Andrew Alejo, Cole Samaroo and Jonathan Klobus represented Syosset High School on Saturday, June 21, at Glen Cove High School’s Maiden Field for the inaugural Dan Daly Cup High School All-Star Lacrosse game, honoring the legacy of U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Dan Daly, a two-time Medal of Honor recipient.
The game featured 50 of Nassau and Suffolk’s elite high school lacrosse players. Despite an admirable comeback by team Virtue, the Suffolk squad –Team Valor– prevailed in the game, 14-8. Leading up to the game, players from both squads participated in intense, military-style physical fitness warm-up drills led by local Marines, who also conducted seminars that instilled pride, emphasized teamwork and addressed community responsibility. Lizards coaches also shared their professional lacrosse expertise with members of both teams.
Samaroo, Team Virtue player from Syosset High School, was awarded the Gung Ho award, which is presented in keeping with Marine Corps traditions to the individual with the most motivation who inspires others.
“This was a great opportunity to showcase my abilities and interact with the Marines and New York Lizards,” said Samaroo.
Earlier in the day, the City of Glen Cove and the Marines rededicated the current plaque bearing Sgt. Maj. Daly’s name at Glen Cove’s Monument Park. The U.S. Marine Corps Band, who also performed before the game along with the GCHS Select Choir, led a parade along Dosoris Lane. Additionally, the Marines presented a special framed lacrosse jersey to the Pedone family, honoring the late Nicholas Pedone, a Glen Cove youngster who lost his battle with a rare form of cancer.
Descendants of Sgt. Maj. Daly, including his grand niece, were on hand for the rededication and the game. Sgt. Maj. Daly was a two-time Medal of Honor recipient during the early 1900s and is one of the Marine Corps’ most admired heroes. Marines of all occupational specialties respect his legend and fighting spirit to this day.
