Roots: Exploring the History of Lacrosse

Written by: Anish Shroff
Produced + Edited by: Brett Roberts
Ft. Jeremy Thompson, Kyle Harrison, Rachael DeCecco, Trevor Baptiste
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[@brycefowler2477]

I got bullied for playing lacrosse and I’m proud I’m sticking with it this makes me so proud to be a lacrosse player.

[@timdixon32]

Wow imagine bullying someone for playing a certain sport. Just because those bullying you are probably are terrible at it.

[@leopardracer1970]

You're a credit to the game, keep up the good work.

[@jaiwood1927]

You got bullied because they couldn't do it... Keep it up!

[@edwardhoyler9410]

I think when I was playing for My school in Salamanca around 2014 about 26 out of 30 kids I was related through blood or marriage to the kids on my team Since im a quarter Seneca and my mom was 50% but not enrolled. Because being Seneca the mothers are enrolled so that’s why we are always respectful to our woman

[@jaredcoontz2589]

Same

[@RepublicOfBridger]

Whenever I was hurting, whenever I woke up feeling miserable, whenever I just wasnt feeling myself, this game always healed me. I truly believe this is the Medicine Game.

[@ColinandSamir]

Really great guys. Love seeing all the familiar faces.

[@kellysowers3201]

nice please like pll

[@randyeverett2378]

You guys paved the way for lacrosse on KZbin, miss seeing you on TLN but your current channel is great! Keep up the good work!

[@tylerziomkowski54]

This is the #1 difference of this league vs all other sports. The deep history and connection of all of us. I absolutely love this. Great job to everyone who was a part of this!!

[@michaelrabil]

Appreciate this, Tyler! So much work went into this from the team!

[@anthonyaddesso4514]

My biggest hope is that the traditions of the game, and it's history does not get lost in the growth. Everyone that knows the origins and the history of the game, shown so nicely here, MUST pass it on to the younger players to carry the honor and traditions on.

[@frzzedo1642]

i am native american and it was always a dream for me to play for my people i am mohawk and i always looked up to Jeremy idk if he remembers me i met him multiple times when he played with the bandits and at a tournament if he does remember me he probably remembers me as peanut but sense my blood quantum is not enough i cant be enrolled as a native but i will always love where i cam from and where my ancestors came from i love the game of lacrosse and even if i cant play for my people on a team to me every time i play i am playing for them even tho i may not ever get enrolled im proud to be a native american and ill always be playing for my people and thanks Jeremy for being a role model for me you have impacted my life in many ways

[@azucenaromero1277]

I'm a 5th grade teacher researching the history of Lacrosse and I can't wait to share this video with my students. Thank you for educating me and the next generation.

[@greglaursen3717]

That was amazing. The PLL is unrivaled in their ability to create change in the lacrosse world and I’m so glad they are using their voice for great projects like this.

[@johnwebb2442]

Incredible

[@doclacrosse39]

Honestly, watching that felt like 10 seconds not 9 minutes, fascinating!

[@TheNino37]

Thank you, Haudenosaunee people, for sharing the Medicine Game. I really appreciate Anish Shroff's contribution to our sport. I first met him when he was the sportscaster for KNDO in Yakima, WA and he covered our MCLA matchup. He's great at what he does and lacrosse is lucky to have him.

[@mikeyplaysgames6585]

i love the history behind this sport. so much power and emotion from these guys and gals speaking.

[@bradypalmer5205]

Lacrosse is the sport of the future I’m saying it now I have been saying it for years but lacrosse is growing so quickly it’s tremendous also thanks PLL for the amazing video

[@santinomiguel9335]

its not LMAO

[@willsnyder5318]

@@santinomiguel9335 😐😑😐

[@justanaveragehaunter1210]

@@santinomiguel9335 lmfao of course a soccer fan is the one saying it 🤣, go back home and cry to your mommy

[@tactly5060]

@@santinomiguel9335all other major sports either stopped growing or are declining. Lacrosse has insane potential in the future

[@ethanisaiahkim]

We need to share this everywhere, exploring the roots of lacrosse is the best way to grow the game

[@sadikilestrade2401]

This was awesome to watch, love the education and truth of the game being spread out like this, can't wait for more content!

[@bendibuono9930]

Fantastic video! Gave me Goosebumps!

[@albertsleiman7148]

this was so interesting loved the video guys keep it up!

[@allanfreedman1273]

Great history and insights - I grew up playing lacrosse in Baltimore County. I knew some of the history as it was told to us by our coaches. This video is awesome.

[@brendansteele-hunter753]

Love the PLL and the spotlight you are giving to the game’s history and enhancing its future; grateful for the passion and drive to spread the medicine game that comes from this league, and grateful to have been apart of and continue to be a part of the creators game and imo the greatest game on earth. Long love lacrosse and I pray for its continued expansion while maintaining a connection to the tradition of its medicinal values! 🙏🏼

[@mannycastillo752]

This is just the best!!!

[@JoeBstro]

Loved the sport. Didn't know all of the history but enjoyed learning about it. Thanks

[@ayden8297]

I love this game so much and I’m so fortunate to have grown up in Maryland and lived and breathed lacrosse my whole life.

[@saulnores3477]

Great documentary. Although it speaks mainly of US lacrosse. They don't even say that the sport is played in more than 60 countries.

[@thdestroyer7574]

This is so cool! I wrote my senior paper on this, and it’s a fascinating history!

[@sololovett]

This is a wonderful video. I grew up in an area with no exposure to Lacrosse. My son and daughter both had the opportunity to play and love the game. It is the first sport that they have taken an independent interest in. My son's favorite player is Lyle Thompson. I have started playing in the local adult league at 45. I'd like to thank the first nations for sharing their game.

[@MarkMcLenaghan]

Thank you for sharing the history and the game.

[@johnsebestyen3026]

Great video love this type of content.

[@diederikboonman4845]

Really a great video and taught me so much about the game that i didn't know

[@anjalicoryat]

Wow. All these years later, and I as a black lacrosse player (and new la coach in FL) never knew about Jim Brown….I stumbled across this video as I’m planning my programming for a newer girls middle school & high school and lacrosse team. Thanks for all of the info

[@josephnazzaro5239]

A well done piece about the sport I love and have been intimately involved with since my playing days at Rutgers in the 1960's. We need to move lacrosse forward to the future promised by this video while remembering and honoring our roots.

[@johnwebb2442]

Absolutely. Sport of the future of this country.

[@markski7725]

Powerful. Thank you.

[@prof.poopypants8671]

Man, I wish I could “like” this video more than once!

[@RCRitterFPV]

Love it, keep moving forward. more sticks in more hands

[@ethanepic7926]

Great work.

[@skllob]

Awesome!

[@royabauman5770]

Beautifully done!!

[@teretoawild]

cool to learn some history keep it native we need to tell our stories to the world much respect

[@nickboyle3054]

I enjoyed watching this presentation and was at first almost inspired. The presentation then got off subject.

[@curiousgeorge7772]

As someone who played lax, hockey, and golf. Keep on the grind no matter what keep playing, and put your heart into the sport to grow it up to be like other sports.

[@thatsnotagoodidea3390]

This is awesome

[@koejoe]

Greatful to have played hockey as child, at 39 I just got my first lacrosse stick. Love that I can practice shooting left or right handed. It feels so good in the hand. I play at the beach with my friends. I’m encouraging my friends to get sticks. Looking forward to better funding for better camera angles/zoom for field. It’s a great game.

[@BigRL17]

I’m from Onondaga and lacrosse is big here

[@mounirbaroudi5890]

💯🔥🔥 Loved this!

[@shelinabegum3541]

I only found out this evening about the heritage and history of lacrosse and it's fascinatin My son has started playing recently and it's his favourite sport and hopefully will understand its significance in sport today

[@jimmylopez9576]

My local lacrosse club started a k-2 program, as in kindergarten to second grade. My 6yo son and I both picked up lacrosse sticks for the first time about a month ago. The absolute BEST decision I've ever made!! He can't wait to go to practice and his games, I take my stick and a practice ball with me to work and do some wallball routines during my lunch break haha He's so interested in how the game is played, and is constantly asking to go out and practice. I saw this video and we sat down and watched it together. Now, being 6, he couldn't fully grasp the history behind the creators game. But this hit home for me. As a parent it's a constant struggle to raise your child to the best of your abilities. Teach them to treat others as they would like to be treated, respect, responsibility, and to be accountable for their actions. As cheesey and cliche as it sounds, it's crazy to see him interact with anyone after he started playing haha The pride he has when he tells people he plays lacrosse, holding his head high, makes it worth it! We recently watched the 1st round of the college lacrosse tournament, he looked at me and said he wants to play lacrosse on TV 🤯 honestly think he found his first love lol

[@bjb6218]

This is one of those untold stories that more people need to know about. I heard a story by chance on TV early this morning that focused on the Indigenous People's story and sought out more information. I had not anticipated seeing the legacy of African Americans in your video. thank you for including this information. The fact that the wealthy tried to steal the sport from its creators does not surprise me. I hope Nations are able to reclaim, , keep, and promote their version of the sport in the future. Thank you for enlightening me, so I can enlighten others.

[@oswald2799]

lacrosse was my favorite sport in school. love that game

[@jasonkopp5641]

Powerful.

[@SLCliving]

Beautiful!

[@mickieknox4086]

This is a great video!

[@Taylose6]

A beautiful video for a truly beautiful game

[@kennystorck4479]

Great video team!!!!

[@thegamers2463]

This game got me through high school stress less. Anytime I feel overwhelmed I grab my stick and ball and head to the wall lost my balls now in this COVID 19 time so I'm in my room watching highlights and match ups because out here in Jamaica fields aren't open for anything and no college level lacrosse out here. Thanks for the medication 💯♥️

[@abes3925]

You lost your balls. You poor thing

[@thegamers2463]

@@abes3925 yeah really sad

[@jessicadapson5574]

I shared the images of Lyle Thompson from Sports Illustrated with 100+ of my sophomore students in a suburban public school and shared some of his feelings about the origins of lacrosse and the importance of sharing the story from the article. Then, after using that as an introduction, I played this video. I am happy to have shared the true origin and story, as well as the cultural significance of lacrosse. Indigenous history matters!

[@danmayberry6717]

Much love from an adopted Hidatsa from the Cherokee people.

[@jamescaldwell2616]

We always stayed behind after tournaments and picked up lost balls. There were always equipment that kids would leave behind.My son would pick it up and gave it to kids wanting to play but couldn’t afford it. He’s always trying to give back to the game, helping kids get started. BTW Kyle Harrison you know him. He was your faceoff guy on team 18 at Del Mar. Now at Limestone.

[@toast3852]

This makes me want to play lacrosse now

[@Joel-np9vl]

Interesting guys and ladies get on up 🎉

[@andrew3267]

this game seriously is therapy

[@46matt]

I found myself with a big good group of friends who will stick with each other no matter what and jokely asked them "yo who wanna play lacrosse" and they all either made fun of it or agreed knowing they wouldnt actually join it. But little do they know they didnt realized how much effort they'll put into this game . Even though my team and I isnt the best of the best, we try to atleast give it our all and try to be our best selfs within the game

[@lazy6345]

I love lacrosse with all my heart my family loves lacrosse it’s runs in are family and it’s up to me to continue that legacy and I want to, can’t wait to play six nations for life

[@anrrellstephens384]

I play for Morgan state lacrosse club now and we are trying to bring it back we need more people to show there support for us like this

[@MR_REDACTED600]

I play lacrosse and I feel like it’s a honor to play this sport

[@darylli5768]

Love Jeremy‘s accent

[@okbill18yearsagoedited25]

im sooooo thankful to the natives for inventing this game

[@just3l1j4h]

I’m starting to get into it I watched this video for

[@ProjectRaijin]

Baseball bros always said I was catching butterflies in my net instead of playing a sport, then I laid them out when they tried and hit dingers off our starting pitcher 😂

[@EannaWithAFada]

Lacrosse has almost identical roots to the Irish sport of Hurling, the oldest known sport played on grass where a flat ash-wood stick, it is also the national sport of Ireland in the same way Lacrosse is a gift and symbol of native American culture Hurling is a symbol of Irish culture and it stood to defy British rule in Ireland I absolutely think Lacrosse should return to its roots and it can have the same success as hurling the reason hurling didn't die out was to promote Irish culture after the famine had devastated it so much, and I think lacrosse can do the exact same to promote native american culture while still being open to all participants Mind you hurling has less and more affordable equipment required and is not a proffesional sport but if Lacrosse can promote the grass roots leagues in the same way as Hurling it will be a major hit across the board

[@gerryhamill45]

Truly an awesome sport - I am totally hooked 🥍👌🏼🌟

[@robertholland8055]

For those who have played the game at any level, we have an obligation which lasts forever. Even into the afterlife.

[@Nicklax930]

Great video I learned a lot more about lacrosse 👏🥍

[@davidwadsworth8982]

The first college to have this sport on its campus was the U.S.M.A. It came before the point was an academy and just a fort. Soldiers brought back sticks from campaigns upstate. It was passed down to the first class at the Academy. They just did not have a real team. Jim Brown from Long Island. Travis Cook, Onondaga Nation, who played at Oswego State was the 2nd best lacrosse player I ever saw. (I saw Brown at Syracuse). Cook was great. I would put Urso from Maryland third, two-way player. Finlay and Nelson from Army 4th and 5th.

[@jordanwarren932]

Missed so much southern history, this video could be redone with deeper knowledge of how the game we play today has ties to tribes from northern and southern states including Alabama.

[@lewisgordon1490]

😯😁I was quite surprised to hear lacrosse's true background. Pretty typical of westerners who co-opt other cultures. I first heard about these roots from a trailer of A Warrior's Heart. The concept seemed a bit cheesy & thought it was made up for the movie, but motivated me to investigate a bit😌

[@jaxsondavis6298]

LAX FOR LIFE!

[@Michael_Verrecchia]

🖤

[@stajanlickers4455]

I'm proud lacrosse is a sport

[@mr.nuccio8370]

I am a PE teacher who teaches the origins of Native American stickball. Why were the Cherokee not mentioned in the video. I lived in Georgia for 8 years and learned about the sport from a scout/Order of the Arrow member. Man'ti.

[@erickohlhorst747]

I knew lacrosse originated from the Native American nation, this is my true story. My daughter plays lacrosse for a team named the Warriors, they proudly use a great Indian chief as their school Symbol. Several year ago while visiting a Native American museum my goaltender daughter asked an elder there if he felt it was OK that a sticker of a great Native American Chief was on both sides of her Goalie helmet. He asked her then what qualities she felt a great Indian chief would need to possess and she listed courage, bravery, mercy, fearlessness and compassion to name a few, he went on to touch her shoulder and replied that he felt it was is an honor and felt it was very appropriate that great Warrior chief appears on her " dehontsigwaeh" helmet.

[@Justin_GFM]

I'm here with my 10% Taino ancestry feeling connected to Lacrosse 😆 the people of Boriken and Ayiti had their own sports but I love the history of Lacrosse

[@Kobiejohnson12]

I play lacrosse at Morgan State. I am determined to make Morgan State lacrosse shine once again. It is only a matter of time

[@saguarosunrise]

This is why I play.

[@professlch6347]

This was awesome, but? It would have been nice to have featured/tagged in Adrienne Tarver -- African American from MD -- was the Captain of Yale's Women Lacrosse and FABULOUS.

[@jaymeb1306]

knowledge

[@quintonpavan8864]

I have a little knowledge in the specifics of the fact that the university of The District of Columbia (hbcu) started fielding a div2 program in 2014!!

[@quintonpavan8864]

No worries just dropping some info

[@jahimg]

Udc lacrosse too

[@ideasmatter8626]

The mandate to have lacrosse look a particular way is a bit silly. I 100% agree, however, that all levels of lacrosse should continue to innovate new ways to reduce the barrier to entering the game to ALL people. The other enormous problem is the machine of expensive travel leagues, the culture of celebrity, and the over-the-top hype of exclusive overnight camps. These are all antithetical to the spirit of the game... Connect man to nature and the Creator. Additionally, if the goal is to play the game with honor, "based on true friendship, respect and peace," all leagues (especially professional leagues) should institute taunting, celebration, and profanity penalties or even fines. While I look forward to seeing lacrosse as a diversion to the ills of the world, I mostly desire it to be a catalyst for the common good and a healing salve of the ills of our selfish, ego-centric hearts.

[@klassky17kingklassky81]

@Brendan Moriarty why, lacrosse is about including people, the league and his team think hes earned a right to play.

[@ideasmatter8626]

@@klassky17kingklassky81 I think he should play, but I think his behavior should reflect the ideals of honor and peace, as Anish wrote (and Jeremy Thompson delivered) for this video.

[@azuaraikrezeul1677]

the true all american game.

[@klassky17kingklassky81]

Beauty but lets include all the nations that play the game right now next time

[@13e11even11]

Let’s get out there, and play the game.

[@th4x927]

I'm a lacrosse player I get teased so much but to be honest id really care

[@RAHSdaboy12]

7:38 tewaaraton is pronounced dewa-ah-ra-doo with a rolled R

[@wrng12fkwith61]

0:24 he literally did the meme Indian voice

[@gatecitypaul5480]

It would seem as if you'd want to expand the interest in the sport and league, you'd visits the areas where there are major collage program. Yet their has not been a game in NC yet in the 1st 3 years. Duke, Carolina have been at the top of the sport for many years. High Point is on it's way up. Many major D2 and D3 programs across the state. There is fan base here, but we feel ignored by the PLL.

[@lalaboards]

In the beginning time my people took the orange leather ball and tossed it into the basket.it was our invention and way of life given to us by the YMCA , We invented the magical ceremonial rubber shoe that gave us grip on the floor , but the Civil rights act took the game from our people and gave it to Labron James .

[@davidwadsworth8982]

I learned to play Lacrosse with a wooden stick.

[@joha5048]

gg

[@xxxfirebug6960]

Idk why other nations try to get offended when it’s a stolen game!! And so much I can say. But we know it’s the truth where this game came from! Keep it real!!

[@lancegoulet8100]

US Lacrosse has done a great job of growing the game, however their diversity programs seems a little narrow in view in scope. While they have urban initiatives which mostly target black communities, they are not as successful in reaching out to other minorities or poor white kids. Where we live it is the Hispanic population that seems almost invisible to US Lacrosse. I was the president of a local recreational lacrosse program for kids from 1st to 8th grade. We are in a community that is thought of as affluent - however 1 in 5 school children in 1st-8th grade are considered low income (and those are pre-pandemic numbers). The school we use for our home field is the Spanish language school and 52% of the students at that school are from "low income" families. Even though we practice after school, on school grounds, very few of our players go that that school because they can't afford it. We sought both a diversity and inclusion grant and a 1st stick grant from US lacrosse. We did not qualify for the diversity and inclusion grant, even though the Hispanic community is woefully under-represented in our program. We did receive a first stick grant which provided equipment we can lend to players for a season. We also have equipment that families have donated when their children outgrew it. This helps kids overcome the financial barrier of purchasing lacrosse equipment to play. But now, US Lacrosse has made new rules regarding the heart pad in chest protectors/shoulder pads and none of our used equipment - including the equipment US Lacrosse provided as part of the first stick program - meets the new standard. So the program no longer has any gear to lend to families who can not afford it.

[@MyNameIsJ3ffrey]

I was kinda hoping to actually get an understanding of the history and how the rules of the game developed.

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Can I play hockey and lacrosse at the same time?