Springfield, Ohio – Inspired by a friend who lost a child but donated organs to save two other young lives, Wittenberg University Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Jay Owen has organized an event called Lax for Life Connection to take place during the Tigers’ game against the College of Wooster at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Edwards-Maurer Field. 

As the Tigers and Scots battle on the field, representatives from Life Connection of Ohio will be on hand to distribute literature about organ and tissue donation and the importance of registering people to become donors. Life Connection of Ohio is an organization “committed to ending the wait for organ and tissue transplants in a manner that is beneficial to patients, donor families, health care professionals and the public”, according to its website. 

“This is a very important cause, and it’s something very close to my heart,” said Owen, who has led the Tigers to a 5-2 record to start his first season on the sidelines in Springfield. “I am hoping that we can make a real difference in the lives of many people by raising money and awareness about organ and tissue donation.” 

Wittenberg's men's lacrosse game is part of a tripleheader at Edwards-Maurer Field on Saturday. The day opens with a women's game between Wittenberg and Ohio Wesleyan at noon, followed by the men's game. The Lax for Life Connection event concludes with a boys high school game between Hilliard Bradley and Pickerington Central at 6:30 p.m.

T-shirts will be sold during the games for $15, and a variety of activities, games and even a raffle are being organized by Wittenberg University students. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales and the raffle will go to Life Connections of Ohio. 

For those who cannot be in attendance at the game, T-shirts can be purchased by contacting Owen at (937) 327-6451 or by email at owenj@wittenberg.edu.

Written By: Ryan Maurer