Lacrosse in West Islip and the individuals that started the kids programs way back when have had an enormous lasting impact on my family and I. Stop and think of how things may be different in your life if you didn’t play lacrosse, if you weren’t out putting in the time and energy each day. Everyday whether practice or game you are building and developing the most important skills and qualities that are invaluable in this world today. Lacrosse builds character. Character is your foundation for life. From an early age you learn your strengths and weaknesses, areas you need to focus on. You become more and more disciplined and learn to manage your time more efficiently. The lacrosse player learns how to lead, but always knows they are part of a team and fighting for a greater cause. Essentially, you are being equipped with the tools for life those being skills, qualities and character traits that can’t be taught in the classroom. This is the foundation and the building blocks of YOU. School wasn’t easy for me and I had to work hard, where as it came easy for others. The difference is if I got knocked down I would get back up, push even harder, persevear and overcome my obstacles and this was built into me on the field. You always give 110 %. Picture those individuals that perhaps didn’t have the work ethic, discipline and determination but they were gifted and did well in school without many struggles. Often times we face struggles and get knocked down. I have known many friends who didn’t grow up playing sports namely lacrosse, they lacked the core foundation that I and you are built upon and often times they couldn’t get back up. They were defeated.
This is what I believe to be the foundation for my success. I believe I am a perfect example of how organized sports such as lacrosse in West Islip has been the crux of my success in life. Growing up from 1st to 8th grade I was in IEP (Resource Room, Reading Room, Speech therapy). Being in IEP alone made me think not so highly about myself and often second guessing my abilities and ultimately developing anxiety. Lacrosse was an outlet for my energy but also an tool for my growth. What my core was built on was to work hard, never give up and I would be rewarded. I am grateful for the pioneers of West Islip Lacrosse as a kid in Elementary school, through middle school, high school and through college. Perhaps it was only when I grew older that I would realize the hours, days, weeks, months, years of dedication the coaches put in would be reflected in me now as a 44 year old. I am grateful for that.
My Brother and Best friend Michael Brennan who was sadly killed in 2014 at the age of 32 played lacrosse in West Islip for over 14 years and excelled at it. I knew he felt and realized the same success in life that I did as he followed in my footsteps and became a Medical Doctor as well.
He was grateful for the lacrosse program in West Islip as am I. Each year we give out 1-2 Michael Brennan MD Memorial Scholarships to a senior lacrosse player going on to play in college. We donate this money by having events and fundraisers or personally from our family.
This is the first year I will be trying something new to raise money for the Michael Brennan MD Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship. I will be selling customized 20 oz, 30 oz, and 40 oz tumblers which I personally have designed and will sell, giving back 20% of each sale to the West Islip Lacrosse Booster Club and Scholarship fund.
The Tumblers will soon be available for sale on Instagram @SwigWare on facebook @SwigWare and on our website which I am still building with my team www.SwigWare.com or simply by messaging me or emailing me at swigware@gmail.com
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