Total team effort Pro lacrosse player adds final touch to turn teen's dream into reality
A professional lacrosse player equipped a newcomer to the sport with a new crosse (lacrosse stick) on Monday morning.
Chris Panos, who played 12 years in the National Lacrosse League, furnished Beth Griffin with her first crosse just in time, as Mundelein High kicked off its lacrosse season with practice on Monday after school.
• Where --Lake Forest College's artificial-turf football stadium.
• When -- Four Sundays in July (5, 12, 19 & 26), noon-2 p.m.
• Cost -- $350.
• Who -- Lacrosse players age 12-17.
• Instructor -- Chris Panos
• Camp goals -- Emphasis on fundamentals and game situations. The experience and first-hand knowledge gained here will elevate your confidence and take your game to another level.
• How to register -- Contact Chris at (631) 721-8919 or via e-mail at CHRISPANOS55@ADVANCEDLACROSSE.COM.
Without the donation, Griffin would not have been properly outfitted for the season. Her family is on a tight budget because her father is undergoing hospice care.
"I did not expect Chris to donate a lacrosse stick," Griffin said. "This is probably the coolest thing that's ever happened to me."
When Griffin told school social worker Julie Wheeler about her desire to play, Wheeler arranged donors to supply Griffin with the rest of the necessary gear, including a helmet, pads and a chest plate.
"If somebody wants to be involved in a sport or activity, you have to do everything you can to make that possible," Wheeler said.
All the gear, plus the school's athletic fee, would have totaled hundreds of dollars.
"I'm sure other people need equipment, too. It's so sweet that other people are willing to help me out," Griffin said. "Money is really tight in our house. Money for such an expensive sport is an issue."
Her father was diagnosed with cancer about five years ago, which has since spread from his back to his colon and brain. He was given six months to live and has held on for the past six years, Griffin said.
"It's looking grim, but he's still here," Griffin said.
Panos, of Lake Forest, could relate to what Griffin is going through. His own father wrestled with cancer before passing away in 2004.
"I always found sports were a great way to keep my mind occupied. Having teammates around you really helps. It seems like you have a great nucleus of people around you," Panos told Griffin.
Panos, 34, has played in the National Lacrosse League for 12 years. Last year, he played for the Chicago Shamrox, who are not fielding a team this year.
Currently, Panos is the assistant varsity coach at Lake Forest High.
He also offers private training for players of all levels through his business, Advanced Lacrosse (www.advancedlacrosse.com).
He told Griffin that he thought she would do just fine as the only girl on the lacrosse team.
Griffin, 17, will play on Mundelein's junior-varsity team. The first game is scheduled for March 25 against Grayslake North.
"I always thought (lacrosse) looked like one of the coolest sports to play," Griffin said.
"I really enjoy it. It's a great stress reliever."
