Wildcats Take A Shot Against Cancer

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On a rare serious note, I'd like to use this platform to thank and extend the best of luck to UNH Lacrosse Alumnus, Mike Bowen (at left with the yellow vest). We recently rounded out our fall ball season with a game against in conference rival BU, honoring Mr. Bowen who has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer. We will be honoring Mike all season in Durham, using his inspiration to help us win, and hopefully he'll be using us for the same reason.

Here is a write up from team President Dan Milano:

Mike Bowen, a former Division 1 lacrosse player here at UNH, said it best when he said “we are a family.” He was referring to the brotherhood and extended family that is men’s lacrosse here in Durham. Mike played lacrosse for the Wildcats from 1971 to 1975 but has been faced with a game of his own – a battle against brain cancer. Nick Petri, a former teammate of Mike’s here at UNH, alongside with help from Whitney Pillsbury, Coach Jake Sullivan, The Rivers School, current members of the men’s lacrosse team, and the men’s lacrosse team at Boston University organized a game to honor Mike’s devotion to the game and the lacrosse family in Durham. The game was played Saturday, November 7th at The Rivers School in Weston, MA between Boston University and the University of New Hampshire. Mr. Bowen greeted the team prior to the game and gave the Wildcats more than enough inspiration to take the field against their division rival terriers.

The game marked the end of an exciting fall ball season for the Wildcats and was a great display of the progress they have made. The Wildcats took a two goal lead into halftime at which point the “take a shot against cancer for mike” campaign began. Parents and fans of both teams were given the opportunity during halftime to take a shot on Wildcat goalie Jake Katz by making a donation in Mike’s name to fight cancer. The second half was no different from the first with the Wildcats jumping on the Terriers and increasing their lead. Contributions were made at both ends of the field. Seniors John Kasper and Tim Wyeth had standout games at the defensive end while rookies Joe Gardiner and Mark Bumann opened eyes at the attack position. At the final buzzer the Wildcats enjoyed an 11 – 6 victory that marked the end of a great day. Mike Bowen joined the team on the field after to thank everyone and share some words of wisdom. It truly was a picture perfect ending to a promising fall ball season. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Bowen as he continues his ongoing battle off the field.