Mars boys lacrosse’s charity event for veterans nearing 10 years, more than $100,000 raised
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Mars players along with their family members who served in the military were recognized at halftime during the About the Warrior Foundation game as Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' David Renner (14) makes a save as the Adams Twp. Fire Department hangs a flag over the About the Warrior Foundation game as Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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The Adams Twp. Fire Department hangs a flag over the About the Warrior Foundation game as Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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People donate to the About the Warrior Foundation before Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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The Adams Twp. Fire department hangs a flag over the About the Warrior Foundation game as Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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People donate to the About the Warrior Foundation before Mars plays North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars Reed Fuller (34) celebrates with teammates after scoring against North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars Jack Tirch (22) shoots and scores against North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars Mike Duffy (10) catch the ball against North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars' Ben Bowser (1) looks to pass the ball against North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Josh Wilburn (15) gets past North Catholic's David Sommers (33) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Ben Bowser (1) tries to get the ball from North Catholic's Mark Evans (30) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Josh Wilburn (15) gets past North Catholic's David Sommers (33) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Carter Yokum (23) wins the ball over North Catholic's David Sommers (33) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Ben Bowser (1) tries to get the ball from North Catholic's Mark Evans (30) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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Mars' Henry Saver (16) fights for a loose ball with North Catholic's Eric Proie (22) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
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North Catholic Sebastian Kelm (20) reacts getting the ball stolen by Mars in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars players listen on to the national anthem before playing North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars Ben Bowser (1) gets checked by North Catholic Beckett Dunn (18) in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars Isaac McMicheals (4) celebrates a goal with Jack Tirch (22) against North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
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Mars players listen on to the national anthem before playing North Catholic in a boys lacrosse game Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Mars High School. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)
ADAMS TWP — The Mars boys lacrosse team is used to getting the better of its opponents, but there is one team the Planets have formed a partnership with that has had far-reaching consequences.
Beginning in 2016, the program has held a “Play for the Brave Night” to raise money for local post-9/11 veterans and their families. T-shirt sales, raffle baskets including items and gift cards donated by local businesses, a 50/50 drawing and silent auction have combined to raise over $100,000 the last nine years.
All proceeds are given to the It’s About the Warrior Foundation, which aids veterans in the Tri-State area. This year’s event was held Tuesday as part of the Planets’ game against North Catholic at Mars Athletic Complex.
“We always hold it on the same date as our youth night because we want to attract a big crowd,” Mars coach Bob Marcoux said. “The team has a strong connection to the cause, and they’ve put a ton of effort into it.
“I actually don’t have much to do with it. We always have a few seniors that take on the planning end of it. It’s the biggest and best event we do every year.”
Nine years ago, then-sophomore Brendan Moyer had interest in helping local veterans after hearing a motivational speech by veteran and double-amputee Brandon Rumbaugh, a native of southwestern Pa.
“He had lost both of his legs,” Moyer said. “His speech to our team focused on having a sense of teamwork and not quitting until the job was done. (Teammate) Zac Sicher and I said: ‘Let’s do something to help.’
“We went to the lacrosse boosters and started the planning for ‘Play For the Brave.’ At the time, I wasn’t even thinking about it becoming an annual thing. But we did it my junior and senior year as well, raised $30,000 in three years.”
Sgt. Steve Monteleone, U.S. Air Force, a 1983 Butler High School graduate, became the lacrosse program’s contact within IATWF.
“Our organization is a small non-profit and we’re funded entirely through fundraising events and donations,” Monteleone said. “The amount of money raised by Mars lacrosse has increased over the years, and we can’t thank them enough. It’s been a great partnership and always will be.”
Moyer is pleased to know his initial efforts have led to a worthwhile tradition.
“It’s good to get kids thinking about being philanthropic,” he said. “You can see it in the community, people want to help.”
For more information, or to make a donation, visit https://iatw.us/.
