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DECEMBER 2021 31 The weekend of October 22 marked another historic celebration for the Virginia Men's La- crosse program. Following a shortened 2020 season, the team returned to competition in 2021 and earned the program's seventh Na- tional Championship title, the second under Coach Lars Tiffany. The VAF hosted a men's lacrosse alumni reunion weekend to celebrate the team's 2021 spring accomplishments and honor the 2020 graduates. On Friday, alumni and families enjoyed a golf outing at Birdwood Golf Course, which included a two-man scramble shotgun tourna- ment, a putting contest on the Ridges Putting Course, and prizes. Following golf, parents and alumni volunteers led a career mentoring at Disharoon Park, followed by a Q&A session with the team. Later that evening, the men's lacrosse team hosted an alumni game, which saw a record number of participants. While many returning players included standout alumni and some professional lacrosse play- ers, the 2021–22 men's lacrosse team con- trolled the game and beat the alumni 18-5! On Saturday, the 2021 men's lacrosse team was honored with a reception and ring ceremony at the Darden School of Business. During the ceremony, Director of Athletics Carla Williams congratulated the team and noted the tremendous leadership by the coaches and stu- dent-athletes. Coach Lars Tiffany also reflected on the team's unforgettable season, sharing memorable stories and quotes from the journey. Ryan Pride (McIntire '21) presented conference and national awards to his teammates. Jackson Appelt (A&S '21, Pre-Med), announced team awards with special and personal tributes for each announced teammate. The men's lacrosse coaches then presented championship rings to staff, and the championship team was pre- sented with mini replica championship trophies, watches and rings. Captain John Fox provided sentimental closing remarks on behalf of his team and is known for his memorable quote during the tournament, "If we win, we will walk together forever." The event concluded with a highlight film of the remarkable 2021 season made by Assistant Coach Sean Kirwan. The lacrosse families then gathered for a Georgia Tech vs. UVA football tailgate prior to witnessing a football victory and the champion- ship lacrosse team being honored on the field. Coach Lars Tiffany was so grateful of the entire weekend celebration commenting, "This certainly does not get old! Being back on the grass of Scott Stadium with 45,000 UVA fans celebrating our 2021 National Champion- ship was almost as exhilarating as winning the title itself up in Hartford. And to hold our ring ceremony again at the fabulous Darden School of Business demonstrates the value our University places on excellence in all of its endeavors. How fortunate our student-athletes and staff are to be a part of such an energiz- ing, inspiring and fanatical community! Thank you for making us feel so cherished." & VAF NEWS NOTABLES The Virginia Athletics Foun- dation (VAF) hosted its 16 th annual Foundry Golf Tourna- ment on October 11, 2021, at the Foundry Golf Club in Richmond, Va. Each year, the tournament raises money to support the men's and wom- en's golf programs thanks to the efforts of Coley Wortham (A&S '68) and Bob Mizell (McIntire '78), both of whom help recruit Richmond-area participants and sponsors. The tournament opened with lunch followed by the introduction of men's golf head coach Bowen Sargent, women's golf head coach Ria Scott, and current student- athletes. After lunch, student-athletes were paired with each team of donors, where all enjoyed a beautiful fall day of playing golf and a post- tournament awards reception in the new outside pavilion. Congratulations to the proximity winners, raffle prize winners, and the overall winning team, Davenport & Company LLC, which included Bob Mizell, Jon Couch, John Kmetz, Tom Jenkins, and men's golf student- athlete, Pietro Bovari (A&S '23). Thank you to everyone for their participation and support of the Virginia Golf programs. Men's Golf Head Coach Bowen Sargent shared, "We are always grateful for the generosity of our donors, but what Bob and Coley created in The Foundry is simply amazing. The friendships es- tablished on this annual event over many years are remark- able. Our staff and program look forward to this event each and every year and we are truly honored to have such loyal advocates for our program." Women's Golf Head Coach Ria Scott shared, "It's always a great day at the Foundry, especially when the members of our programs can con- nect with such loyal UVA alum and supporters. The Worthams and the Mizells are so gracious with their time, effort and generosity. We are so grateful that they put on this event for us and give all of our student- athletes an opportunity to connect with Richmond-area friends." Donors and Student-Athletes Compete to Raise Support for Virginia Golf The men's and women's golf teams came together to compete in the Foundry Golf Tournament to raise money for the Virginia Golf program. (Photo courtesy UVA) The 2021 men's lacrosse team was honored with a reception and ring ceremony to celebrate the program's seventh NCAA champion- ship. (Photo courtesy UVA) Men's Lacrosse 2021 Ring Ceremony