We talked to Chase Pettebone, St. Mary’s alumni and tournament organizer, about the event.
“A couple of years back I had seen some article about the Navy alumni playing Army alumni in a lacrosse game every year and I was just like, ‘Man! That's such a great concept,’” said Pettebone. “I had a chance to play in a St. Mary's alumni lacrosse game a few years back and saw how much fun these alumni-type events were and immediately started thinking if I could apply this alumni rivalry template to the St. Mary's-Severn rivalry.”
The St. Mary’s Alumni Association approved the idea this September and the next step was getting Severn on board.
“Luckily my close friend Drew Turner was up for the task, and has done a great job compiling a formidable Severn squad for the Alumni Challenge,” said Pettebone.
St. Mary’s and Severn both have alumni who have gone on to big things in lacrosse, and several of them will be coming back for the event. Players in the challenge will include Boston Cannons keeper Kip Turner, Navy attackman Pat Moran, and North Carolina’s Mark and Ben Staines all playing for Severn, Towson’s Christian Pastirik, and Matt and John Lamon will play for St. Mary’s. Severn’s team will also be coached by Bud and Jimmy Beardmore.
Lacrosse Playground also received some mock-ups of the uniform design for the event (above). Annapolis Design Company worked on the jersey/logo and Adrenaline Lacrosse is a sponsor of the event. Pettebone said that given the support received so far this year, next year he hopes the event can become even bigger, and possibly be played for a charity or foundation.
Those interested in learning more about the event can contact Chase Pettebone at cpettebone@gmail.com.