WXYZ — Clarkston Lacrosse is a family, the program has grown exponentially since 2005, and now is one of the better public school programs in the state.
They, like many other teams, hosted a “Game for Hope,” where t-shirts and gate proceeds went to a charity to help families battling cancer.
“Coach K has set aside a day since 2005 to honor people, and to help people, so all the players get to honor a particular person on game day,” Bridgett Gibbs said.
Bridgett’s son, Jack, has chosen to honor his late father, who died of cancer. This was his senior year, and he wouldn’t be able to wear his father’s name proudly on his jersey.
But that didn’t stop he and his teammates from thinking outside the box, and hosting a virtual “Game for Hope” to continue to benefit The New Day Foundation this year.
A slideshow, featuring each team member and who they were honoring, rallied those who would have been at the game, and helped raise more than $8,000.
“I understood what we were playing for, but now since I’ve dealt with the death of all those people on my mom’s side, I can realize we can celebrate their life, and raise money so that others can enjoy time with their loved one’s while they have it,” Clarkston senior lacrosse player Dylan Raleigh said.
But the values of this tradition go further than just one game, understanding that helping others, especially in crisis, is what makes this type of act so touching.
“It makes me feel good knowing that my dad would be proud of all the work we’ve done, it means a lot to me, it’s a big important cause in my life and I’m sure I’ll carry it with me into college and throughout my lifetime,” Jack Gibbs added.
