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Gait family are lacrosse's biggest attractions

The First Nations began playing the sport more than 500 years ago. Today lacrosse not only remains an integral part of native culture, but is played by thousands of people across Canada. From its origin as 'The Creator's Game' to the overwhelming popularity of the Toronto Rock and the modern game, lacrosse has survived the test of time after treading down a long, controversial path that led it to become recognized as Canada's official national sport.

They're lacrosse's answer to Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan. Canadian brothers Gary and Paul Gait are the biggest superstars of the National Lacrosse League, rewriting the record books and changing the way the game is played with their unique, physical style. Thanks to their superstar status, the fledging league has stayed afloat. In this CBC Television clip, Sports Journal examines the phenomenon of the Gait brothers and how they've become the biggest box office attractions in the league.
. Gary Gait and Paul Gait were born April 5, 1967 and grew up in Victoria, B.C. The Gaits excelled at lacrosse from an early age, leading junior lacrosse's Esquimalt Legion to four straight provincial titles from 1985 to 1988, as well as the Minto Cup national title in 1988. They attended Syracuse University on scholarships and led the Orangemen to three consecutive NCAA crowns from 1988 to 1990. Gary finished as the school's all time leading scorer and was a two-time NCAA National Player of the Year.

. The Gaits turned pro in 1991 and quickly dominated the Major Indoor Lacrosse League, raking up championships, scoring records and awards. Gary Gait won five straight league MVP honours from 1995 to 1999, and again in 2003. Paul Gait was named MVP in 2002, his final season before retiring due to a serious foot injury. Gary Gait scored 61 goals during the 2002/2003 regular season, breaking his own record of 57 goals set in 1998. He is also the League's all-time leading scorer.

. The Gaits are credited with introducing and popularizing several amazing moves in lacrosse. One of their more famous manoeuvres is called 'Air-Gait': similar to a slam dunk in basketball, it entails a player running behind the goal and then jumping out from behind, reaching over the net with your stick and stuffing the ball into the back of the net.
Medium: Television
Program: Sports Journal
Broadcast Date: April 23, 2000
Guest(s): Gary Gait, Paul Gait, Mike Lachappelle
Reporter: Tom Harrington
Duration: 10:12
Thanks to: WTVH, Syracuse, N.Y., and Toronto Rock.

Last updated: March 7, 2012

Page consulted on January 29, 2013

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