Sports Digest

Lacrosse offerings to be held in Hodag Dome

The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program will offer a pair of lacrosse courses in early October. Lacrosse 101 for Youth will take place Wednesday, Oct. 2 followed by Trashcan Lacrosse on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

Lacrosse 101 is geared for players age 15 and younger. Participants will learn the basics of lacrosse, including but not limited to ground balls, cradling, dodging, passing, catching and shooting. The group will be split into two sections, with one group using tennis balls, and the other using lacrosse balls. Hockey protective gear (helmet, chest protector, elbow pads, gloves, athletic supporter, etc.) is required for the section with lacrosse balls, and is encouraged for the section with tennis balls. 

Both sections will be held from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 in the Hodag Dome.

Trashcan Lacrosse the following week will build upon Lacrosse 101. Open to all ages, participants can expect 15 minutes of instruction (ground balls, throwing, catching and basic strategy), followed by a trashcan lacrosse tournament. This class will use tennis balls instead of lacrosse balls, however a hockey-style helmet and gloves are required. The class will take place from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Hodag Dome.

Lacrosse coach Will Jeffery will serve as the instructor for both programs. The registration fee is $15 per session. The registration deadline is Sept. 30 for Lacrosse 101 and Oct. 7 for Trashcan Lacrosse.

Pre-registration is required for all classes. Space is limited. To register, please visit the “Community” section of the School District of Rhinelander website: https://www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us/

community/community-education-classes.cfm. Online registration is available with a credit or debit card. Paper registration is available by mail or drop off. If you have questions, contact community education manager Mike Cheslock at 715-365-9745.

RHS alum Martin scores touchdown in UW-Whitewater win

Drake Martin, a 2020 Rhinelander High School graduate, found the end zone Saturday as 19th-ranked (D-III) UW-Whitewater defeated Division II non-conference opponent Roosevelt University 24-14 in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Martin capped off the Warhawks’ opening drive by catching a six-yard pass from quarterback Jason Ceniti, giving Whitewater a 7-0 lead. That was the only first half score by either team and the Warhawks only offensive touchdown on the day. Whitewater’s two other touchdowns came on a fumble recovery and a kickoff return.

That was the only catch for Martin, who transitioned from running back to tight end during his junior season in 2023. It was the fifth touchdown on Martin’s collegiate career. 

Martin, who finished his RHS career as the schools No. 2 all-time leading rusher, is a two-time first team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference nominee, earning honors as a special teamer in 2022 and as a tight end in 2023. He was recently named a team captain for the Warhawks for a second consecutive season.