by By Dan Ninham, Contributing Writer
Jasper Loons is an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. He is in the eighth grade at Cloquet Middle School. He plays lacrosse in the close defense position for the Duluth Wolfpack Lacrosse Association and the MN Select 2028 LOONS team.
“I am about to start my second season playing with the MN Select team for the upcoming 2023/2024 season,” said Jasper Loons. “I also took third place overall at the 2023 Minnesota State High School Clay Target League championships last June in Alexandria, MN.”
The indigenous core values of indigenous athletes help guide them in practice and competition.
“I always focus on why we play this game and what it means as a native kid playing lacrosse and our history and why we play the medicine game,” said Loons.
Family is also important in guiding the athlete. Loons said, “I realize this is turning into a big commitment for my parents and little sister as we travel for these games and tournaments, and this wouldn’t be possible without them and their support. When I practice with the Loons team, we have to travel two hours each way. Playing at this level is not easy.”
Being multi-talented in athletics means being active in many ways to strive for peak performance.
“I have been playing traditional lacrosse at the Fond du Lac Lax 4 Life Camp,” said Loons. “I started running 5K marathons and attending any training camps being offered. I have also been practicing at other positions besides defense.”
“I have a chance to try out for the 2024 Premier Lacrosse League JR Championships next team next January in Florida. They play a tournament in Baltimore next August. Those are the best lacrosse players in the country that try out for those games,” added Loons.
Todd Fedora is a member of the Duluth Wolfpack U14 boys’ lacrosse teams coaching staff. He said,” Have enjoyed seeing him play for about the last four years. Jasper is a consummate team player, leading by example. His calm demeanor, quick smile, and absorbing coaching like a sponge all exemplify why he anchors the back side of our teams. Obviously, at these levels, you have some youngsters with varying levels of experience.”
“Jasper does not criticize, he encourages and supports. An absolute gem to be affiliated with,” added Coach Fedora.
Coach Fedora continued to talk about his top level athlete. He said, “During a difficult contest this past summer, against some stiff competition, Jasper was directing positioning of our defending poles, quarterbacking the slide, which is invaluable and leading by example. During the heat of a game, with coaches 30 yards away, he picks up the mantle and runs with it, with a smile! Absolute great young man from a great family.”
Photo: Brennan Schachtner and Jessica Loons
