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By Josh Perry
Hometown Weekly Staff
Boston Herald reporter Bruce Lerch was one of this state’s leading proponents of local lacrosse. His passion for the game and the athletes that played it was unrivaled and his tragic passing in December rocked the lacrosse community.
Last week, the Herald announced that it is organizing the first annual Bruce Lerch Memorial Tournament on May 21 at Westwood High. All proceeds from the tripleheader will go to the Bruce Lerch Fund, a scholarship that will recognize high school student-athletes, continuing a legacy that Bruce formed during his career.
As Herald Editor-in-Chief Joe Sciacca wrote, “Bruce represented the very best in local journalism. He cared about the young athletes he covered and formed a bond with them, which will endure through every game they play, every accomplishment they celebrate for years to come.”
To honor Bruce, lacrosse teams from around the state have already begun fundraising through stickers and decals featuring his jersey number (27) from his playing days.
According to the Herald story, more than $30,000 has been raised in just two months.
The tournament on May 21 will feature three premier match-ups, including Dual County League rivals Lincoln-Sudbury and Concord-Carlisle at 11 a.m., Medfield and BC High at 1 p.m., and Hingham and Needham at 3 p.m.
Westwood High was chosen as the venue for its central location and its proximity to the teams taking part. The hope is to get a huge turnout to raise more money in honor of a reporter who meant as much to the game, the teams, and the players as they meant to him.
To purchase Bruce Lerch Fund decals for your team, visit www.youcaring.com/thebrucefund or email Lincoln-Sudbury coach Brian Vona at brian@kenvona.com.
Josh Perry is an Editor at Hometown Weekly. He can be reached at news@hometownweekly.net and followed on Twitter at @Josh_Perry10.
