by By Dan Ninham
Some Oneida native college athletes are handling the non-playing fall lacrosse season of the NCAA and Covid-19 in another way. They are playing box lacrosse in the inaugural season of the Great Plains Box Lacrosse League (GPBLL).
According to the website: https://www.gpbll.com/about/ the Great Plains Box Lacrosse League (GPBLL) inaugural season recently started. The season was to start in July but due to COVID-19 there was a later start.
The Milwaukee Muskies are a part of the GPBLL East Conference including the Chicago Outlaws, Missouri Mastodons, and Cincinnati Limitless Lacrosse. The website for the Milwaukee Muskies is here: https://www.gpbll.com/team/milwaukee-muskies/
The GPBLL West Conference consists of the Minneapolis Moose, St. Paul Bears, Sioux Falls Stealth, and Kansas City Smoke.
The Milwaukee Muskies defeated the Sioux Falls Stealth 25-2 on August 9, 2020. There are four Oneida’s playing for the Milwaukee Muskies: Byran Halona, Richard Summers III, Dylan Granquist, and Nate Padron.
Byran Halona, 23, has been playing lacrosse since middle school. “I played with Oneida Nation until I graduated high school then was fortunate enough to continue my career at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee,” said Byran.
“We had a tryout during summer time down in Ozaukee, WI where there were two full sessions of guys who tried out,” said Byran. “I made the final roster after tryouts.”
“My personal goals are to give our team the best winning chances, have a great time, and get the championship at the end of the season,” said Byran. “Our team goal is to introduce box lacrosse to the area, create a dynamic team that pushes to grow, and win the championship at the end of the season!”
Practicing safe habits with the Covid-19 pandemic in an athletic arena is a concern. There are no fans in the stands.
“Our GM’s are doing an awesome job to protect the players by working with our practice location, league officials, and following safety precautions,” said Byran. “Games are streamed instead of having crowds at the game, buildings requiring masks, and cleaning of all equipment.”
“The game is competitive and has a connection with the medicine game,” said Byran. “Having the stick in your hand is very invigorating and being able to run up and down the floor is a celebration of wellness. The joy the game brings to those who watch is very uplifting as well and being able to come together as a team is uplifting to everyone on the roster.”
Richard Summers III, 19, is from Oneida, WI. “I’ve been playing lacrosse since an early age,” said Richard. “I am playing lacrosse at Marian University as a goal keeper. I’ve also played lacrosse in Australia.”
“Dylan Granquist introduced me to the Milwaukee Muskies this past early summer,” said Richard. “He told me to come try out and gain more experience. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot because I grew up only knowing how to stop a lacrosse ball. With very little experience in the box I wasn’t expecting myself to make the team. But I did and so far from practices and our first game I can tell I already am getting better as a better player overall.”
“My personal goals are to grow as a player and gain some knowledge of the box game,” said Richard. “My team goals are to be the best team player that I can be.”
“I’m practicing safe habits by wearing a mask everywhere I go, washing my hands regularly and to just make smart choices about what I’m doing,” said Richard.
“Growing up I was taught that you play for a greater purpose and not just for the name on your jersey,” said Richard. “When I’m playing either box or field lacrosse it don’t change. I always play for a greater purpose.”
Nate Padron, 20, is from De Pere, WI. He started playing lacrosse in Oneida when he was 10 years old and played with Oneida youth lacrosse until he started high school. “I played for Green Bay Metro Lacrosse before transferring to Oneida Nation HS and playing my sophomore year,” said Nate.
“During the summer of 2017, I played in Ontario in the North American Indigenous Games,” said Nate. “I came to play with the Milwaukee Muskies by finding out about the tryout from a friend and following the tryout I was offered a spot.”
“Regarding our win this past Saturday, it always feels good to get those first game jitters out with a win,” said Nate. “It was a big win for us and we definitely enjoyed it but we’re staying focused on learning and getting better before our next game. As far as COVID-19 goes I’ve just been doing all I can to stay safe and stay healthy so I can keep playing. I am always thinking of a medicine game. Especially during this pandemic I think it’s something the community could greatly benefit from.”
Dylan Granquist, 20, is also from Oneida, WI. “I found out about the Muskies from Instagram and I figured it would be something to do during the summer to help keep my stick in my hand so that’s what I did I tried out. I ended up making the team. I am playing transition/defense this season and this is a new experience for me because at school I play offense.”
“This experience is really good for me because I am starting to learn the ins and outs, that will help me read defenses when I play offense. I am really enjoying this new experience,” added Dylan.
“My personal goal is to improve as an overall player and make memories in the process,” said Dylan.
“The team practices safe habits by wearing masks when entering the building and there is hand sanitizer at the door to use,” said Dylan. “I try not to shake anyone’s hand and after games I don’t take my gloves off to tell players they had a good game.”
“Lacrosse in my experience is very healing,” said Dylan. “Every time I get a chance to play the game I have a good time. The game gives me energy, and takes all my stress away and I have a lot of fun. My family and community enjoy watching the other boys from the community and I play.”
Photo Credit: Richie Summers
Photo Caption: L to R: Byran Halona, Dylan Granquist, Nate Padron, and Richard Summers III
Great read. Way to go guys!