TRAGEDY PROVIDES MOTIVATION FOR 2010 MEN'S LACROSSE

"Friends are family you choose for yourself."

This short line was something Brian Eyles '05 often used when speaking about his teammates on the Mount Ida College men's lacrosse team. This phrase now transcends its simplistic tones to incorporate a larger meaning and audience.

Tragically, on October 25, 2009 at a flag-football game, Eyles collapsed after a routine play and was rushed to a local hospital where he passed away at the age of 26. The tragic incident occurred only three weeks after he played in the College's annual homecoming lacrosse alumni game.

"Brian's death definitely shocked us because of how young he was and that we had just played against him a few weeks earlier," said Senior Captain Bryan Seaman '10. According to former teammate and friend Ricky Aurelio '05, "Brian had a uniquely caring and charismatic personality. He easily made friends wherever he went; he was my best friend, a great teammate and an even better person."

Andrew Fink, head coach of the men's lacrosse team, has decided to rename the homecoming alumni game after Eyles. For Fink, homecoming and family weekend is about rekindling the family bond among Mount Ida Mustangs. By renaming the annual alumni game, the team and the entire community will always remember the love and dedication Eyles had for his family and friends.

In addition, the entire lacrosse team has dedicated its 2010 season to Eyles and officially retired his number 13. Decals with the number 13 will be placed on Mustang helmets this season and on the back of the team's warm-up jerseys. His number will reinforce the most important aspect of athletics - the family bond it creates.

"Eyles is a source of inspiration going into the campaign for a seventh title," said Fink. Fink added that, more importantly, Eyle's character and dedication to his family and friends on and off the field would be remembered for many years.

"Even though none of us were on the same team as him, we all feel we have to succeed in order to honor someone who was a pioneer for the program," added Seaman. Eyles, a four-year member of the lacrosse team from 2001 to 2005, was an integral piece to capturing the program's first North Atlantic Conference (NAC) championships in 2004 and 2005. Eyles' dedication and leadership earned him a role as a team captain and the team MVP his senior year. He was part of the team that started a winning tradition at the College that continues today.