Courage Bowl XIX
Oct. 16th, 2024 9:41 am
It’s hard to believe we’ve just finished the 19th Courage Bowl. Thinking back to when this all started, it seems like only yesterday I was sitting at a red light, watching kids toss a football in the backseat of a car. That image stuck with me. I’d just left Camp Good Days, where so many of our campers—children battling cancer—would never get the chance to experience what those kids in the car were doing. They wouldn’t get to dream of being on a football team, scoring that last-second touchdown. That’s where the idea for the Courage Bowl came from, and now, 19 years later, this tradition continues to give those kids a moment on the field and be part of something they might not have been able to experience otherwise.
We started off the week with the Courage Bowl Luncheon, and it was amazing to see the honorary coaches and cheerleaders meet their teams for the first time. Later on in the week, our campers got to attend a practice with their team, and then we finished the week with the Courage Bowl on Saturday. The excitement built as the week went on, and the anticipation was palpable by the time game day arrived. Seeing the campers bond with their teams and get a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of a college football program is something extraordinary.
This year, SUNY Brockport and St. John Fisher University once again took to the field, with Brockport taking the win. But as I always say, this game is about more than the score. The true heart of the Courage Bowl lies in the courage and strength shown by the honorary coaches and cheerleaders—our campers. These children, who have battled cancer, proudly stood on the sidelines, wholeheartedly supported by their teams. Witnessing their smiles and excitement is a powerful reminder of the significance of this game.
That same spirit of courage carried through the halftime ceremony when I presented the Joe Lanzalaco Memorial Courage Award. This award, named after a man who embodied strength, resilience, and service, is a testament to the extraordinary courage shown by its recipients. This year, we were proud to honor U.S. Marshal Charles Salina and Mike Lawandus, two individuals who have demonstrated these qualities in their lives.
Charles Salina, who has served as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of New York since 2011, is widely respected for his leadership and dedication to building a stronger and safer community. His resilience and unwavering determination to overcome obstacles have inspired many, making him a role model for all those around him.
Michael Lawandus, who served the Rochester community for many years as the ATF Resident Agent in Charge before retiring, has demonstrated true courage throughout his life, both during his distinguished career and beyond. His enduring commitment to supporting those around him and facing challenges with unwavering strength continues to set an example for everyone he meets.
As we honored these two remarkable individuals, I couldn’t help but reflect on the spirit of the game itself. Just as Charles and Michael exemplify courage off the field, both teams, SUNY Brockport and St. John Fisher, carried that same sense of honor and respect onto the field. Even though it was a game between rivals, both teams played with heart, showing that they were there for something much bigger than football—they were playing for our campers. The way they carried themselves on the field reflected the true heart of the Courage Bowl, and it always makes me proud to see that.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the volunteers, the players and coaches from both SUNY Brockport and St. John Fisher, and all our sponsors, including County Executive Adam Bello, who helped make this event possible. To everyone involved, thank you for helping us create good days and special times for our campers, reminding them—and all of us—of the incredible power of community and courage.
