By Mary Malloy
Sponsored by the Lynbrook lacrosse Alumni and Friends Foundation, the event also raised over $10,000 toward scholarships for two seniors players - one boy, and one girl are awarded each year.
Held at the VFW Hall in Lynbrook, the donations collected will sponsor the chosen students who perform both in the classroom and on the field, "We chose them upon recommendations from the coaches," said Adam Berkowitz, president of the Lynbrook Lacrosse Alumni and Friends Foundation. "We also help fund other activities for the team, as needed."
John Cannella was presented with a special award at the dinner. Known as the Father of Lynbrook Lacrosse, he started the program with 10 sets of equipment borrowed from Hofstra coach Howdy Myers in 1957. He coached the first six seasons starting in 1958 before taking over as Assistant Principal of LHS. His determination to start lacrosse eventually led to the community starting a Lynbrook Titans lacrosse program that was and is a great community project. Two of the coaches that followed Cannella became very successful college coaches today - Tony Seaman (UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Towson State) and Jack Kaley (NYIT). "Thousands of young people from the Lynbrook community have benefitted from Cannella's legacy," said Head Coach Larry Glenz." Cannella had five sons go through the program. He lives in Boyton Beach, FL.
Soon-to-be alumni Glenz said there have been so many players from the Lynbrook team who have gone on to play lacrosse in college. "Among others, this year alone players are going on scholarship to Hofstra, Adelphi and Limestone, S.C. Glenz, who is retiring this year, has been coaching for 36 years, and has been head coach for the last 27.
Glenz said that through Berkowitz's efforts, the alumni association is now fully in charge of the association and its scholarships.
Alumni Lacrosse day is scheduled to be held on May 17 at Lynbrook South Middle Schooll and will include the Lynbrook Titans, boys JV team, and alumni playine odd versus even years. "We like to be actively involved in the community," said Berkowitz.
Anyone interested in donating to the scholarship fund can make checks payable to: Lynbrook Lacrosee Alumni Fund, P.O Box 719, Lynbrook, N.Y.11563. For more information, visit www.lynbrooklax.com or E-mail lynbrooklaxalumni@gmail.com
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
