Pioneering His Sport

Seventeen-year-old Frank DeMarco seems too young to already be a legacy member of just about anything.

But evidently, the sport of lacrosse in Elk Grove is still that fresh.

DeMarco, this week's Elk Grove Patch Athlete of the Week, has been with the Elk Grove Lacrosse Club since it began six years ago. He is currently co-captain of the Gladiators varsity boys team, playing defense and long stick middie.

This year, DeMarco was named a Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association All-East Division All-Star and invited to compete with the Sacramento Heat Lacrosse Travel Team over the summer.

“He has played with us since the beginning and he’s always showed a real interest and talent in the sport,” said Erich Nolan, co-founder of the club and one of his coaches. “Because of his speed, quickness, smarts and athleticism, he got recognized this year.”

Though lacrosse fans tout it as one of the original sports in North America, the sport's popularity is just beginning to take off locally.

In addition to DeMarco's club, which fields four boys' teams ranging from nine-year-olds to high school seniors, Elk Grove also is home to the Pleasant Grove Lacrosse Club, featuring both boys' and girls' teams.

Nolan said that the progress of both clubs is a testament to the growth of lacrosse in the area.  His club offers free clinics during the summer to youth interested in the sport.

“We’ve been able to grow because lacrosse has become more visible through TV and because of the growing number of club teams at colleges,” Nolan said. “It’s a great thing; they realize what fun it is. It’s a very physical sport.”

DeMarco, a junior at Franklin High School with a grade point average above 4.0, began his lacrosse career in seventh grade. He's picked it up fast.  

We caught up with DeMarco to chat about lacrosse, his future and his favorite video games.

What first interested you in lacrosse?

My Dad came across the club’s website and he told me about it. It sounded like a fun sport to play. It was something new and ended up as one of the most fun sports I’ve ever played.

What’s your favorite part about the sport?

That’s hard, actually. I am a defender so I have to defend the goal, but there are sometimes when I actually take [the ball] up and score. The best part would be scoring as a defender. It doesn’t happen a lot in the game.

What makes you stand out in the sport?

When I play a sport, I really like to work hard at it, stay committed and do whatever I can to improve as a player and to help with the team.

Were you successful right away or did it take some time?

It took about two years. Like any sport I play, I’m not that great at the beginning.

Are you ever surprised that lacrosse hasn’t taken off more than it already has?

I hear it’s really big back east. But in the west, there are not many schools that have it. I’d say for the high school level in California, there are quite a few. There are not a lot local in Elk Grove.

What do you think it will take for the sport to continue to grow in Elk Grove?

It will take time and for players to get other kids involved. It’s hard when you have sports going on at the same time—for instance, baseball.

You also play varsity football. How do you compare the two sports?

I like lacrosse more because it’s a faster pace. I get to use my speed more. In football, it’s only short spurts and I can’t get a lot of my energy out quick enough.

Do you play other sports?

I used to, but now only do football and lacrosse. I used to wrestle, compete in track and field and play soccer.

Are you beginning to get looks from colleges for lacrosse?

I’ve got some looks on an online profile and in an email from a Div. III college.

What would you tell a younger athlete who was thinking about playing lacrosse?

I’d tell them it’s a fast-paced sport that requires a lot of teamwork. There is a lot of excitement on the field and you need to be physical. Try not to retaliate, though, even though it is a hard-hitting physical sport.

Do you have other hobbies outside of lacrosse and football?

Like any other kid, when I’m not working out or playing sports, I’m watching TV or playing video games. My favorite TV shows are House and NCIS. The video game I am playing now is Call of Duty: Black Ops.  I also help coach soccer.