STA Laxers Take Part in Fundraisers

August 4, 2009

STA Lax was busy on and off the field this summer. Recently, two groups of Bulldogs took part in separate community service ventures.

On Friday, July 31, assistant coach Robby Walsh, Allan Stafford ’09, Arya Mortazavi ’10, and Pat Dougherty ’10 completed “Bike to the Beach,” cycling all the way from Gonzaga High School in DC to Bethany Beach in Delaware, 100 miles away. The STA Laxers and 250 other bicyclists left Gonzaga at 4:30 a.m. and arrived in the early afternoon. “We’re a little sore, but we made it,” texted Mortazavi once the STA lax contingent reached the beach.

Coach Walsh is one of the founders of Bike to the Beach, and this was his 3rd year completing the trek. Each cyclist had to raise $500, with the money going towards Autism Speaks, which raises funds and awareness for autism. Head coach Malcolm Lester, who met up with the Bulldogs at Gonzaga to see them off, vowed to “bike to the beach” next year. “My hat is off to Coach Walsh, Dot, Allan, and Arya,” he said. “I did not have the mettle to do it this year, but I will biking to the beach in 2010 and I would love to get a large posse of STA players, alums, and parents to support Coach Walsh and this wonderful cause.” For more information, go to www.biketothebeach.org. A picture of the STA cyclists, shortly before starting the trip, will be posted as soon as we get a hold of it.

The following day, Jack Walsh ’05, Jack Balaban ’08, Guy Van Syckle ’08, and Coach Lester participated in the 2nd Annual Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic, held at South River High School in Edgewater, MD. The Millerstrong Lacrosse Classic was started to “support raising awareness for the teens and young adults battling cancer in our community and around the country.” Former DeMatha goalie Matt Miller ’08 (now at Drexel) was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the start of his senior year. He underwent surgery and numerous rounds of chemotherapy, and was able to not only complete his senior year, but also start in goal for the Stags. His mother started “Millerstrong: The We Believe Foundation” both to increase cancer awareness, and to raise money to give to families who have children battling cancer.

The Millerstrong Classic featured two all-star games between college and professional players. Coach Lester served as coach of the one of the teams; he was fortunate to have Van Syckle in goal for him, as the Johns Hopkins netminder was sharp all afternoon. Recently graduated Brown captain Walsh showed that he had not missed a beat since his college days, as he netted two goals and almost scored a “Secrets-esque” behind-the-back goal from his knees. Middlebury sophomore Balaban scored a goal and anchored his team on attack. For an account of the event from Inside Lacrosse, click here.

For more information on Millerstrong, access www.millerstrong.com.

The picture features Coach Lester, Balaban, Walsh, Van Syckle and young Teddy Lester, who enjoyed the day’s lacrosse action.