The Tucson Titans, the newest of the three southern Arizona youth lacrosse club teams, had its best showing ever in the annual Cactus Cup youth lacrosse championship in Scottsdale on March 30, with its 10U team winning the state-wide championship. Leading up to the championship, the 10U Titans went 4-0 in pre-season and 15-0 in the regular season prior to winning the championship.
The 14U Titans team also had a very strong showing at the Cactus Cup finishing fourth in the state.
It’s quite an accomplishment for a club in existence for only three years. The club was founded in 2016 by Mike Storie, Noah Van Amburg, Dean Greenberg and Ty Endean. Coaches Mike, Noah and Dean all played NCAA college lacrosse.
“This group of very young men battled like warriors and would not give up this year,” said Storie, referring to the 10U team. “Not once did they sit back and take it easy. They went to Scottsdale – not always the friendliest place to play — and played with the heart we have seen in them all year. This team is impressive.”
Youth lacrosse in Arizona has been a vibrant and competitive sport for many years, but in southern Arizona it is stronger than ever. Tucson youth club lacrosse teams such as the Oro Valley Lacrosse Club and the Tucson Bandits have been around for years. A new team started up three years ago, the Tucson Titans.
Lacrosse is among the fastest growing sports in the United States, according to a recent Sport & Fitness Industry Association report, with participation increasing nearly 10 percent in 2017 and by 25 percent since 2012. More than 1.1 million boys and girls now play the sport in youth leagues.
