In 1994, when Howard Roever and two others started the Bow Youth Lacrosse (BYL) program, his team of players struggled to score a goal most of the season, let alone win a game.

Since then, lacrosse in town sure has changed.

Following 14 years with Bow Youth Lacrosse, Roever recently stepped down as the group’s director after helping build a program that has served as the foundation for youngsters who eventually played for Bow High School – home to multiple state champions.

“We’ve accomplished more than we could have imagined. When we started we just hoped there’d be a high school program,” said Roever. “We took our lumps, but it was a learning experience.”

Bill Lawson was one of the original three members – Steve Moltisanti was the third – who started BYL.

“Howie’s been there from day one and put in all the time to organize everything while he is there, as well as working with the older boys since they started,” Lawson said. “He is very passionate about the sport, and the kids like him because of his intensity.”

“There are kids who have been out of the program for eight years, but I still see them and get a big hug,” said Roever. “It’s such a big part of my life, and hopefully I made enough of an impact that they appreciate it.”

Roever decided to step down mainly to spend more time with his family.

“It just seemed appropriate because my other son will be a senior (at Bishop Brady), and I want to watch him and help coach my freshman. It’ll give me more time to focus on them,” said Roever. “I think I might be a little bored next spring.”

Roever plans on continued involvement in the sport, refereeing youth games and possibly coaching at the high school level.

Lawson said when the youth program was started, there was only a small group of players.

“It was very different. Lacrosse was small in the state of New Hampshire when we started, so we wanted to just give it a try and see how it goes,” said Lawson. “We went from starting something new in the area to now, (when) the kids see it as a sport that’s been around forever as far as they’re concerned.”

Roever takes pride in what he taught players on the field, and he hopes they carry that knowledge into their everyday lives.

“Anyone who’s seen me coach, I can be a little loud. But at the end of the day you are shaking hands with the other team, and it is about respect. In the business world you might be at each other, but we’re all human beings,” said Roever. “You try to teach them to be good sports, teach them respect and to do the right thing. You can take lessons from the game and take them outside of the game.”