SUNY OSWEGO – The Oswego State men’s lacrosse team started the first St. Baldrick’s fundraiser in Oswego back in 2007, and now, some 17 years later, the team is just as committed as ever in raising life-saving funds for childhood cancer research.
Over that span, the team has been guided by five different head coaches and even more assistant coaches. The seniors, team captains, and fundraising leaders have all come and gone – but this year’s team is willing to “Brave the Shave” just like the Laker teams that came long before them.
“It’s a Laker Lacrosse tradition. It’s what we do,” explained senior midfielder Garrett Petrelli, who registered the team in January and has served as fundraising captain for the past two years. “Volunteering with St. Baldricks is more than just raising money; the fundraiser is about shaving your head to raise spirits and show solidarity with the brave children who are battling cancer.”
Last year’s Laker team raised more than $8,250, the third-highest total in 17 years. About a dozen team members shaved, while others raised money without going bald.
Current assistant coach Dan Witmer was the head coach when the Lakers started their St. Baldrick’s fundraising. “One of my alums sold the idea to our captains, and the team raised about $11,000 that first year, and we thought that was amazing. Since then, the event has snowballed; we’ve moved into bigger facilities several times, and we’ve had years when we raised $90K, $95K, and even $97K, and we’ve had other years when we ‘only’ raised $50K or $60K.”
By his account, Witmer estimates the men’s lacrosse teams have raised more than $81,000 on their own. “It looks like there have only been four years when they didn’t raise at least $1,000 – that’s pretty impressive.”
Laker head coach Andrew Daly shaved last year, his first at the helm of the Lakers, and is registered to do it again at this year’s event on Sunday, March 24. “I haven’t had a haircut since the fall; I’m looking forward to shaving again this year.”
Volunteer assistant coach Eric Miccio ’12 was a team captain as well as a shavee back in his senior year, when the team raised almost $2,000. “It’s amazing that the tradition has continued for so long. That’s pretty special.”
Remarkably, the Annual St. Baldrick’s Day in Oswego County event recently surpassed the million-dollar mark. “I’m not sure I ever imagined that when we started, but the men’s lacrosse team has helped keep it going through all these years,” said Witmer.
The 2024 St. Baldrick’s Day in Oswego County is set for Sunday, March 24 from 1-4 PM at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, adjoining the Best Western Plus at 26 East First Street in Oswego. Admission is free, and there will be raffles, live music, a silent auction, and more.
To learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, to make a donation, or to join as a shavee or fundraising participant, go to 18th annual St. Baldrick’s Day in Oswego County! | A St. Baldrick’s Event (stbaldricks.org).
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