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Centenary adopts worthy cause

The Centenary (New Jersey) men’s lacrosse team combined with the men’s and women’s soccer teams to raise more than $8,000 for the family of Jacob Grimes, a local boy who is fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Men’s lacrosse head coach Matt Klank, along with men’s soccer coach Keith O’Connor and assistant director of athletics Josh Huber, presented Jacob’s mother Amanda with the check Dec. 21.

The men’s lacrosse team became involved with the Grimes family after Klank saw a posting about Jacob’s illness in a grocery store. His team held a “Lift-A-Thon” on Oct. 15, with players being sponsored for each repetition of the bench press or the squat they were able to do. The players also accepted flat donations, eventually raising $5,386.10. Sophomore Ken Cadematori led the way, bringing in $607 in donations by himself.

“Being involved with this fundraiser really gives you perspective on life,” said Klank. “We all face adversity and we at times think life is unfair, but getting to know Amanda and Jakey over the past few months, I now know what true adversity is all about. They are both fighters and their courage has been an inspiration to not only the teams who participated in the fundraiser, but to the entire athletic department.”

The men’s soccer team contributed $2,178, thanks to its own Lift-A-Thon and donations drive. Junior Tyler DeCraine brought in $305. The women’s soccer team also held a Lift-A-Thon as the players did pushups and sit-ups. Despite a long season that saw them win the Colonial States Athletic Conference tournament and reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history, the Lady Cyclones made time for the Grimes family and were able to donate $505.

Centenary will maintain its relationship with Jacob and Amanda. The two will attend men’s lacrosse games in the spring and will continue to serve as an inspiration to the team.