The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
First home game March 19
By Than Acuff
Spring is upon us and that means it’s lacrosse season here in Crested Butte as the Crested Butte Titans lacrosse team started workouts on the new turf field at the community school.
“The turf is incredible,” says assistant coach Alex Solomon. “As a program and a lacrosse community, we feel really fortunate to have access to such a great field. Historically, this time of year meant competing with basketball, track and girls’ soccer for limited gym space, or traveling down to Gunnison to practice on frozen fields. Now we’re able to practice outside on our own field and get game-ready much earlier in the season. We’re also hoping it leads to bigger crowds on game days, which would give us a real home-field advantage.”
And while the season officially opened on Monday, February 23, it wasn’t the first time the players got out as coaches started voluntary workouts during the summer and fall and then started preseason workouts in January.
“It’s the most offseason preparation we’ve had as a program, and we’ve already seen noticeable improvement in player development because of it,” says Solomon. “The new turf field has also been a big factor. Having access to a field where we can practice and play year-round gives our players more opportunities to develop and spend time with a stick in their hands, which will only benefit the program moving forward.”
The Titans include student athletes from both Gunnison and Crested Butte High School with just under 40 players out this year led by 10 seniors. With so many returning players and head coach Carter Brock, Solomon, assistant coach Chris Leavitt and assistant coach Ben Barocas all back, they’re looking to continue to build on what’s in place.
“The coaching staff is really excited about this year’s team,” says Solomon. “With 10 seniors leading the way, we have the leadership, experience, and talent to have our best season yet. This coaching staff has been in place for four years now, which has created great continuity within the program.”
The Titans open the season on the road Saturday, March 7 against Eagle Valley and remain on the road until their first home game March 19. With so many players and the entire coaching staff returning, and a more diligent preseason plan, hopes are high for a strong 2026 season.
“The players understand the system and the expectations we’ve set, and we’re looking forward to seeing that experience and hard work pay off this season,” says Solomon. “Winning is always the goal, but more importantly we want our players to represent themselves, their families, their school and our community the right way both on and off the field. We want to continue building a program that values hard work, accountability, and giving back to the community.”
As for hard numbers and expectations, the motivation for their goals this year started in the final game of the season last year.
“We would love to make the state playoffs for the first time in program history,” says Solomon. “Last season we were the last team out after a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Glenwood Springs in the final game of the year. If we win that game, we’re in. Our players have used that moment as motivation and they’ve been putting in the work to make sure we’re ready this season. Ultimately, our goal is to get better every day, individually and as a team, and continue building a program that our school and community can be proud of.”
