By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 3/25/13
It was a lacrosse game that meant so much more to so many people.
After fourth-ranked La Salle College (PA) defeated DeMatha (MD), 9-6, on Saturday at the 3rd Annual ‘Fallen Heroes’ Game at Catholic University in Washington D.C., the teams got together to celebrate the lives of First LT. Travis Manion (La Salle), who died in Iraq in 2007; and his best friend and roommate from the US Naval Academy, Navy SEAL, Lt. Brendan Looney (DeMatha), who died in Afghanistan in 2010.
These fallen heroes had served their country, the Academy, and the sport of lacrosse. And everyone was happy to honor their accomplishments.
“Tonight is much more than just a lacrosse game between two teams,” La Salle coach Bill Leahy told the teams after the game. “It is to honor LT Travis Manion and LT Brendan Looney, and tonight both teams honored the game, honored their schools, and honored the memory of two great heroes.”
La Salle’s All-American attackman, senior Matt Rambo, led the Explorers (1-0) with three goals and two assists and Jeff Cimbalista (Yale) added three goals. Brady Thompson scored two goals for the Stags (2-2).
Equally noteworthy were the winners of Travis Manion Foundation Awards for Players of the Game. They went to La Salle face-off specialist Jack Altieri (unofficially won 15 of 19 face-offs and had two assists) and DeMatha midfielder Garrett Hasken, who is headed to the Naval Academy next year.
“We try to tell the kids this is a game, but express to them it is a privilege to play in a game like this,” said DeMatha coach Scott Morrison. “It’s perspective, it’s a game check thing. We’re trying to prepare you for life.
“You don’t like to see tragedies like this happen, but they do help to bring meaning and purpose, and honoring them like this is special.”
The TopLaxRecruits North America Boys’ Rankings
1. Boys’ Latin, Md. (5-0) Prev: No. 1
2. Garden City, N.Y. (2-0) Prev: No. 2
3. St. Anthony’s, N.Y. (1-0) Prev: No. 3
4. La Salle, Pa. (1-0) Prev: No. 4
5. Chaminade, N.Y. (1-0) Prev: No. 5
6. St. Paul’s School, Md. (5-0) Prev: No. 6
7. Gilman School, Md. (3-0) Prev: No. 12
8. Salisbury School, Conn. (0-0) Prev: No. 8
9. Deerfield Academy, Mass. (0-0) Prev: No. 9
10. Smithtown West, N.Y. (1-0) Prev: No. 13
11. Hill Academy, Ontario (8-3) Prev: No. 7
12. Gonzaga, D.C. (5-2) No. 14
13. St. Ignatius Prep, Cal. (6-0) Prev: No. 15
14. Malvern Prep, Pa. (2-0) Prev: No. 17
15. Culver Academy, Ill. (2-0) Prev: NR
16. Calvert Hall, Md. (1-2) Prev: No. 10
17. Landon School, Md. (3-2) Prev: No. 11
18. Conestoga, Pa. (0-0) Prev: No. 18
19. Jamesville-DeWitt, N.Y. (0-0) Prev: No. 19
20. Yorktown, N.Y. (0-0) Prev: No. 20
Under consideration: Dallas Jesuit, TX (9-1); Darien, Conn. (0-0); Don Bosco Prep, N.J. (0-0); Duxbury, Mass. (0-0); McDonogh School (Md.) 4-1; Ithaca, N.Y. (0-0); Loyola Blakefield, Md. (2-2); Niskayuna, NY (0-0); Paul VI, Va. (6-0); Radnor, Pa. (1-0); St. Andrew’s, Fla. (11-2); St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, Va, (3-1); West Genesee, NY (0-0); West Islip, N.Y. (0-0).
