Climb for Connor Set for this Weekend
The Castleton and Norwich men's lacrosse teams have teamed up to take part in the Climb for Connor to raise money and honor the memory of former Cadet lacrosse player Connor Roberts, this February 21-22.
Connor Roberts had just finished his sophomore year at Norwich when he passed away from a heart attack in June of 2014. The sudden death shook both the Castleton and Norwich communities, as well as his hometown of St. Albans, Vt. Connor's older brother Ben played lacrosse and hockey at Castleton before graduating in 2014 while his sister Danielle was a member of the women's hockey team at Castleton.
While at Castleton Ben managed the rock wall on campus and behind his leadership, broke attendance records and became a popular on-campus activity. Ben's involvement with the Rock Wall makes it appropriate to host a climb-a-thon event in order to raise money in honor of his brother. This money will go to a memorial fund and scholarship that were established in Connor's name by his family and friends to ensure that Connor's memory will live on and continue to touch lives for years to come.
"For us the climb is a way to remember Connor and honor the memory of a great competitor and friend," said Castleton men's lacrosse player and childhood friend Isaac Devoid. "It also gives both the Norwich and Castleton communities a chance to collaborate for a great cause that is so personal to all of us."
"Connor will always be remembered as a person who brought people together," said Norwich head coach Neal Anderson. "Of course his competitiveness and athletic talent will forever be in the record books and in those memories of seasons' past. But it was the way he bridged gaps between people and communities that is still being celebrated today."
The climb will take place from Saturday, Feb. 21 at 6 pm to Sunday, Feb. 22 at 6 pm. At all times during the 24 hours, members of the Castleton and Norwich men's lacrosse teams will be climbing the rock wall.
Climbers are seeking donations and sponsorships for the event and to show support interested parties wanting to donate prior to the day of the event can contact Climb4Connor@gmail.com or donate directly online.
Castleton President Dave Wolk also couldn't say enough about this event's meaning.
"I am a big fan of the Roberts family and it warms my heart that our players and coaches, as well as those at Norwich, are working together in classic sportsmanship fashion to honor Connor."