By ANDREW COEN
The Bulldogs, in conjunction with the Hewlett Lacrosse Parents Association, has helped raise $3,600 for breast cancer research.
On April 7, the Bulldogs faced off against Crespi Carmelite High School, a team from Encino, Calif., that has raised over $46,000 for cancer research and has a goal of raising $140,000 by year’s end. Hewlett players and their parents decided to help support Crespi Carmelite’s cause, and before the game, the Hewlett Lacrosse Parents Association presented a $3,600 check to Crespi’s coach, Jonathan Oswaks.
“Being a team isn’t just about winning and losing and trying to win -— it’s about trying to help people,” said Bulldogs coach Chris Passuello. “We have great character on this team.”
Players asked friends and family members to sponsor them during a walk around the Hewlett High School track on March 28. The Hewlett girls’ lacrosse program and coach Rosemarie D’Ambrosio also helped raise funds for the suburban Los Angeles Catholic school’s effort.
“It’s just great for these kids that they are really learning about giving back through their athleticism,” said Larry Cohen, treasurer of the Hewlett Lacrosse Parents Association. “It was really moving.”
Oswaks decided to get his team behind a charitable effort after his ex-wife was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time and discovered that she is a carrier of a gene that causes the disease.
Passuello and Oswaks have coordinated plans for the game and fund-raising for the past four months. The coaches and the captains of the two teams enjoyed a post-game dinner at Kaseys American Grill in Rockville Centre to celebrate their fundraising efforts. “The whole day was a great success,” said Passuello, whose team defeated Crespi 15-1.
Crespi Carmelite’s New York-area spring break trip also included games at Carey and Sewanhaka high schools, and those teams helped raise money for cancer research. Crespi also promote its fund campaign in an April 9 appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and presented a check to co-host Robin Roberts, a breast cancer survivor.
Hewlett’s season continues on April 23 when it hosts Long Beach in a non-league game. The Bulldogs travel to Lynbrook the following day for a key Conference B-1 battle.
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