Huntley to Host Regional Lacrosse All-Star Game

Five varsity Huntley Red Raiders Lacrosse players will join top varsity talent from across the Chicago area on June 5 for the Northern Illinois Lacrosse Association’s (NILAX) 2012 All-Star Game.

“We are excited to be chosen as the host site for the NILAX All Star Game for the second consecutive year,” Raiders Lacrosse Club President Tony Nigro said. “Top talent from this entire area will take the field for this game which caps off the 2012 competitive season, and scouts from all over the region will be watching for future recruiting prospects.”

The Raiders are hosting the game at Huntley High School, 13719 Harmony Road, Gates open at 6 p.m. and faceoff is at 7 p.m.

Head coaches from the top four finishing lacrosse teams in the NILAX league will be coaching the game. Coaches will be John Bigler of Jacobs, whose team finished with a 15-0 record, and Mike Buetsch of Cary Grove, whose team finished with a 12-5 record. Assistant coaches will be Phil Ryan of Huntley, whose team ended with a 10-4-1 record, and Dana Neilsen of Prairie Ridge, whose team ended the 2012 season with a 7-5 record.

Representing Huntley at the All Star Game: senior midfielder Jake Hanetho, Senior Attackman Todd Meyer, senior defenseman Andy Nichols, senior midfielder Frank Recchia, and Sophomore Midfielder (LSM) Nick Zielinski.

In addition to the Huntley players, teams from Arlington, Batavia, Cary Grove, Crystal Lake Central, Crystal Lake South, Downers Grove, Dundee Crown, Jacobs, McHenry, Marian Central, North Shore and Prairie Ridge will be sending players to the game.

Admission is $3 for those 12 years old and over, and $1 for those under the age of 12.

“We have some great activities planned for kids who want to come out and learn why lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the nation,” Nigro said. “Kids will have opportunities to try out equipment and try some shooting before the game, and at half time kids can participate in a shooting accuracy game for prizes. We also have a lot of giveaways for the crowd.”

Additionally, players will be participating in a speed shooting competition at half time, Nigro said. A radar gun will be used to capture the players’ speed, and the winner will win an award.