Despite rain and clouds all day Sunday, Tampa Lax Report’s inaugural Senior All-Star Game at Skyway Park was not only well attended, but went off without a hitch. Over 250 people attended the event and cheered on our area seniors as they competed in two very competitive games.
In the first game of the afternoon, the South team – made up of seniors from districts 16 and 17 – beat the North team 14-12. There were more than a few ESPN-worthy goals and saves in this game and both sides played like it was their last game. Hard dodges, stiff checks, and even a few flags. If the parents thought the kids would coast through and just play for fun, they were all mistaken. Even the coaches were surprised when it was all over.
The South team was coached by Jesuit’s Ryan Henry and Cardinal Mooney’s Derek Wagner. Both coaches led their respective teams to district titles as well as regional finals.
The North team was coached by Bloomingdale’s Matt Borowski and Sickles’ Joe Kuebrich. Coach Borowski’s Bulls finished the season as district runner-up to Newsome this year. Coach Kuebrich lead his Gryphons to the schools first ever district title for lacrosse.
Wiregrass’s Sal D’Alessandro took home the offensive MVP, Cardinal Mooney’s Matt McDonnell earned the defensive MVP, and overall boys MVP was Jesuit’s Jake Lemon.
In the 4 p.m. game, the senior all-star girls took center stage and demonstrated the deep level of talent found in this year’s graduating class. This was another nail-biter, staying close all game. The South squad would eventually pull away in the final quarter en route to a 13-9 win securing a South sweep of this inaugural event.
Coaching the girls South team was the trio of Jayne Chapman of Plant, Tampa Catholic’s Joe Ferraro, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal’s LeeAnn Fronckowiak. On the North side we had Chris Crusey and Frank Lanuto from Newsome as well as Bloomingdale’s Sarah Hayes.
Girls offensive MVP was Tampa Catholic’s Amanda Spurlin. On the defensive side, the MVP award went to Newsome’s Maddie Abdoney. The overall girls MVP was earned by Sickles’ Megan Mulroe.
In addition to thanking all of our volunteer coaches for their work and support, Tampa Lax Report would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Nancy Lemon for organizing the outstanding tailgate that got our day off on the right foot. We also had family members of our staff here that showed up and helped run the gate, distribute uniforms, mix Gatorade, run errands, and keep stats. Also in the booth with our statisticians was Eric Handman announcing both games with a voice and enthusiasm worthy of recognition.
On the corporate side, we had some great companies step up and really make the event memorable. Red’s Team Sports handled our uniforms for players and coaches. Mastro Subaru ponied up the finances needed to get the whole thing off the ground. Casey Powell drove up from The Farm in Sarasota to not only demonstrate his Speed Lacrosse system, but help us hand out the MVP awards. James Broome Photography photographed the games and will be making the images available for the parents and players to download. James also designed the programs for our event. Jimalax and True Lacrosse both made sure our participants went home with cool swag.
But none of this would have been possible without the support of the players and parents. Thank you to our attendees and players that have supported TLR all season. You guys have been there for us on social media and at games making sure we knew our work was appreciated. For that, we thank you.
