Sticks For Soldiers Event Held At Staples Lacross Match On Saturday
On Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 Staples High School Boys Lacrosse hosted their annual Sticks For Soldiers event prior to their match against the Wilton Warriors at Staples Stadium. 
Since 2006, S4S based in Fairfield, CT, has raised funds and awareness within the Fairfield County lacrosse community about the sacrifices service men and women make to secure our freedom.
Participation in Sticks For Soldiers events creates community awareness, particularly among high school athletes, of the service and sacrifices being made by individuals, often just a few years older than themselves. The opportunity for athletes to compete and fundraise recognizes those who have sacrificed in the protection of our country’s freedoms. In 16 years, over $1 million has been raised by Sticks For Soldiers to support wounded veterans and their families.
To kick things off, the 2021 S4S awardee, US Army SFC Micah Welintukonis (retired) spoke to all 100 Staples lacrosse players at a pre-game dinner about teamwork, accountability and leadership. SFC Welintukonis, a senior medic, sustained a gunshot wound and severely injured by a suicide bomber attack while trying to rescue others. His story can be found here: https://www.sticksforsoldiers.org/2021-honoree. The video of SFC Welintukonis' 2012 rescue in Afghanistan was documented in this National Geographic documentary. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1wncq5
On Saturday, the program program began with the Presentation of Colors by Westport Police & Fire Department Honor Guard. The National Anthem was performed by Staples Junior Madelyn Spera. First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker was joined by Westport Chief Of Police Foti Koskinas along with local community organizations. Sticks for Soldiers President Bob Vitale provided opening remarks. The Westport PAL 4th grade youth team demonstrated their skills with a scrimmage at halftime to show their support! The $5.00 admission price and money from the sale of homemade goodies will go directly to Sticks For Soldiers and the veterans it serves.
To make a donation, please visit www.sticksforsoldiers.org. For additional information please contact edward.iannone@gmail.com
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport PAL Showcases the Wreckers Lacrosse Stars Of Tomorrow
PAL 4th Graders Show Their Skills At Staples v. Wilton Lacrosse Match at Halftime On Saturday
Saturday afternoon during the halftime break of the annual Sticks for Soldiers Staples Lacrosse game, the Westport PAL Lacrosse program had the 4th grade team put on a show. In this annual tradition, the Westport PAL provides some half time entertainment with a quick speed lacrosse game and displays the future of Staples lacrosse. While there was some debate over a win or tie game, coach Luc LaFontan knows that the boys had a great time.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Undefeated Staples Boys Lacrosse Defeats Rival Wilton 8-6
The Staples HS Boys’ Varsity lacrosse team is off to a 7-0 start after wins this week over defending Massachuset State Champion, John’s Prep (14-9) and Wilton (8-6). US Lacrosse Magazine currently has Staples ranked 23rd in the country. 
The Wreckers controlled much of the game with their high powered offense and strong defense. They scored five goals in the first quarter while holding Wilton scoreless and led by four at that half, however the Warriors kept fighting and staged a 4th quarter comeback after starting the period down three times, pulling to within one goal. Staples balanced offense answered with two 4th quarter goals ending the game with a two goal margin.
Scoring was led by Leo Sequenzia (Jr) and Carter Gay (Jr) with each scoring 2 goals. Aidan Best (Sr), Derek Sale (Sr), Ryan Thompson (Sr), Mason Schaefer (Sr) each added a goal one. Tyler Clark (Jr) assisted in two of those goals and Max Udell (Sr) on another.
Goaltender Will Heisler (Sr) had 10 saves and Henry Dodge (Sr) won 12 of 16 faceoffs.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Wreckers Baseball Rebounds From Big Loss; Defeats Hall 5-4
Wreckers Varsity baseball, after being routed by Danbury the day before, found their groove again on Saturday, defeating Hall of West Hartford 5-4 at home. They next face Westhill of Stamford on Monday, then the Warriors of Wilton away on Wednesday.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
