While the St. Anthony’s boy’s lacrosse team lost season opener 11-8, to Culver Prep, there was still much to be grateful for in the St. Anthony’s community. Before the game, a Relay for Life fundraiser held in gymnasium raised more than $48,000, and the game and post-game ceremony were dedicated to two alumni who died from cancer. Robbie Urban, a 2024 St. Anthony’s graduate who played lacrosse at Providence, died last year. Colin Clive, a member of the Class of 2010 and a former Siena lacrosse player, lost both of his parents to cancer before passing away from the disease himself in 2023.
The standout performances from the Friars came from three seniors. Midfielder Jake Johnson, attacker Daniel Roody, and attacker Charlie Cacciabaudo, had two goals each. The Culver Academy Eagles however, controlled the game, never allowing a Friars lead throughout the game. For Friars head coach Keith Wieczorek, however, there were more important things happening than the game itself.
“It’s bigger than this season and this moment,” Wiecerzeck said. “Friars Forever is a true belief that the school holds, and we try to impart these boys with every day and every competition.”
Before the game, the Relay for Life event in the gym featured activities such as volleyball, basketball and performances from student bands, while Friars students walked along the gymnasium’s indoor track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. These donations support the organization’s mission of cancer research, advocacy, and patient support.
Senior Julia Corsini was involved in the organizing of this event.
“I’m proud for this school and this community for putting together this day,” Corsini said.
For Corsini, this event had personal significance.
“With my mom being a cancer survivor, and losing my grandma a couple of years ago, I thought it was the perfect way to get involved,” Corsini said. “It was significant to my real family and my St. Anthony’s family.”
After the game, a tribute was held where members of the St. Anthony’s community honored Clive and Urban, through sharing personal stories about the two young men, and a prayer was said in their honor.
“To see this support from the community is not surprising,” said Rob Urban, Robbie’s father. “This is the reason my son wanted to come here. It’s just a special place.”
“This really shows that lacrosse is bigger than just a game,” said Robbie’s former teammate, Saint Anthony’s senior Ethan Bramoff. “Robbie was a great person and I’m glad I got to play with him.”
