The Garden City Rams are hosting the Ninth Annual Jay Gallagher Memorial Lacrosse Tournament on June 17 th and 18 th. The Garden City Rams third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade boy's and girl's teams will be participating. Out of town teams are invited to compete in a non-competitive jamboree event.

The tournament memorializes Ryan Kohart and Dave Leistman who were lost in the September 11 th tragedy. Ryan was a graduate of Garden City High School and a four-year letterman at North Carolina University. Ryan was the recipient of The Jay Gallagher Award, which recognizes "The Outstanding Freshman in the Carolina Lacrosse Program." Dave was a graduate of Sewanaka High School and a four-year Letterman at Adelphi University. A longtime village resident, Dave was active in the Garden City Rams Lacrosse program, coaching both boy's and girl's teams. It was with great sadness that the lacrosse world and local community heard of this tragic loss of such fine individuals.

Jay Gallagher graduated from Garden City High School in 1970 where he co-captained the varsity lacrosse team. Jay was a four-year defenseman at Cornell and tri-captained the big red his senior year, helping them to the NCAA semi-finals. After graduation, he acted as an assistant coach for North carolina, Syracuse, Rutgers and Cornell from 1981-1985. His legacy is still present with the John W. "Jay" Gallagher Memorial Scholarship Fund, which goes to a needy Cornell underclassman.

Jay had a memorable association with Garden City, Cornell and the lacrosse world, and it was with much sadness that members of these groups heard of his death on January 9, 1992, at age 39 from melanoma.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to support The Andy Foundation and The Miracle Foundation fight against cancer.

The Garden City Rams are looking for corporate or individual field sponsorship. Volunteers are needed to work four- hour shifts on both Saturday and Sunday, June 17 th and 18 th. Community service recognition will be granted. For further information, please contact Anthony Randi at 747-4931 or e-mail rjrandi@hotmail.com .