Connor Corish Memory Lives On

Two years after his death, former Don Bosco freshman lacrosse player Connor Corish continues to make an impact through the sport he loved.

Don Bosco freshman lacrosse coach Brian McAleer has made sure of that.

"I just needed something to keep his memory alive," McAleer said.

Don Bosco has found the perfect way to honor Corish's memory with the second annual Connor Corish Freshman Lacrosse Tournament, which starts Friday.

Corish died two years ago this weekend, when walking on train tracks in his hometown of Nanuet, N.Y.

"He was a great kid and the kids loved to be around him," McAleer said. "And to see the outpouring of the communities, it shows how important Connor and this event is to everyone."

Last year, the tournament raised more than $20,000 toward the Connor Corish Scholarship Foundation. Each year, the foundation awards a $5,000 scholarship to an incoming Don Bosco freshman from Rockland County.

The scholarship, which pays for about half the cost of tuition at Don Bosco, can be kept for all four years if the student continues to meet the standards of the program.

This year, the tournament is hoping to raise even more money, with a higher-profile field and a sponsorship agreement with Maverik Lacrosse, an equipment company.

In addition to helping a good cause, the tournament serves an important purpose on the field as well, providing a much-needed showcase for area freshman lacrosse.

"A lot of times, freshmen don't have anything to play for," McAleer said. "This tournament gives them something to play for, and the fact is that this is the only one of its type in the Tri-State area."

The tournament brings together an elite field of teams to prove it. Along with Don Bosco, the 12-team tournament includes nine New Jersey teams and three from out of state.

North Jersey powers Ridgewood, Ramapo and Bergen Catholic will compete alongside other New Jersey lacrosse staples like Glen Ridge, Montclair, Mountain Lakes and Seton Hall Prep.

Out-of-state teams include Connecticut's Darien, and Long Island schools Chaminade of Mineola and St. Anthony of South Huntington.

"Getting teams like this just skyrocketed the prestige of the tournament," McAleer said.

In addition to honoring Corish, McAleer hopes that this tournament provides an opportunity for freshman lacrosse players at Don Bosco and elsewhere to get some valuable competitive experience early in their high school careers.

"As a coach, you want your teams to play the best," McAleer said. "You've got to set the bar high for yourselves, and let the kids know that even though this is freshman lacrosse, you've got to beat the best teams to compete."

BY ANDY VASQUEZ

Photo Credit: LESLIE BARBARO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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