Number of Participants: 24
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $811
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Girls Soccer
School: Hamburg High School
Date: September 29, 2024
Location:
Hamburg High School
Legion Drive, Hamburg
NY
About:
The Hamburg Bulldog Dash is more than just a 5K Fun Run and walk; it’s an event that celebrates community, teamwork, and the memory of Conor Long, a Hamburg alumnus who played a pivotal role in launching the event nine years ago. Originally created as a fundraiser for the Hamburg Booster Club, Connect Life, and the Hamburg Health Science Academy—where Conor was an active member—the Bulldog Dash has become a cherished tradition.
Tragically, Conor passed away in a hiking accident in 2018, just 10 days after his 20th birthday. To honor his legacy, the Hamburg Girls Soccer team, from modified to varsity, participated in this year’s event as a team. Their participation not only supported a meaningful cause but also strengthened the bond between teammates as they came together in remembrance of Conor.
But the team’s spirit of giving didn’t stop there. In a powerful show of solidarity, they have joined forces with their cross-town rivals, Frontier, to raise funds in honor of their former coach, Tom Zugger, who is currently battling pancreatic cancer. The two teams will face off at Frontier High School on Friday, October 18th, in a game dedicated to Coach Zugger. The event will raise awareness for pancreatic cancer while celebrating Coach Zugger’s years of service to the sport and the countless athletes he has inspired.
The Hamburg Girls Soccer team continues to demonstrate the values of leadership, community, and compassion—both on and off the field. Their commitment to honoring Conor’s memory and supporting Coach Zugger exemplifies the power of sports in bringing people together for a greater cause.