District 214 to launch lacrosse in 2020-2021

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials announced plans Friday for a districtwide lacrosse program set to begin in the 2020-2021 school year.

The new sports program will be open to both boys and girls in District 214, with levels to be determined based on interest, officials said. Parents and students lobbied the district to include lacrosse in its athletic offerings, as the sport has continued to grow in popularity among youths in the suburbs. The Illinois High School Association has granted the sport official recognition with the first state series held in spring 2018. School boards must OK lacrosse as a sport for their schools to participate in the series.

"This new lacrosse program is the direct result of community collaboration. We know how important it is to create opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and character, and to build social skills such as teamwork and communication," said Dan Petro, the school board president, in a statement. "Our goal is to be responsive to the needs of the community, and involve community members in our decision-making process. We are grateful to our staff for putting this program together."