Despite Pandemic, NC Lacrosse Community Scores a Big Win!
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina lacrosse community scored a “Big Win” in 2020!
The 4th annual, “Bull City All-Star Games ~ Cullen Classic for Cancer”, initially scheduled for Saturday, May 3o, in Duke’s Koskinen Stadium was forced to go “virtual” this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Undeterred, the 2020 Bull City All-Star Staff remained committed to their mission statement to help “grow the game” across North Carolina, by providing recognition for the best high school players, and supporting the NCHSAA Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Duke Cancer Institute.
The North Carolina lacrosse community – coaches, athletic directors, players, parents, fans, and avid lacrosse supporters – all worked together to score a big win!
The selection staff received 201 player nominations from 91 high school coaches, and eventually selected 60 men and 62 women from 66 varsity lacrosse programs across the state.
While there was not a “game-day gate” to donate this year, a highly successful on-line donation campaign raised $8,500 for the Tony Cullen Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Duke Cancer Institute. An anonymous private donor who initiated a #Memorial Day Challenge, and matched those donations, was critical to our success. Additionally, members of the Duke Gray Devils continued their outstanding financial support.
These funds were instrumental in helping the NCHSAA increase the Cullen Scholarship Fund to a level where they can now award an equivalent, annual women’s scholarship in Tony’s name. Donations to the Duke Cancer Institute assist their on-going mission to transform cancer care through innovative research, integrated academic and medical missions, and compassionate patient care.
In the first 4 years, the Bull City All-Star Games ~ Cullen Classic for Cancer has raised over $27,000.
To view a short video about this year’s success, and to view the 2020 All-Star roster videos, please visit: https://bullcityallstarlax.com
While the format of the 2021 games is still undecided, the staff hopes to be back on the field in Duke’s Koskinen Stadium on Saturday, June 5, 2021
Any individuals, groups or companies, desiring to help sponsor our event should contact the Co-Directors (Jeff Spear / jeffspear@nc.rr.com & Franklin Zirkle / nccoachz@gmail.com or via event email: bullcityallstarlax@gmail.com)