By Liz Page
STAMFORD – The second annual Sean B. Lynch Memorial Softball Tournament is set for June 21 at Russ Archibald Memorial Field in Stamford and is currently signing on teams and welcoming sponsors. The tournament honors an educator and a coach who loved softball.
The tournament is a way for the community to remember a man who returned to his roots to raise his family and teach history at his former school. He coached junior varsity and varsity softball and was a solid member of the community.
His widow, Rebecca Lynch, said that while the tournament is a competition between softball teams, it is intended for those participating to come out, have a good time together playing one of his favorite sports and to remember Sean. And the community is invited to come out and enjoy the games, maybe purchase a t-shirt or enjoy a hot dog. It's a day of softball and a day of fun."There will be softball games, a concession and t-shirts for sale. There will be a lot of laughs and maybe even a few tears.
"Sean was a junior varsity and varsity girls softball coach at Stamford Central School and he played softball for many years in the adult mens softball leagues at Stamford and Oneonta, back in the day," said Rebecca Lynch. "He loved playing softball."
Lynch is part of the Eklund clan and played for the Eklund's mens softball team, as well as other teams in the adult mens softball league for several years.
Both his daughters, Michaela and Georgia, were softball players and will be playing in the tournament, along with Rebecca, although she said they may not all be playing on the same team.
The tournament was founded by one of Lynch's former students, Jason Olson, and Lynch's friend, SCS Athletic Director Mike Brown.
They are seeking teams, sponsors and private donors. The concession stand will be open on the day of the tournament, operated by Christy Wright, a member of the SCS Booster Club, and volunteers, with the food proceeds split between the Booster Club and SBL Memorial Scholarship.
Lynch said their first tournament was a great success. raising $15,000 for SBL scholarships. Two scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded last year and will be awarded in perpetuity to at least one graduating senior who is pursuing continued education in some form, such as career/workforce training, a certificate program, or at a two-year or four-year college/university. SCS students work with the Guidance Office to apply and the recipient must be a matriculated senior in good academic standing. They will be required to write a short narrative describing why they are the best candidate for the scholarship. They must be involved in school and community activities, show compassion and respect for others and possess motivation to advance through further training and/or education through a college and/or post graduate degree(s). "It was Sean's philosophy that college was not for every student, but he supported higher education and whatever path a student chose to receive their training beyond high school to support their success," said Lynch.
The scholarship was established by Rebecca's childhood friend Deb McInerny and the award is made possible through the generous donations of Sean’s family, friends, and community who understand how much he valued education in its many forms. He taught history for 21 years in Delaware County, 20 of them at SCS, where he was the third generation to attend. He had a true love of learning and a strong commitment to sharing his knowledge and to the growth and well-being of his students and his community. The scholarship embodies his commitment to fostering the growth and development of promising young individuals who exhibit a passion for learning and a dedication to making a positive impact in their communities and the world. "Sean was invested in all he did, and the relationships he forged, and therefore this scholarship, although a one-time award to the student, is an investment in the recipient’s future success."
Former SCS baseball coach Mike Faulkner has agreed to umpire the games again this year and anyone who has some experience and would like to assist should reach out to Rebecca Lynch through private message on Facebook.
Teams are currently being registered and will be limited to eight teams. Team registration and forms are available on the Sean B.LynchMemorial Softball Tournament
Facebook page. The cost is $50 per player and includes the entry fee, a t-shirt, water/Gatorade and lunch. The first games begin at 9 a.m..
Sponsorships are available in the following categories and should be submitted by May 1: bronze - $50 -99, name on the t-shirts; silver - a 4 x 8 banner is hung at the field and name on t-shirts, previous sponsors with a banner already made is $100, new sponsors are $200; gold - any donation of $500 or more includes name on t-shirts, 4 x 8 banner hung at the field, a narrative of your business/company and why you chose to donate will be read out loud during the tournament and a complimentary t-shirt; platinum- the highest amount donated by May 1 and includes name on t-shirts, banner, name on the championship trophy, three minutes to speak prior to the awarding of the trophy and award the trophy to the championship team, banner to hang in the business acknowledging tournament sponsorship, complimentary t-shirts for employs up to 10 shirts.
There are many people involved in planning and executing the day, and Lynch wishes to thank them, most importantly her two daughters, Brown, Olson, Wright and the SCS Community. She also wishes to thank Sal Fabella of Catskill Outpost for his t-shirt design and printing of the tournament t-shirts, Faulkner for umping and all the local businesses, organizations and individuals who have so generously supported the fundraising.
All donations should be made payable to: Sean B. Lunch memorial Scholarship and mailed to: Rebeacca Lynch, 1570 County Hwy. 30, Stamford, NY 12167.
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