warrior spirit transcends all cultural boundaries.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what language you speak or how old you are,” said Thomas R. Mango, a three year veteran of the team. “When you pick up that stick, it’s all the same language. That’s why I love this game.”

Lacrosse, also known as the “Fastest game on two feet,” is a sport that attracts a unique breed of athlete, Peterson said, one that is dedicated and not afraid to take a beating.

“When you leave the lacrosse field after a good game, you’re exhausted and a little bruised, usually just enough that you remember that game for awhile,” Peterson said.

The Okinawa Lacrosse Club meets weekly on Camp Foster and twice a week at Ryukyu University.

Those interested in learning more about the club can visit http://www.eteamz.active.com/okilaxclub.