Virtue and Valor: All-Star Lax Game Lives Up to Marine Standards

Uniondale, NY — Wednesday night’s high school all-star lacrosse game, named after local hero Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly, meant much more than bragging rights.

Daly was a United States Marine in the late 19th century and early 20th century, who is one of only 19 men to have received the prestigious Medal of Honor twice.

“He came from the Glen Cove area,” said Sergeant Zachary Scanlon from the Marines Recruiting Station New York. “He enlisted in 1899, so essentially he enlisted like anyone else – a man who wanted to serve is country.”

Selected players participated in community service and are taught life lessons from Marine Sergeants and attend a two-day training camp, in the week leading up to the Nassau versus Suffolk all-star lax game.

“We’re here to give back,” remarked Sergeant Scanlon, pointing-out, “We’re part of this community, too; we live here.”

Each high school all-star team was coached by two collegiate lacrosse players. Hofstra University junior lacrosse stars Kris Clarke and John Puckhaber coached Team Virtue. Meanwhile, St. John’s University athletes Brian Gaffney and Jason Debenedictis coached Team Valor.

“It’s very special,” said Nassau resident Gaffney, a junior midfielder for the St. John’s Red Storm. “It means a lot to me to get to coach these guys,” the Big East Conference All-Academic team member added. Gaffney coached Team Valor, the Suffolk County high school all-stars, against Team Virtue, the Nassau County all-stars.

Team Valor won both installments of the Dan Daly Cup. They beat Team Virtue 11-10.