The legacy grows…

The Rec program fielded boys and girls U13 teams for the 2001 season. As the children began to age out of the youth program, City Schools of Decatur Athletic Director, Carter Wilson, added Junior Varsity lacrosse at Decatur HS. In 2005, DHS also received a “New Start” grant from USA Lacrosse to defray start-up costs.

Tom Barefoot was the first coach for the boys, assisted by Don Rigger, Cash Hilmer, and Doug Nelson. Kristen Embry was the first coach for the girls, also assisted by Don Rigger. Current DHS girls coach Jessica Mayer was a standout player on that first girls’ team.

In 2007, both the girl’s and boy’s program fielded varsity teams for the first time. In their inaugural season, the boys upset Marist in the final game of the season to qualify for the state playoffs. Decatur’s first ever lacrosse state playoff victory just 2 years later, when the boys team defeated McIntosh in the first round.

The DHS boys were area champions from 2012 through 2014 and advanced to the state semi-finals in 2012 and 2013. In the 14 years since program inception, DHS boy’s lacrosse has failed to make the state playoffs only one time. The DHS girl’s team reached the state playoffs for the first time in 2009 and captured their first playoff win in 2019.

Don Rigger continues to support Decatur Lacrosse by coaching the Middle School program at Decatur Active Living.