By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 5/29/13
CONCORD, Pa. – The Philly lacrosse community was mourning the loss Kip Taviano, 17, a senior lacrosse player at Haverford School who lacrosse and school officials confirmed had died Tuesday afternoon in a two-car accident on Smithbridge Road near Garnet Valley High School in Concord Township.
Taviano was a member of the Fords’ team that won the prestigious Inter-Ac Invitational championship Wednesday at Cabrini College. He had committed to play Division I lacrosse at Furman University for famed coach Richie Meade.
Although state police could not confirm that Taviano was the victim, they did release some information about the accident.
Police said the crash occurred in the 300 block of Smithbridge Road when a 17-year old male driver of a silver Toyota Camry failed to negotiate a curve in the road and collided with a second vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old female. The driver of the first vehicle was declared dead at the scene.
The 17-year-old driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries, police said.
The accident remains under investigation by state police.
Meanwhile, The Haverford School will hold an evening vigil tonight at 9:30 p.m. on Eagle Field for Kip. All members of the School and extended community of parents, alumni, and friends are welcome to attend the event. The School asks that visitors park in the Lower School lot (Railroad Avenue entrance) or Wilson Hall lot (Lancaster Avenue entrance).
The school also reported that a viewing for Kip Taviano will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 5-9 p.m., at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, Pa. A funeral will be held on Monday, June 3, at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Road, Glen Mills, Pa.
Haverford School coach John Nostrant said Taviano was “probably the best teammate you could ever have. He was the nicest kid you could ever meet.”
Taviano played in the Brandywine Youth Club and was coached by current Garnet Valley coach Frank Urso, who said that Taviano’s father, Jim, was a co-coach with him for Brandywine Youth Club. Jim Taviano also is the treasurer with the Chester County Lacrosse Association.
“He (Kip) was an unbelievable kid from a great, great family,” Urso said. “They (the family) were so committed to the youth program and so committed to kids. They are just great people.”
One of Kip Taviano’s coaches at Brandywine Youth was General Manager Denny Nealon, who played for coach Meade when he was coaching Navy.
“Kip probably one of the finest kids you’ll ever meet,” Nailon said. “Kip epitomizes what you look for a in a kid; and not just as a lacrosse player.
“Defining him about lacrosse would be way too narrow.
“He had this work ethic since he was a little kid. I remember the tryouts for the U13 team; he was like a gym rat. He loved it.
“His dad coached so many kids now playing at high school. He was a huge influence for the whole community.”
Haverford school officials said a statement would be released this morning.
Kip Taviano had given this reason to Phillylacrosse.com for his commitment to Furman last fall.
“On my visit to Furman I immediately felt real comfortable with the school and especially with Coach Meade. The campus was one of the nicest campuses I have ever been on, and it all felt very familiar.
“Coach Meade’s vision for the future of Furman lacrosse, and what he is looking for in a student-athlete was one of the most impressing things I heard. Getting the opportunity to start a new program from nothing, and being the first team ever at Furman is something special. I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be coached by one of the legends of the game today. Our first game is against UNC and you can’t really ask much more then that, to play the best teams.”
Haverford School released a statement regarding Taviano’s death:
“It is with great sadness that we report the death of Haverford School senior Kip Taviano, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident Tuesday evening.
“The School community is shocked and saddened, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the Taviano family and Kip’s many friends. Kip was loved by all who knew him, and he will be missed dearly. We will work together today and in the weeks to come to support our boys and community in dealing with this tragedy.
“Taviano entered The Haverford School in ninth grade and will be remembered for his affable personality. He was a respected member of the varsity football and lacrosse teams. In October 2012, Taviano committed to play for the new Division I lacrosse program at Furman University beginning in fall 2013.
“We will share more information as details become available. Thank you to all for your continued support and the outpouring of thoughts and prayers for the Taviano family.”
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