Jim Kennedy grew up in Cincinnati, went to Moeller HS, is currently living in Malad, ID and coaching lacrosse. But back in 1996, Jim was a junior playing lacrosse for UMass, and he was doing so in full Old School regalia!
Bucket helmet, mid-calf socks pushed down, traditional stick, and he’s playing on grass… in Reebok Pump Cleats!
Obviously the Reebok Pumps stand out as a relatively rare old school find, and from all accounts the reason that they weren’t super popular is because they were extremely heavy. Still, they looked ridiculously great.
Here are a couple of other observations from UMass in 1996:
– That is the same field they play on now. See the hill in the background? Fans can sit there and take games in and it’s a great experience. However, the playing surface has since been converted to turf.
– Are those not the best looking bucket helmets of all-time? I’m pretty sure that’s a 1995 or 1996 Bacharach, although I could be wrong.
– The photo isn’t grainy at all. The tiny white spots on the photo are actually rain drops. It was pouring in this game, where UMass beat Brown 11-8.
– Jim Kennedy scored 15 goals and added 7 assists in 1996, which was Greg Canella’s second year as the UMass Head Coach. He is still there today!