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Article: NO LONGER THE 'OTHER' SPORT; Offseason Programs, Rule Changes and Even the Soccer Boom Have Led to Increased Participation in Field Hockey
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- September 8, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Lil Shelton began coaching the field hockey team at Severna Park
High 25 years ago, and since then she has watched with envy as the
other girls sports at her school--soccer, basketball, lacrosse and
volleyball--have boomed in popularity.
Although Shelton's teams won 11 state titles, including eight of
the last nine Maryland 4A crowns, the sport has struggled for an
audience.
The situation was the same across the Washington area. The
reason? Field hockey, Shelton said, did not have the benefit of
having a male equivalent like other sports. So to gain popularity,
it had to "stand on its own two feet," she said.
"Because there is no male program to catch the imagination, it's
just really tough" ...