Community

For the love of lacrosse

Some Hernando stars in other sports also shine in a new game.

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published December 28, 2007

Ben Noury and Sean Byrne receive a lot of attention for their exploits on the football field, but the two young athletes might be even more skilled at a different sport - lacrosse.

The Hernando Knights Lacrosse Club was founded three seasons ago by coach and program director Greg Longo. In its inaugural season, the club had five players on the West Florida Lacrosse League's All-Conference Team, including Noury and Byrne.

"Sean and Ben are really talented athletes," Longo said. "This sport is still developing around here, so having players like that helps a lot."

This season, the club is back in full force, practicing as much as possible at Veterans Park in Spring Hill.

Longo is preparing the team for a more difficult schedule and improving the skills of each individual, something that has really helped Noury.

"I am giving serious consideration to a future in lacrosse," Noury said. "When you start getting letters from college scouts, you can't ignore that possibility."

The Springstead junior recently was invited to take part in an elite national camp. The Top 205 Camp that meets annually in Baltimore only involves the best 205 players in the country, most of whom will be scouted by top collegiate programs.

Although Noury spreads himself pretty thin between football and basketball at school, his lacrosse talent is well-documented. Playing primarily defense for the past two seasons, he has totaled 19 goals and 12 assists for the club.

"I can only imagine how good Ben would be if he focused only on lacrosse," Longo said. "He has so much raw ability."

Byrne's success this past season on Hernando Christian's football team as a junior drew some notice, but those close to him know that his first love comes with a different helmet on. In two seasons, he has led the Hernando Knights in goals with 47 and added 10 assists along the way.

"What is there not to love about this sport?" Byrne said. "Between the hitting and the faceoffs, everything out here is so physical."

Both Noury and Byrne credit each other for their progression on the field because of their solid chemistry.

"When you are on the field with someone as good as you, it helps a lot," Byrne said. "Ben and I always seem to know what the other is going to do out there."

Submit feedback and story ideas to kdixon@sptimes.com or call 352 544-9480.

[Last modified December 27, 2007, 20:57:36]