High school lacrosse championships coming to Illinois

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) - The board governing interscholastic sports in Illinois says the first high school state championships in lacrosse will be held in 2018.

The Illinois High School Association's board of directors announced the decision after meeting in Bloomington on Tuesday.

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson says the decision reflects the growing interest in boys and girls lacrosse at high schools around the state.

Anderson praised the Illinois High School Lacrosse Association, the Illinois High School Women's Lacrosse Association and high school coaches and administrators who advocated for the sport.

The inaugural state lacrosse finals are tentatively scheduled for May of 2018. The board will announce information on state final hosting bids in the coming months.

The last sport added by the IHSA prior to lacrosse was competitive dance. It debuted in 2013.