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Jon Ryan Memorial Lacrosse Award

Dear SYC Lacrosse Families:

Jonathan S. Ryan, who we called "JR," was one of the most remarkable human beings I have ever been privileged to call "friend." JR was among the victims lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He was a team captain and a starting Defenseman for Stony Brook’s lacrosse team from 1987-90. He excelled academically as well as athletically at Stony Brook, and his unwavering work ethic continued to bring him professional and personal successes later in life. JR was a loving husband and proud father. He left behind a wife, a daughter, and a son who was born, after the attack, in October, 2001. JR tremendously impacted the lives of everyone that knew him, and he will always be remembered for his leadership, integrity, and commitment to family.

In honor of JR, SYC Lacrosse has established the Jon Ryan Memorial Lacrosse Award. Two SYC Lacrosse players (a boy and a girl) will be honored annually and awarded a gift card from Dick's Sporting Goods. The Lacrosse Committee will make awards based on players’ sportsmanship, team spirit, leadership, work ethic, self-discipline and integrity.
Please join me in honoring Jon’s spirit by congratulating the recipients of these awards, who are listed in the SYC Lacrosse Year Book. 
Thank you,
Dave Janas, Lacrosse Commissioner (Stony Brook ’90)

*Euro Brokers Profile on JR.
*Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation September 11 Memorial.

*If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to an Endowment established at Stony Brook, which funds scholarships to lacrosse players in JR’s memory, please click here

Keegan Konietzko - 2021 Jon Ryan Award Recipient

Keegan (Ginger) Konietzko - B14UC. Ginger is such a great young man!  He is one of those kids that is much more mature than his age!  He has a number of years of experience in lacrosse but was put on the C team this season due to an over-abundance of defenders at U14 level after our A-team dissolved.  He is a leader that is also a vital on the field as a coach to our lesser experienced players.  Several times throughout the season, Ginger has come to the coaching staff asking if he can run a specific drill with the other defenders on the team.  I have never heard him complain about our tough season or being on the C team.  Ginger embodies sportsmanship, integrity and all around good nature!  That's why it's a no-brainer that we awarded Ginger the Ryan award for his selfless service to his teammates.

Sierra Sommers - 2021 Jon Ryan Award Recipient

Sierra Sommers - G78B. Sierra picked up a stick for the first time in the Summer/Fall of 2018.  She bull-dozed her way onto Girls 5/6 A team in the Spring of 2019 and proved herself to be an outstanding defensive player.  Her warm demeanor, dedication to learning the sport, and awareness of her teammates is incomparable.  Sierra is the protector on the field.  She constantly looks out for her teammates as they run up and down the field, and regularly puts herself between other team's players and our ball-carriers or potential ball-carriers to ensure their safety and success on the field.  Sierra carries herself with a quiet confidence.  She is intelligent and a natural teacher.  Sierra is a leader in the humblest way as she always helps her teammates on and off the field.  Any person would be lucky to have Sierra as a friend.  Any coach would be honored to have her on their team.