Making A Difference For Area Youth

Caleb Nelson - Defense 

Baylor University 

"Chad taught me the power of friendship and a simple smile and the impact it can make on someone’s life.  As the team spark plug, he always provided unmatched energy and hope whenever we stepped onto the lacrosse field.  On the tragic morning of June 12th, 2017 we lost our spark plug.  I realized that showing community, support and even friendship can deliver light necessary to ward off the darkness someone may be facing.  This was my paradigm shift in which I became the spark plug for mental health advocacy.  In this new generation, I strive to make mental health viewed as equivalent to physical health and ensure there is no shame in seeking help."

Campbell Collins - Midfielder
Rhodes College
"High school is a vortex for mental health issues with anxiety and depression looming over a majority of the students.  They require the push to keep working and find their passion in life whether it be a teacher or fellow student, we could all use a push in the right direction and a bright influence.  A spark.  I was able to experience the spark Chad exuded on the daily, through terrible lacrosse practices to trading smiles in the hallway, he was able to provide it.  I have been trying my best to mimic his ability to be the light in his friends’ life, whether it be trading smiles in the hallway, giving kids a creative outlet through the Makerspace Beta, or most recently, checking up on my teammates and friends during this quarantine.  To carry that spark is to carry hope. "

Chase Taulbee - Attack & Midfielder
University of Arkansas
"Although I didn’t know Chad, I still think about him every time I step on the field and give it my all just as I know he would.  I carry that same mentality into the classroom with me.  I try to have the same infectious personality and to enrich the lives of everyone around me just as I hear Chad did with his peers.  These are the traits of a great human being and is the goal I shoot for every day."

Drew Waldron - Attack 

Kansas State University

 "Chad set a lasting example for me, there was no better leader for our JV squad and to learn what had happened to Chad rested heavy upon the team and my heart personally,  What I took away from his tragic decision was a mentality shift, when I left the service that day I sat in my car reflecting on the whole situation and I realized Chad’s passing revealed to me the fragility of our lives.  This spoke to me, I decided then and there, sitting in my suit and tie I was going to live each day to its max just like Chad did.  It started with working harder and bringing the same electricity to the field as Chad had."

Nick Eyen - Midfielder
University of Michigan
"When I got hit by a player in a lacrosse game and broke my arm, Chad was there to step up to the player and tell him to back off and then helped me off the field.  His style of leadership, giving his all, having an enthusiastic attitude, protecting those around him and not caring about age but rather character has stuck with me to this day.  In the leadership roles that I have taken on, I strive to live up to his example."

Otto Dunn - Midfielder 

Kansas State University 

"Living life how Chad lived life is the best way to live.  Showing people you care and lending them a hand when they are down is something having the Spark is about.  Being able to connect with someone even if they are a complete stranger is so beneficial not only from a social standpoint but beneficial from a mental health standpoint.  The fact is, you don’t know what someone is going through.  Sometimes just showing someone a bit of kindness will improve their day,  In some cases,  it may even save a life.  I believe in the way Chad lived life.  Be kind to people, try to connect with them, don’t shut people out, be dedicated, inspiring and hard working in everything that you do.  Each day, I try to live life the way Chad would have wanted, with a Spark."

Paul Garcia - Defense
Oklahoma State University
"The spark that Chad brought to the lacrosse team challenged and encouraged every single player to be their best.  Chad was a silent leader, doing his talking on the field, not with his mouth.  As a freshman, seeing Chad’s work ethic and attitude inspired me to take the same approach, not only in lacrosse but also in life.  He brought such a positive, vibrant energy to the team, pushing us to be better athletes and lacrosse players.  He also never failed to make us smile or laugh, even thru some of the roughest practices and games.  This taught me the value of attitude and how big of a difference it can make on a team.   This “spark” that Chad brought is such an important thing not only for any team but also for our school and community."

Eryk Yarkosky - Defender
Hofstra University

Alex Bounmiswang - Midfielder
University of Kansas

Andrew Gomen - Goalie
University of Kansas

Alex "Alessio" Garcia - Midfielder
Kansas State University

Seth Welhoelter - Defender
Kansas State University