Sachem Sports Club Lacrosse has Annual End of Year Picnic Celebration

The coaches versus parents' lacrosse game kicked off the annual (SSC) lacrosse end of the year picnic for the league's boys and girls, held recently at the PAL Complex in Holtsville.

Mini kindergarten though first grade lacrosse games were played, and there was a dunk tank, bouncy house and plenty of grills, coolers and lawn chairs.  It was a laid-back all day affair that the entire family could enjoy together.

Keith Higgins, coach and director of SSC Lacrosse for the past three years, and a 1978 Sachem alum, said that last year over 400 people attended the event, but that the overcast weather probably deterred some from coming out this year. 

Higgins, fresh off the field from playing in the parents versus coaches' game, downplayed the fact that the coaches won.  "Everybody's a winner," he said.

He explained that the quality of their coaches and the fact that the boys' lacrosse mirrors the high school program is what sets their league apart from other organizations.

"It separates North and East to keep the core kids together, so hopefully they have some success at the high school level," Higgins said.  "The coaches are superb.  They're just good individuals."

Higgins added that SSC lacrosse does not award championships. 

"The kids are here to learn and compete.  No one is playing for a trophy," he said. "They all get the same trophy at the end of the year."

He tried to put into words what makes lacrosse so special to him and so many others in attendance.

"It's a different camaraderie than other sports; it's a true fraternity.  I can't explain it; it's a strange thing. You try to pass that on to the older kids ... that you'll have these friends for years and years to come."

"It's a great program," said Tracy Micheli from Farmingville. "Both my boys have played for a few years.  It's very family-oriented.  It has great coaches and very fair games."

SSC is a nonprofit youth athletic organization.  It provides quality sports instruction and competition in football and cheerleading, in addition to lacrosse for boys and girls ages 5 to 13.  In 2010, the SSC formed when Sachem Youth Sports and the Sachem Athletic Club merged.

Bill Murphy, coach and assistant director of SSC lacrosse, was given a special presentation and award at the picnic, because he is stepping down this year after almost 10 years of service and dedication.

"He's the definition of a true volunteer.  He truly has done it just for the kids.  His time and devotion is unparalleled," Higgins said.