ADAMS TWP — Girls lacrosse could come to Mars High School, depending on the ability of team founders to get funds for the sport.

Mars High School senior Robin Theuer attended the Nov. 21 Mars School Board meeting to ask if a girl's lacrosse team could be started. Theuer said Scott Heinauer, the athletic director, advised her to ask the school board.

She told board members 200 high school students signed a petition supporting a girl's lacrosse team, and 26 schools in the area have such a team. She said about 20 players are needed for a team with 11 members playing at one time.

Board president Susan Madeja told Theuer district budget constraints would likely prevent board members from voting to fund a lacrosse team.

"Unless something drastic happens, I'm not real optimistic at this point," said Madeja.

But instead of just sending Theuer away, board members and administrators took the time to brainstorm ideas, ask questions and give advice about the issue.

Board member Rebecca Brown complimented Theuer on her ambition in approaching the board, and suggested Theuer find out how many girls are interested in playing lacrosse.

Brown proposed the team form as a club sport, which is want most high school ice hockey teams do, and then play a few years to see if interest in girl's lacrosse continues.

In hockey, most school districts lend their name and logo to the team without providing funding it or assuming liability. Superintendent William Pettigrew said he would ask the district solicitor about the district's liability for a prospective club team.

Pettigrew said a club team might be recognized by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League, which would give it a game schedule for the spring sport.

Board member Marj Vincent suggested the girls play on intramural teams at first to practice lacrosse skills and see if there is consistent interest.

Theuer said she would return with more information for the board later.