Law-Crosse

By Nick Slinko and Dan Strickland

Original article posted by: http://www.law.uwo.ca/


Lacrosse is typically a sport that gets limited press coverage at all levels, so I thought it would be beneficial to the student body to get some exposure to it considering that many of our colleagues have represented UWO on several occasions. What you probably do not know is that lacrosse is Canada’s national sport. My guess is most people assume hockey has that distinction. While the NHL is certainly far more popular than the NLL (National Lacrosse League) both sports have an equally rich history.

First Nations began playing the sport in a slightly different form more than 500 years ago. Formerly known as Baggataway or Tewaarathon, it is an activity that requires great endurance, hand-eye co-ordination, and a unique blend of grace and tenacity. It is a sport of both finesse and intense physical contact. For example, many actions that would constitute a penalty in hockey are completely legitimate in lacrosse. It is by no means an easy game to master, but more and more youth are getting involved at the local level, and that is a positive sign. The subjects of this article have been playing lacrosse for many years and are another great example of the well-roundedness of the students studying law at UWO. Below is a summary of their university careers and most recent results and accomplishments.

TD Waterhouse Stadium – The 2010 Western Men’s Lacrosse season was cut short after a 10-8 quarter-final loss to long-time rival Brock University on October 31st. While the loss was a disappointment to Mustang fans everywhere, it was especially disappointing to three current Western Law students. Brendan Farrer (1L), Reid Crombie (2L) and Dan Strickland (3L) are all current members of the Men’s lacrosse team.

Farrer, a defenceman, joined the purple and white after playing four years at McGill as an undergraduate. The 2009 Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association’s most outstanding defender had an immediate impact leading the nation’s now number-one defence.

Crombie, an attackman, was the Mustang’s second leading scorer in 2010. This was his sixth season as a member of the team, having played four years as an undergraduate. Crombie is among the Mustangs’ all-time leaders in goals scored.

Strickland returned to the team in 2010 as an assistant coach, after a nagging knee injury forced him to hang up the cleats after the 2008 season. In five seasons as a Mustang defender prior to that, Strickland was twice recognized as a CUFLA All-Canadian.

Amazingly, the lacrosse connection within the faculty doesn’t end there.

Lauren Hulme (2L) was a member of the 2009 OUA championship winning Women’s team. After playing as an undergraduate for the Mustangs, Hulme rejoined the team when she began law school. Her leadership on the field was of tremendous importance during the team’s 2009 championship run.

And last, but certainly not least, there is David Vaughan (3L). A five-year member of the Laurier Golden Hawks men’s lacrosse team, Vaughan served as team captain for two of those seasons and was well known to Crombie and Strickland via the Western-Laurier rivalry.

You don’t get many opportunities to watch lacrosse, live or on television, so if you have the time, I encourage you to cheer on your Mustangs next season when they resume play. It will be an opportunity for you to fall in love with a new sport.