“Landsharks! Landsharks go!” The chant has become quite popular with residents in Columbus ever since the professional lacrosse team made its debut on December 30 at Nationwide Arena. As the latest expansion team to call Columbus home, the Landsharks have brought the best kept secret in sports to the area. The National Lacrosse League describes itself as just that, and has acquired a following of more than 9,800 fans since its formation in 1997. The NLL, formerly the Major Indoor Lacrosse League, which began with eight teams, has expanded to nine with the addition of the Landsharks, and league commissioner Jim Jennings said he hopes to expand to 16 teams in the next few years. “Ideally, we would like to make the sport a national pastime and get teams out on the West Coast,” Jennings said. “There has also been an interest to add teams in Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.” Chris Bandura, director of media relations for the NLL, explained that Columbus was chosen as the site of the first league expansion team because of the city’s prosperity. “It’s a growing city and with the NHL simultaneously entering Columbus, it seemed a perfect fit,” Bandura said. The Landsharks team is comprised of expansion draft players and free agents. As an expansion team, it was given the number one spot in the draft, and the Landsharks were able to add Tracey Kelusky, the overall No. 1 draft choice in 2000, to their roster. The NLL is unique from other pro sports in that the season is part time and most players have other jobs, including teaching, consulting, construction, etc., during their off season. The players seem to be enjoying their first year in Columbus and won their first home game of the season January 26 in overtime against the Ottawa Rebel. “The fans here have been great,” said Curtis Palidwor, goalie for the Landsharks. “We’ve gotten a lot of support so far and we’re excited that the fans are enjoying themselves.” Amanda Basista, a senior in journalism, thinks the games are great. “This is only my second lacrosse game, and I love it,” Basista said . “The game is very fast-paced and competitive, and you catch on quickly to the rules.” In comparison with other sports, including the NBA and NHL, Jennings thinks that eventually lacrosse could compete on the same level as these leagues. “Currently, our league is at the same point as the NHL was in the ’70s,” Jennings said. “Our salaries will never get to the point of the NHL or NBA, but I think in the upcoming years we’ll be able to move to full-time seasons and compete with other pro sport leagues.” Bandura feels that getting the sport and the players more into the public eye is key in gaining popularity. “We’d like to get the guys on magazine covers, make more public appearances and just get the sport out there to the public,” Bandura said . Jennings added that the league will be releasing a lacrosse video game for PlayStation in the spring and hopes this will get more children interested and involved in the sport. “We would like to cater to an even larger audience in the next few years, and acquiring a national television contract would do just that,” Jennings said. “In the next three years I wouldn’t be surprised if lacrosse becomes the fifth major sport in North America. I feel we have the product to do just that.” The Landsharks next home game against the Albany Attack is on Feb. 16.
Louie's Landing
Published: Wednesday, January 31, 2001
Updated: Sunday, June 21, 2009
 "Photo: Kerstin Jana Zimmermann")
Kerstin Jana Zimmermann
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