21 Strong

Fishers’ Triumphant Youth Lacrosse Team Celebrates Undefeated Season

Photos Provided by HSE Fishers Lacrosse

People in Indiana love sports. It is hard to walk down the street without seeing a Pacers or Colts logo. Fishers residents feverishly follow the highs and lows of their favorite teams, but there is an important local team many overlook. This team recently won both a state and a Midwest championship during an incredible 28-0 season, putting Fishers on the map — the HSE-Fishers Boys Lacrosse.

As part of the local S.P.O.R.T.S. nonprofit group, HSE-Fishers Boys Lacrosse is a sports club for third to eighth graders. Youths can join the recreational team to play against other local groups or try out for the travel team to compete against teams across the Midwest. The club is tightly tied to local high school programs. Hamilton Southeastern High School’s recent championship winning team was even entirely comprised of former HSE-Fishers Lacrosse youth players.

The club can credit its undefeated streak to not only the players’ skill but also the lessons coaches instill in the young athletes. For example, Coach Mark Berutich assigned a special homework assignment first week of practice to teach the importance of setting goals. Each player had to write three ways they can benefit the team and three goals they had for the team as the whole. Everyone read their assignment out loud during practice, and the most popular goals were winning the state and Midwest championships.

Fulfilling that goal required considerable hard work. Coach Berutich notes how most lacrosse teams do not start practice until the weather warms up. HSE-Fishers Boys Lacrosse instead started in January, taking advantage of an indoor facility. By the time most other teams started practice, HSE-Fishers Lacrosse had 30 hours of practice under its belt.

The practice was important, but training alone does not make a championship team.

“We can be great individually, but that doesn’t make a great team,” Coach Berutich says.

Teamwork is necessary, and HSE-Fishers Lacrosse implanted it through their saying “21 strong.” The saying reminds players that they are part of a team. “21 strong” is frequently repeated in every practice, team huddle and digital communication. Players take the 21 strong mentality to heart, acting as a unit both on and off the field.

For example, the club visited Hanover college to both watch and play lacrosse on its field. The team arrived to find the field covered in ice, making it impossible for both Hanover and Fishers Lacrosse to play. Children and coaches alike quickly got to work, using chairs and tables to shovel the field. Because of HSE Fishers Lacrosse’s team efforts, both they and the college students were able to play.

The club is currently looking forward to more great games and more growth for all involved. In the meantime, Coach Berutich urges local families to check out the fast-paced world of lacrosse.

“I think if they were to come out to see the sport and the fun kids have doing it, and the fun the parents have watching it, they would immediately gravitate to the sport,” he says. “It’s somewhat infectious, and I think it’s the greatest spectator sport there is.”

For more information visit HSE-Fishers Boys Lacrosse online at hsefishersboyslax.com.