I wanted to take a moment to recognize the accomplishments of this year’s Dragons lacrosse team. For nine seasons, the Dragons have exemplified the best in island resourcefulness: playing programs affiliated with much bigger schools (Snohomish, Bellingham, Lynnwood!) and with far larger budgets, and consistently putting together teams that are focused on sportsmanship and good team play. The 2010 team is the pinnacle of those efforts.

Hard-working players supported by hard-working parents, and led by a talented coach who cares about much more than just the final score have taken this team to new heights. It’s a pleasure to watch, and the scale of their accomplishments should not be overlooked. The Washington lacrosse community often looks to the Web site walax.com for news of the sport. Here’s an apt quote from the reporter who viewed the Dragons’ first playoff game this season:

“This was the 58th high school game I’ve covered this season and I have to say, San Juan impresses me more than any other program in the state. … they get more out of what they have than any team I’ve seen. Think about it; these guys have no youth program, no JV team, play on a field that looks like a minefield and they’re on an island that is a three-hour commute from most of the teams in the state. Through all this, they earned a number one seed in the playoffs and did so playing with a level of sportsmanship unmatched by any other team I’ve seen. That’s impressive.”

Well put. If you have a chance, come catch one of their games, this season or next. Nearly everyone who does walks away both impressed and entertained.

Go Dragons!

Brendan Cowan
Friday Harbor