SUNY Brockport men's soccer team
raises funds for Golisano Children's Hospital

The SUNY Brockport men's soccer team had a very successful weekend to open the 2004 season. Not only did they win the 2004 SUNY Brockport Invitational to benefit Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, but many children were winners as well.

The Golden Eagles, led by Head Coach Gary LaPietra, raised more than $725, donating all gate proceeds and donations during the two-day, four-game event. SUNY Brockport was joined by King's College, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania and Thiel College. Brockport defeated King's in Sunday's final, 2-0.

The inspiration for the event is 11-year-old Gary Michael LaPietra, son of Beth and Gary. On February 2, 1993, the LaPietras spent the first of 103 days in the neo-natal unit of Golisano's Children's Hospital with their son. The family's first-born was four months premature, and his chances of survival were slim. The next three-and-a-half months were crucial for little Gary's life and proved to be emotionally draining for his parents. With round-the-clock care by the doctors and nurses, Gary Michael grew stronger.

"One day, the doctors let us know that we could take him home," Coach LaPietra said. "They just kept shaking their heads in amazement. It was one big miracle. I am so pleased that our men's soccer tournament was such a success."

Director of Athletics Linda J. Case and the LaPietra family will present the check to a Golisano Children's Hospital representative on Saturday, October 9, at Special Olympics Stadium at the end of the first quarter at the SUNY Brockport Homecoming football game against St. John Fisher.