Warwick vs. North Rockland: Competing for a Cause – The 9th Annual Wounded Warrior Project Challenge

In the spirit of unity and compassion, Warwick High School Athletics recently hosted the 9th Annual Wounded Warrior Project Challenge on Saturday, April 27th. The day was brimming with spirited competition and heartfelt support for a noble cause.

Athletes from Warwick and North Rockland Red Raiders gathered on the sports fields to participate in various spring sports, all united in their dedication to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The action commenced with an 8:45 AM breakfast for the athletes at the Warwick HS South Cafeteria, setting a vibrant tone for a day of purposeful play.

A special highlight of the event was the presence of Jacob Norotsky, a Wounded Warrior Project speaker and Iraqi War Veteran, who traveled from North Carolina to share his inspiring story and illuminate the mission of the organization. At 10 AM sharp, Norotsky took the stage in the Stadium at C. A. Morgan Football Field, inviting the public to witness his compelling narrative.

The sportsmanship took center stage at 11 AM as Warwick and North Rockland’s Varsity and JV Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Golf, Flag Football, and Lacrosse teams engaged in friendly yet competitive matches, each dedicated to honoring the Wounded Warrior Project. Athletes were encouraged to make a suggested $25 donation, contributing to the event’s success and the cause it supports.

Beyond the games, the day epitomized community involvement and support, with T-shirts available for purchase throughout the event and donations accepted in the Athletic Director’s office leading up to and during the event.

With Warwick securing victory this year, the event marked its 10th year, having raised $40,000 for WWP since its inception. The overall team scores stood at North Rockland 5, Warwick 3, and 1 tie.

Over 2000 people attended the event, with over 400 student athletes participating (representing every spring sport except track). Warwick and North Rockland’s spirited competition for a plaque added to the event’s excitement.

The success and spirit of the 9th Annual Wounded Warrior Project Challenge exemplify the power of sportsmanship and compassion. With the support of our athletes and community, we continue to make a meaningful difference, one game at a time.

 

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Warwick Defeats North Rockland in Wounded Warrior Challenge

Thousands of Dollars Raised for Wounded Warrior Project

 

By Gregory Sirico

 

Warwick, NY. Ten years ago, Warwick and North Rockland Athletic programs created the Wounded Warrior Challenge where most spring teams compete on the same day with the intention of raising money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Saturday’s event on the Warwick campus did not disappoint from Wounded Warrior Project Speaker Jacob Norotsky to the competitiveness of every game…it was an exciting day for all. The Wildcats prevailed, winning the overall title and have won 3 of the last 4 years.  North Rockland still holds the overall record recording 5 wins to Warwick’s 3 and one tie.

Warwick boys lacrosse overcame a 4 – 3 halftime deficit to earn a win and the jv boys lacrosse team also won. Warwick girls varsity lacrosse lost a close game 9 – 7 and the jv girls earned the win 9 – 8.  Varsity baseball battled back from an early deficit too but came up just short while the jv team played tough but earned a  loss for the Wildcats.  Varsity softball defeated the undefeated Red Raiders 1 – 0 and the jv girls lost a 2 -1 game.  Tennis defeated North Rockland 4 – 3 in a very close match.  The final school winner came down to golf…the girls team tied North Rockland and the boys pulled through for a 2 stroke win giving the Wildcats the overall title.

Thank you to the many volunteers that made the day special including students Alex Morse, Elizabeth Laino, Casey Fox, Nadia Ali and Kaylyann Mela.  Roy Quackenbush came in early to prep the fields and parents Lindsay Frederick, Margaret Accardo, Kellyann Hennessy, Lori Sirico, Tara Judd and Tyler Frederick (MS student) helped with event coordination.

The event raised thousands of dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project charity whose founding office was located in the Clocktower building on Main Street in Warwick, New York. Many are already looking forward to next year’s event which will be held on the North Rockland campus.