POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – The Marist men’s lacrosse team won the 2013 Red Fox Challenge for its participation in community service this semester. The Red Foxes joined in events for several local charities to support causes within the Hudson Valley as well as outside the local community. Juniors Nick Struble and Patrick Eaker served as the team’s Red Fox Challenge liasons and spearheaded many of the community service initiatives.
“The commitment to the Red Fox Challenge that we saw from our teammates this fall was unbelievable,” said defenseman Struble. “As a team, we were excited to participate in the many different community service events both on and off campus. A big factor in winning the Challenge were the points that we received for getting out to support fellow Marist athletes at their games and matches. We understand the dedication our fellow student athletes put in to their respective teams and it was incredibly gratifying to hear what a positive impact our teams support had on their seasons.”
The highlight of the fall was a trip to Horsham, Pa. to fundraise and play in the Edward Taylor Coombs Lacrosse Tournament in honor of fallen teammate, Eddie Coombs. The men’s lacrosse team also hosted its third annual EC34 Flag Football Tournament at Tenney Stadium to raise money for the ETC Foundation, created in honor of Coombs.
The squad also joined in on the Friends of Jaclyn Second Annual Angel Walk and cleaned up after the annual Wellness Fair at Marist. The Red Foxes also participated in two of Campus Ministries’ holiday projects; the Hunger Walk to raise awareness for hunger in the Hudson River Valley and the giving tree, which gives presents to less-fortunate families in Dutchess County.
“Many of us have been blessed with opportunities because of athletics that we may not have received otherwise,” said long-stick midfielder Eaker. “Reaching out through community service allows us to give something back and make a positive difference for some who might not have been so fortunate.”
“We would like to thank Brother Frank Kelly our Faculty Mentor, Cammie Jones our team’s athletic academic advisor, and our coaching staff for all of their support in organizing the many events this fall,” said Eaker.
