Meera Srinivasan, Story Editor
When University of Virginia attackman Michael Kraus (NCHS 2015) scored the winning goal in with 1:47 left in the game against University of Vermont on April 21, a roar erupted from Dunning Stadium louder than ever heard there before. Both sides of Dunning were packed to the brim with fans from all over Fairfield County, who were part of an event bigger than the game itself, the first Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMCLA) game of the year.
Not to say that the game wasn’t important; both UVA and UVM were playing under enormous pressure to make the NCAA tournament; especially UVA who needed the win to qualify for the ACC tournament. In addition, the game was a homecoming for several players, including Kraus and freshman Jackson Appelt for UVA, and Carson Armstrong and Andrew Bauersfeld for UVM.
But the day was more than just a game. The turnout began at 9 am, as families dressed head-to-toe in UVA and UVM team colors, began to park their trucks and set up tents. A pregame fan-fest included food trucks, selling lacrosse apparel, and a competition for fans to participate in for the fastest shot on goal. Young kids littered the fields as they played lacrosse, imitating the moves by popular attacker Michael Kraus.
Jackson commented on what it felt like to be back at Dunning. “The experience is so surreal. You never think you are going to get the chance to play on Dunning again and suddenly, you’re back with your college team. It honestly feels like a dream.” he said.
Timmy Norton, an NCHS junior who will play lacrosse at UVM, got a chance to see his future team in action. “The game made a huge impact on the future commitments,” he said. “It exposed kids to a new levelof play, and in a way, it was publicity for both schools.” Timmy is just one of two juniors who are committed to college for lacrosse.
With UVA and UVM one-upping each other throughout the game, it was undoubtedly an exciting college level game. In the next few weeks, New Canaan will be the host of several high school lacrosse games where fans can watch the senior commits play their final games at Dunning.
