New Book Highlights History Of Limestone Men's Lacrosse

Over the course of the past quarter century, Limestone College has become home to one of the most dominant men’s lacrosse programs in the nation.

That incredible journey, which includes four NCAA Division II national championships and 10 title game appearances, is highlighted in a newly released 96-page book entitled “25 Years of Limestone College Men’s Lacrosse.”

A pictorial that chronicles the history of Limestone men’s lacrosse, the publication features over 150 images that detail the program from its very beginning. Players, coaches, and fans are shown throughout the publication that shines a spotlight on one of the South’s most revered and storied lacrosse programs.

The decision to add men’s lacrosse in 1989 at a small college in Gaffney, South Carolina, with fewer than 300 students and many deteriorating buildings, was curious to many, but it would arguably end up altering the future of the school.

“In the heart of the South, where football was king, the College was bringing on a sport largely played in the Northeast,” said Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin, who penned the book’s introduction. “The first college lacrosse team in the state of South Carolina was going to reside in Cherokee County and many wondered why. But we knew for the College’s enrollment numbers to move upward, intercollegiate athletics was going to be the answer. And lacrosse would start the reawakening for Saints athletics and Limestone as a whole.”

The book was organized and authored by Ben Price, Limestone Athletics’ Coordinator for Internal and External Relations. Produced in conjunction with Arcadia Publishing, it is available for purchase online through the Limestone College Campus Store. The book is also available through Amazon and at select book stores in the Greenville-Spartanburg area. Copies will be available at select Limestone athletic events throughout the year, including men’s and women’s lacrosse games this spring.

“This was such a fun project to work on because all of the tools to create a great product were already there for me to use,” Price explained. “I could only make the book as good as the material would allow, and fortunately for me, the material was amazing. There are so many great pictures, including some that most people have never seen before. Hopefully it does a good job of showcasing not only the program, but the friendships, the fans, and the bonds that they all share.

“The goal in creating this book was to do something lasting and special for all of the people who helped create what this program is today, and I think we accomplished that,” Price added. “This was a fantastic idea that the College’s administration came up with several years ago to honor the 25th anniversary of the sport at Limestone, but the program’s awards and trophies have just continued to pile up so much that we’ve been hesitant to finish it and possibly miss out on even more material.”

To order the book through Limestone’s Campus Store, visit www.bkstr.com/limestonestore/shop/gifts-and-collectibles, and then click the “University Media” tab.  The cost per book is $22.99, plus tax and shipping.

Those ordering through the Campus Store who would like their books personalized by current head coach J.B. Clarke or program-founding head coach and current Saints Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Cerino can make that request by emailing Price at bprice@limestone.edu.

“Limestone men’s lacrosse is one of the more improbable dynasties in all of college athletics,” Dr. Griffin said. “Since its lacrosse team’s meager beginnings, the athletics department has grown to 25 teams with nearly 900 student-athletes, making it one of the largest in NCAA Division II. The College has flourished over the years and is now enjoying an era of growth, stability, and renewal. The evolution of Limestone and its campus has been nothing short of remarkable – just like its men’s lacrosse team that started it all.

“This book will become a collector’s item for Limestone alumni, current and former players, Saints lacrosse fans, and friends of the College,” Dr. Griffin continued. “So many people helped to make this book possible, and we appreciate their contributions and their dedication to Limestone.”

The 2017 Limestone men’s lacrosse season begins on February 11 as the Saints visit Lenoir-Rhyne University.