image description

MCLA Adding Men's Lacrosse

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President James F. Birge and Director of Athletics Laura Mooney announced Wednesday the addition of men’s lacrosse to its varsity lineup with competition slated to begin during the 2019-20 academic year.
 
This new program will bring the total number of varsity sports at MCLA to 14, divided evenly among programs for men and women.
 
 Birge said that men’s lacrosse is the perfect next addition to MCLA’s growing athletics program.
 
 “Across the country, this fascinating sport – which combines the best qualities of hockey, basketball, and soccer – continues to increase in popularity among athletes and fans alike, and the Berkshires are no exception. The addition of men’s lacrosse to MCLA’s Athletics program no doubt will be a draw to a number of prospective students,” Birge said.
 
Lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in New England at both the high school and collegiate levels. According to U.S. Lacrosse, participation in organized lacrosse has tripled within the United State in the past 15 years. Over the last 20 years, there has been an increase of more than 100 programs, nationwide, in Division III alone.
 
“The Athletics Department is very excited about the addition of men’s lacrosse,” Mooney said. “We offer women’s lacrosse and, based on the current trends and growth of the sport, offering it on the men’s side is logical. This addition will allow us to continue to attract talented student athletes who will positively represent MCLA though athletic competition, while receiving a quality education.”
 
MCLA has not announced a conference affiliation for men’s lacrosse. The Trailblazers belong to the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletics Conference. However, the MASCAC does not currently offer men’s lacrosse. The Trailblazers also are affiliate members of the North Atlantic Conference, which does sponsor men’s lacrosse.
 
A national search is underway as MCLA seeks a full-time, head coach, who would begin duties in August, when the recruitment process for student athletes will commence. 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Pub, Bowling Alley Have New Names, New Owners

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The owners of Water Street Grill in Williamstown have expanded east by opening The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT) Sports Bar and Grill, now open seven days a week in the former Mingo's.
 
Eric and Hannah Reinhard, motivated by the new name, want to make the much-loved sports bar and bowling alley, now dubbed "Kingpins Bowling and Golf," the greatest it can be. 
 
"The GOAT is the greatest of all time. It's like an homage to the great athletes in every sport," Eric said. "Our logo is to be great, motivate yourself. It is a sports bar theme, but it is also a family place."
 
The Reinhards are steeped in the restaurant business in Berkshire County. Eric was an owner of the Freight Yard Pub from 1992 to 2000, opened Water Street Grill in 1996 and, before that, ran hotels, restaurants and a consulting company in New York, Massachusetts and the state of Florida. Hannah has more than 20 years of restaurant management experience. 
 
They purchased the entire property, including Greylock Bowl & Golf, in August from Osmin and Monica Alvarez, who've owned it since 2012. 
 
Eric said they were motivated after hearing the property was for sale.
 
The Reinhards stressed that they wanted to continue with the Alverez family's goal of ensuring the property continued as a bowling alley and family fun center for families to enjoy for years to come.
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories