Men's Lacrosse Participates in HEADstrong Foundation’s Lacrosse Mustache Madness Fundraiser
Leopards raise nearly $12,000 and advance to finals in initiative which helps support families who have been overcome by cancer
BOSTON, Mass. – The Wentworth Institute of Technology men's lacrosse team recently participated in the HEADstrong Foundation's Lacrosse Mustache Madness initiative. Lacrosse Mustache Madness is an interactive online fundraiser encouraging student-athletes to toss their razors, grow their mustaches, go head-to-head against teams across the country, and raise money to support families who have been overcome by cancer. This year's event had an even more special meaning to it as the HEADstrong Foundation is allocating funds raised by Commonwealth Coast Conference member institutions to help support Endicott men's lacrosse student-athlete Will Levine, who was recently diagnosed with a form of cancer.
"The HEADstrong Foundation has been very involved in the lacrosse community for many years, so I was very excited to get our team involved in the Lacrosse Mustache Madness competition," said senior Danny Bartosiewicz. "I was so happy to see how our team came together to raise close to $12,000 for those who need it most. I'm a very proud leader of this team and a very proud Leopard."
Wentworth raised $11,678.28, which was seventh overall and third among NCAA Division III men's lacrosse programs. In the bracket portion of the competition, the Leopards defeated John Carroll, William Peace, and Bridgewater (Va.) to reach the finals of the Caterpillar Division. The Black & Gold defeated Siena in the finals, advancing to the championship bracket. Wentworth's success continued in this portion of the campaign, knocking off Bentley, Harvard, and Robert Morris to reach the finals where the Leopards saw their impressive run halted by Colorado College.
"I'm really proud of our guys for rallying behind Will Levine of Endicott men's lacrosse and many others affected by cancer," said head coach Dan Russo. "We are grateful to everyone who donated and helped support this worthy cause. To the HEADstrong family, we look forward to continuing this partnership and helping to improve the lives of those affected by cancer."
ABOUT LACROSSE MUSTACHE MADNESS
Lacrosse Mustache Madness was created by former professional lacrosse player and UVA standout Ken Clausen, who was inspired to use his own facial hair to honor HEADstrong founder Nicholas "HEAD" Colleluori, an NCAA lacrosse player from Hofstra University who was terminally diagnosed with cancer in 2005. Colleluori's public fight from the sidelines captivated the nation and from his hospital bed, he created an organization focused on empowering student-athletes to improve lives affected by the disease. After enduring 14-months of treatment, Colleluori tossed his razor and grew a mustache in the last weeks of his life as an emotional buffer due to his declining physical appearance. In an uncontrollable situation, Colleluori's mustache was a positive buffer and conversation starter which was also a way for him to feel "normal" again.
Proceeds from the campaign aid families overcome by cancer and underwrite nights at Nick's House, a guest family home operated by the HEADstrong Foundation for families forced to travel in the pursuit of advanced cancer treatment and clinical trials.
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