US national lacrosse team conducts training seminar at SU
The US National Lacrosse Team conducted a Lacrosse Training Seminar at the Silliman University (SU) Gym on January 7, 2026, in collaboration with the SU Athletics Department, further strengthening a partnership that has spanned more than a decade.
Led by Coach Justin Manjares and his coaching staff, the visiting team focused on introducing and reinforcing the fundamental skills of lacrosse, particularly catching and throwing. The seminar marked the second visit of the US National Lacrosse Team to Silliman University and forms part of the ongoing integration of lacrosse into the Physical Education and PATHFIT curriculum.
The activity gathered around 100 participants, including students from PATHFIT-4 classes, Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) majors, Dumaguete City High School, Senior High School Sports Track students, and Negros Oriental High School Senior High School Sports Track students. A simple opening program formally welcomed the visiting coaches and players before the hands-on training sessions began.
Dr. Dionesio V. Piñero, director of SU Athletics Department, highlighted the importance of sustained international collaboration in enriching students’ exposure to diverse sports disciplines. Through the efforts of the Athletics and the Physical Education Departments, lacrosse has remained an integral component of the University’s physical education offerings for the past 12 years.
Participants described the seminar as both engaging and educational. Jonathan Warlito Jong, a BPE major, shared that the training was a valuable learning experience. He added that learning directly from international coaches enhanced students’ appreciation of the sport and its techniques.
The seminar concluded with the donation of new lacrosse sticks and balls by the US National Lacrosse Team, which will be used in PATHFIT-4 classes. Members of the visiting team expressed their satisfaction with the activity, citing the students’ enthusiasm, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn as highlights of the day.
The visit of the US National Lacrosse Team to the university was facilitated by the Athletics Department with support from Trustee Dr. Evangeline Manjares.
