By Brian McCready, Milford Bureau Chief
bmccready@newhavenregister.com

MILFORD — After meeting with top school administrators last week, the president of a youth lacrosse league said he believes there is still a chance the sport may be added at the high schools next year.

Acting Superintendent of Schools R. Michael Cummings and Milford Youth Lacrosse President Sean G. McGinley met Thursday about adding lacrosse to both city high schools next spring.

Before the meeting, Board of Education Chairman Mark Stapleton, R-1, said he’d love to add the program, but the chances “(do not) look good.” The school board is facing a $2.2 million budget reduction next year after the Board of Finance reduced its spending request last month.

But McGinley said he remains optimistic, after meeting with Cummings, that the program may be added. McGinley and organizers associated with MYL have vowed to pay all costs associated with the program, totaling between $25,000 and $30,000.

Cummings declined to comment on the meeting, but McGinley said it went well.

“There are additional details to look at from both sides, but we are still moving in the right direction. Milford Youth Lacrosse is still hopeful that the Board of Ed will vote favorably,” McGinley said.

He said he remains hopeful because lacrosse is a spring sport and is not competing for field space with baseball and track, and it gives the league some time to work on an effective implementation plan.

“Mike Cummings can bring some good news to Milford by getting the board to approve lacrosse, considering the current turmoil with the proposed changes within the school system,” McGinley said.

In March about 50 lacrosse enthusiasts pleaded with school board members to add the program. McGinley’s organization currently has 250 youths participating from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Milford is one of a handful of neighboring communities that does not offer lacrosse at the high schools. Cummings declined comment until after meeting with lacrosse organizers. Continued...

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

He said three fundraisers have been scheduled despite the lack of approval so far.

One fundraiser includes a wine tasting 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 7 at SBC restaurant in Milford. McGinley said he believes up to $10,000 can be raised during the three events.

He said even if the program is not added next year, the fundraisers will continue as planned, and all of the money raised will go toward helping children who cannot afford to play lacrosse.

“We have a children-in-need fund,” McGinley added.

School board Majority Leader Robert White, R-1, said he, too, would “love” to add lacrosse, but there are so many questions surrounding the district’s budgetary situation.

Contact Brian McCready at 203-789-5719.

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

• Return to Paging Mode