Sachem Sports Club Hosts Charity Lax Tourney

Like many patriotic citizens both here and beyond Long Island, Chris Trombetta was inspired by the story of John Fernandez, a Rocky Point native and Iraq war veteran who was wounded in battle on April 3, 2003.

Fernandez, a 2001 West Point graduate and a 1st Lieutenant, was also a captain of its lacrosse team, and later received amputations of both lower legs. He returned to the field as a captain of the U.S. Military Academy's alumni squad, playing with the same passion he had prior to his injuries. In 2008, he played in an Army/Navy rivalry match at Madison Square Garden to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that assists and acts of behalf of injured military personnel.

A few phone calls (including one to the Suffolk County Girls Lacrosse Association), a few more dedicated citizens, and fast forward to today: At four years and counting, the Girls Charity Lacrosse Tournament is, according to Trombetta, the largest pre-season girls lacrosse tournament on Long Island. 

"It's the biggest girls lax tournament no one's heard about," he said.

This year, attendees at the two-day event at the Police Athletic League complex in Holtsville included nearly 60 teams, largely from Suffolk County with several visiting from Nassau.

This past Saturday, the turf field temporarily cleared as a color guard comprised of AMVETS from Patchogue's Post 111 marched across in honor of fellow veterans, hoisting the American flag and saluting it proudly as a recording of the "Star Spangled Banner" played over the respectful silence. Spectators, athletes and coaches followed suit, remaining still with hands resting over hearts.

As in tournaments past, the gratitude and good will was as deep as it was varied. Rick Stressler, past post commander of AMVETS Post 111 who helped unfurl the flag, said his nephew Tom Fiorentine, who also directs the Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse youth program, had asked him and his brothers-in-arms to help out with this year's event. Of course, the now-retired Navy officer (EM2, or Electricians Mate 2nd Class) was only too happy to oblige.

Leading the procession across the field on bagpipes was 15-year FDNY veteran Jerry Woods, a friend of Mount Sinai girls lacrosse director and fellow FDNY veteran Peter Van Middelem, who told others at the firehouse about the tournament. Woods signed on eagerly, drawing a small crowd while tuning up in preparation.

"We do a lot of Wounded Warrior Project events in the city," said Woods, in between phrases of the 'Marines' Hymn.' "I said I could move some things around."

All funds generated from the tournament will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. More than just an advocacy group, Project ambassador Paul Hastings said his organization aims to provide a complete support system, addressing issues of all kinds for men and women returning from the battlefield. Physical rehabilitation, psychological care, social retreats and professional training and career skills for those entering the work force are among the many services offered.

To date, the tournament has generated nearly $45,000 over its lifetime, according to Hastings.

"All our staff is credentialed," he said. "They have to be qualified. And we take no government funding, just donations like this tournament."

, who is the director of the girls lacrosse and field hockey programs for the Sachem Sports Club and also a 10-year coach, said the tournament's purpose is as simple as it was at its inception.

"We're very proud of the fact that the proceeds don't line Sachem's pockets or those of any individuals," he said. "It's all going to a good cause. If we can help a guy coming home, to put a wheelchair-accessible ramp on his house or handicapped railing or just make his life easier, we're happy."

Also swept up in the spirit of generosity were the officials, all of whom donated their time and pay to the cause as they've done from the beginning - a unanimous decision, according to Trombetta.

"These coaches give so much, my contribution seems minor," said referee Gary Certa humbly.

Although the focus of the tournament rightly remained one of service and remembrance, the spirit of competition among the young athletes remained vital to the mix.

Stephanie Carollo of Setauket, huddled with other spectators in the stands , watched her 9-year-old daughter Courtney play with the Three Village team against Islip. 

"We lost the first and we tied the second. But we'll win this," she said proudly, not long after Courtney had scored.