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City Lax brings lacrosse to inner-city Denver

A A A Comments (10) By Joel Warner Thursday, May 27 2010

...continued from page 8

But as the second half of the boys' game gets under way, the Panthers score goal after unanswered goal. "They're coming back!" hollers Dazen Franklin from the sidelines, where he's clutching the lacrosse stick he uses in the club team he recently joined. On the other field, the Coyotes are coming back, too: They trade hard-fought goals with the City Lax girls until, with less than a minute left, they're one point behind.

This is when the Franklin twins turn on the juice. On alternate fields, Joanne and Jaden make leaping catches at midfield and head off for their respective goals. They're vrooming, blowing past one opponent after another until it's just them, the goalie and the net.

Anthony Camera

Rod Allison had the dream, Erik Myhren had the team.

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The end is never really in doubt. It's like their game cheer: "1, 2, 3, City Lax – you know!" Both Joanne and Jaden know they're going to score, just like they know, deep down, that both their teams will win today (the boys 10 to 7, the girls 13 to 11). Just like the twins know they're going to roll into the Jamboree in early June and play with every ounce of hunger in their guts. Just like they know that next spring they'll be returning to this hardscrabble patch of green to help their former coaches hone the hunger of their successors, and give other kids a chance to shine.

I jute, I turn, release

The ball flies exactly where I want it to be

Right between the goalie's feet.

Score, the game is won.

City Lax undefeated

And we did it all for fun.

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lerita bibbs 06/10/2010 6:23:00 AM

Jaden and JoAnne are awesome people, from knowing them for two years i leared alot about sports and there knowledge has been helpful. When we had our lacrosse games i loved how JoAnne would help me when i made a mistake, she would never yell or get mad she would just tell me how i could become better. The 2010 jamberee only happed because of JoAnne. If we didnt have JoAnne most of us would make it to our games on time. So JoAnne wasnt just a great teacher she was also a great transportation. Now that our lacrosse team has lost all of our eighth grades JoAnne helps me get better to become an leader of the team next year and hopeful we will make it to our 2011 jamberee

Beth 05/30/2010 4:13:00 AM

I'm a teacher and 3 of my students play lacrosse with City Lax. Being from the East Coast, and Lax hotspot Baltimore, it is great to see not only the spread of lax, but the positive impact it has on my students. Never did I think I'd see a bunch of city kids from Park Hill and 5 Points carrying around sticks all day and playing catch on the playground. The students of mine who play for City Lax have a positive impact in getting students who otherwise wouldn't be involved in sports actively engaged in athletics. And to John... City Lax is separate of DPS Athletics, and please don't make such blatantly ignorant comments that have nothing to do with the article, other comments, or proof to back it up. Most student athletes pay between $50 and $800 to offset the cost that DPS DOESN'T put toward sports programs.

John 05/30/2010 3:58:00 AM

Amazing all the money Denver Public Schools wastes on athletics. Less than 2% of students participate in sports. There's usually more team players than spectators at games. even worse

HJ Hays 05/28/2010 2:01:00 PM

Well done! My son enjoyed his collegiate lacrosse years. He loves this sport! I see kids with lacrosse sticks at Smiley and I am so proud of them all.

Cordelia Randall 05/28/2010 8:42:00 AM

Heartwarming,inspiring,and genuine character is shown in this piece. These are the stories that highlight people who make this world a better place. Westword keep giving us positive glimpses into lives that change our world. Bravo to all involved.

Terrance Roberts 05/28/2010 7:39:00 AM

We have the greatest children and some of the greatest organizations keeping our youth focused on making their world a better place. Thank you Westword for doing a positive story to highlight that! Be proud East and N.E. Denver! We keep rising to the top, starting from the bottom with nothing but a will to make a better life for our youth.

longtime park hill resident 05/28/2010 5:21:00 AM

Dear Westword, It had been a long time so thanks for the great story about some wonderful things going on in Park Hill thanks to some amazing people and talented kids!

Druid 05/28/2010 3:33:00 AM

Lacrosse is a crock Play Baseball.

Caroline 05/28/2010 12:11:00 AM

This is a great story about a wonderful program. However, if Jaden doesn't go to Kent, he should feel good about the boys' LAX team at East. It has a well-earned reputation and a tough coach. Great academics are also available at East, and good college opportunities.