On Tuesday, April 4th, the WMC boys lacrosse team had their home opener against Gill St. Bernards; however, this was not your typical lacrosse game. Each team sold t-shirts to raise money for two honorary causes: Sarah’s Fight for Hope (a non-profit organization that helps families who are facing pediatric and adolescent cancer) and the Long Valley First Aid Squad. The game also supported a family on each team that is currently undergoing hardship to some capacity. WMC senior boys lacrosse captain Brayden Fuller and his family and Gill St. Bernard’s lacrosse player Gavin Collins and his family were both honored.
The game itself ended in a Wolfpack win. Coach Goodwin, the varsity boys lacrosse head coach at WMC statedt, “The game was close early but we did not panic. We kept the pressure on them both offensively and defensively which ultimately allowed the Pack to prevail. Senior Vinnie Desiderio had a nice offensive game and the two goalies- senior Joe Masiello and sophomore Jack Janke, who split time, both played well despite it being a varsity start for both of them.” Coach Goodwin also stated that, “(i)t was a great day of lacrosse not just because of the positive outcome for the Wolfpack, but because it brought together two lacrosse communities for some good causes”.
Together, the WMC and Gill St. Bernard’s community raised over $2,000. During half-time, Mr. Collins, who is also the head boys varsity lacrosse coach at Gill made a speech, first giving thanks to everyone who has helped them through their journey. He then followed up by addressing Brayden Fuller, saying that, “…during this time, once I heard the news, I knew that something needed to happen for you. You were first in my thoughts even though we were going through things as a family”. Later in the speech, he surprised Brayden and his family with a $2,000 college scholarship from money raised from the entrance fees for the game. All in all, it was more than just a lacrosse game. It was a whole community effort to come together to help others.