The first and second grade youth lacrosse program started only a few years ago. The lacrosse program operates on a very small budget; therefore, it could not afford to outfit each boy in full gear. It costs around $150.00 per child for full lacrosse equipment. At one of the very first practices, a young boy was hit in the eye with a lacrosse ball. Although he was okay, this brought attention to parents to start asking for donations to equip the boys.

Recently, a woman by the name of Anne Keeney made a $2,000.00 donation to this program. Mrs. Keeney is an 85 year old woman who is a huge sports fan. Her son, Howard Keeney, is a friend of the 1-2 coaches and also a town board member of Seneca County where the fourth and fifth grade children practice and play their games. Brandon Herod, coach of the 1-2 boys, received a phone call about the generous donation, and working closely with Nick Darcangelo Graphic-Tex Inc., the money will go towards full equipment for the 15 boys.

"I think that it is important that Mrs. Keeney know that, not only did she do something wonderful for our fifteen boys who are on the team this year, but she also will be helping all of the first and second graders that come through this program for years to come," Coach Herod said. He also stated, "The lacrosse equipment will stay with the program and outfit first and second graders for the next ten to fifteen years." Mrs. Keeney’s generous donation has not only fully outfitted the fifteen players but has also made it that the players can now play other teams. "The long term benefit is that the players will be used to the equipment and the way that the game is played much sooner than they would without the equipment," Herod said.

During practice, the team focuses on two things, fun and fundamentals. "It is critical that the kids have fun when they are out there," Coach said. The skills that are taught at this young age include throwing and catching, ground balls, shooting and defense. Don Parsons, another assistant coach for grades 1 and 2, teaches the boys these fundamentals. Coach Herod feels that no matter if it is a sport, cub scouts, 4-H club or whatever, it is important that students get involved.