West Virginia Lacrosse Explores New Regional System | Latest Updates on News, Sports, and Job Opportunities

The sport of lacrosse in West Virginia is on the brink of a major transformation, with the introduction of a regional system that could revolutionize the way the game is played in the state. Led by Linsly head coach Tucker Wilkinson, the West Virginia Scholastic Lacrosse Association (WVSLA) is considering dividing the sport into northern, southern, central, and eastern regions.

Wilkinson explained that the proposed regional system aims to increase the focus on geographical areas and enhance the significance of rivalries between schools. The northern panhandle, which includes schools like Linsly, John Marshall, Park, and Central, would be a key area of competition under the new format.

The shift to four regions would mark a departure from the current two-division system in the WVSLA, with each region potentially consisting of four teams. The South region would center around Charleston, the Central around Morgantown, and the East across the eastern panhandle.

In addition to the regional system, there are plans to introduce a fall lacrosse league in an Olympic-style format known as sixes. This new format, which emphasizes quick gameplay and skill development, aims to attract more players to the sport and create a pathway for end-of-season tournaments.

With the potential implementation of the four-region system as early as the fall of 2024, the lacrosse community in West Virginia is poised for an exciting and transformative period. As Wilkinson emphasized, the goal is to continue growing the sport and providing opportunities for young athletes to excel in lacrosse at both the high school and collegiate levels.