The United States and Canada had the most dominant victories on the opening day of the men’s lacrosse competition in the World Games. Yet, neither were the most compelling story on a steamy Friday at PNC Field on the UAB campus. That honor went to an Ireland team that didn’t play and a Haudenosaunee Confederacy team that lost by double digits.
A large crowd wedged their way into Protective Stadium seats, corridors and luxury suites to party for a few hours during the opening ceremonies for the World Games. It was a splashy ending to the day before the world begins competing in Birmingham.
More than 3,600 athletes from over 100 countries are in town for nearly two weeks to compete in the 11th edition of the World Games. Santa Clara, Calif. hosted the inaugural World Games in 1981. It hasn’t been held in an U.S. city since arriving in Birmingham. Planning began about the same time the most recent World Games ended in July of 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland.
“This year’s race presented us with extreme highs and lows, allowing all three Auburn teams to celebrate what went well, laugh about what didn't go well and become closer than ever. This year’s race showed us exactly how much we can handle, as well as our strengths,”. said Elizabeth Moorman
The World Games 2022 kicks off with Thursday’s Opening Ceremony at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
On Monday, Bryant Vincent secured a commitment from defensive back Christopher Bracy of Mobile’s St. Paul’s Episcopal. It was the first commitment since Vincent became the program’s interim head coach. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Bracy, whose brother, Reggie, is a safety at Iowa, announced the news on Twitter.
Backup quarterback Alex McGough delivered the unexpected and linebacker Scooby Wright did what was expected from him by being in the right place at the right time.
“It’s a great food town. … When you talk about a midsize city in this country, I’ve never really been anywhere that has what Birmingham provides. I’m a fan of the little neighborhoods outside of downtown – they are like what we have in Dallas.”
When the most successful football coach in college history accused Texas A&M and Jackson State of (legally) buying players, he did so with a purpose.