20170601_XQC_QNE_p090

QC06012017

sports 90 THE QUEENS COURIER • JUNE 1, 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM Jamaica HS Lacrosse: Bringing diversity to the game BY JUSTIN BERGLUND editorial@qns.com/@QNS In the world of lacrosse that lacks diversity, the Jamaica High School Beavers have found a way to overcome the odds and fi nd success. Th e school’s lacrosse program was revived in 2014 aft er being cut more than 20 years ago. Th e team had some growing pains from the start, going 3-12 in their fi rst year. Th ey improved the following season to 6-10, but it was not until this season that the team truly began to see success. Aft er starting out 0-4 and losing some very close games, Coach Tom Grimaldi noted that his team “continued to push each other and stay positive, taking it one game at a time.” Th e Beavers then went on a three-game winning streak, which is what Grimaldi said turned the tide for his team: “Every game we played, we improved. We learned from our losses as well as our victories, always staying humble.” Aft er trading wins and losses in the middle of the season, the Beavers ended the year on another three-game winning streak, fi nishing at 8-7. Th is earned the team the 14 seed in the PSAL Division A Tournament, and their fi rst playoff berth in a quarter of a century. Th e team’s season came to an end in the fi rst round of the playoff s to 3 seed and defending tournament champion Curtis High School. Even so, Grimaldi was proud of his squad. “I am extremely proud of the way this team came together,” Grimaldi remarked about his team’s season. “Th ey were always there to pick each other up and hold each other accountable. I am very impressed by this group of young men.” Nationally, white players still make up 85.9% of all lacrosse players in 2016, down from 88.2% in 2012. Jamaica High School is made up of about 50% African American students, 30% Asian students and 20% Hispanic students. Statistically, it would seem that Jamaica high and lacrosse would not mix. Combined with a lack of interest, the school’s lacrosse program, which was the fi rst New York City public school with a team back in 1983, was dropped in 1996. Th e Jamaica Beavers is made up of African-American and South Asian players. Grimaldi, who himself played lacrosse at Mineola High School and SUNY Oneonta, said his team “is bringing much-needed diversity to our sport.” Sayvon Jones, a senior defenseman, was one of the 22 named to the All- Conference team and plans to continue playing lacrosse at Nassau Community College. Another captain, senior attackman Nayeem Hossain, fi nished the season with 36 goals scored, which was the fi ft h highest in the city. He was named to the All-Division team. Immanuel Singh a senior midfi elder, also earned All-Division honors for his work as a faceoff specialist. Lastly, junior goaltender Joban Preet, who made 134 saves in 12 matches, was named to the All- Division team. Th is was Preet’s fi rst year ever playing the sport of lacrosse. Grimaldi was quick to point out the cause for his player’s individual achievements, saying “None of these awards would have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the entire team.” Grimaldi also gave recognition to his assistant coaches, Ben De Leon and Shawn Robinson. “Th ese are two guys who are alumni of Jamaica High School, and who come every day just for the love of the game.” Aft er his time at Jamaica High School, De Leon played for the National Philippines Lacrosse Team in 2012 and for the Philippines in the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championship. Robinson played for Queens College aft er graduating from Jamaica in 1990. Th e Jamaica Beavers will look to build on their continually growing success and come back better next year. While proud of his team, Grimaldi says his work isn’t fi nished yet. “My goal is to bring this team to where it was back in the day. I want to get lacrosse to be the sport to play again,” he said.


QC06012017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above