W&J and Wheeling Jesuit Men’s Lacrosse
Raises Over $2,000 for MSA

The Washington & Jefferson College men’s lacrosse team and Wheeling Jesuit Men’s lacrosse team raised over $2,000 last weekend for Parkinson’s disease research and prevention during its annual fall tournament at Alexandre Stadium.

The idea to raise money during the tournament was a collaborative effort between W&J and Wheeling Jesuit University.  Donations also came from other schools participating in the tournament: Seton Hill University, Lake Erie College, Walsh University and Mercyhurst College-North East.  A total of $2,225.96 was raised during the tournament from gate receipts and donations.  Referees who worked the games also donated their fees.

“The fall tournament was a big success and we were thrilled with how much money we raised for research of this disease,” said W&J Head Coach Chad Moore. 

“All of these schools came together for a great cause and we hope to continue it in the future.  I am proud of our student-athletes and fans.”
WJU played three games against Walsh University, Mercyhurst NE, and W&J College.  There was no official score in the games but WJU seemed to have the upper hand in each game.  “It was a great day of lacrosse for a great cause.  It was a chance for us to evaluate our new kids and see what we have to improve on for the spring,” Said WJU Head Coach Jay Sothoron.

This tournament was created to help people with the disease known as Multiple System Atrophy.  Multiple System Atrophy is a rare condition that is said to develop in adulthood, and which includes symptoms tied to Parkinson’s disease as well as autonomic dysfunction. The condition is believed to be difficult to diagnose and may affect thousands of men and women across the country every year, according to some estimates.

At this time, it is believed there is no cure for this disorder; care options are said to aim to relieve some of the symptoms and to enable the afflicted individual to regain some bodily functions. 

Men’s lacrosse senior captain Eric Jenkins and the WJU coaching staff thought this would be a great cause to donate the tournament proceeds to.  This disease is something that affected Eric first hand.  Eric’s father Larry had been battling this disease for many years.  Eric’s mother, father and family were very proud WJU was doing this tournament to help people with Larry’s disease. 

The tournament was held on Saturday October 3rd and was a success.  Due to his condition Larry could not make the trip from California to attend the event.  Larry’s wife and other relatives close to Larry were in attendance to witness this event first hand.  They were very pleased with this event and said how much it meant to Larry. 

Unfortunately Saturday evening after the games the Jenkins family received a very sad phone call.  Larry had lost his battle with (MSA) and passed away.  Coach Sothoron received the phone call and met with the family before their flight back to California. 

“As a coach you never want anything bad to happen to one of your players.  People don’t realize how close coaches are with their players.  There was nothing I could do but be supportive for Eric during this difficult time.  While speaking with Eric and his family the one thing they kept saying was how happy they were that we held this event for Larry.  I just want Eric and his family to know we are truly sorry for their loss and we are here to help them in any way we can during the upcoming months.  Eric is a captain who holds great leadership qualities and has a great future ahead of him.  We know his father is very proud of him,” Said WJU Coach Jay Sothoron.