Town of Union, NY (WBNG Binghamton) John Mack was a lacrosse player at Binghamton High school who died in November of 2006 when he was hit in the chest during a club lacrosse game.
A tournament held in his memory brings the spirit of competition together with awareness of the risks of the game.
The sounds of the John Mack lacrosse tournament remind parents, coaches, and the Mack family about the risks involved in playing the fastest growing sport in the United States.
"It's a faster game than it ever was before, stronger players, better players, that balls moving almost 100 miles an hour out there," says tournament director, Rob Mack.
With little padding, players like John Mack are at risk for serious injuries or worse.
For the lacrosse community a recent death tugs at their heart strings yet again.
"There was a death this week of a 12 year old boy up in Rochester Tyler Kopp. It's very difficult because coming this weekend it really hits close to home. It brings back to the forefront, the safety issue," says Mack.
An issue very real for father Michael Goldner from Allentown, Pennsylvania.
As he sends his 13 year old out on the field, he understands the chance for injury.
"Whenever you have a lacrosse ball shooting at your son at 100 mph it's a big concern," says Michael Goldner.
Goldner's high school, like many others, doesn't have a defibrillator.
"The AED has been shown. The sooner you get it placed and the patient defibrillated, the faster and the higher percentage of good outcomes you get," says Goldner.
For coaches, preparing players is another way to keep them safe, making sure they're aware and ready for the fast pace game.
"Accidents can occur, and I think the number one thing is, know where you are on the field, make sure you're properly equipped, and just make sure you know what's going on around you," says Seton Catholic Coach, Andrew Skiadas.
That's the goal of the John Mack tournament, to make sure schools have all the necessary equipment to help save a life.
With a defibrillator costing nearly $2,000, it's a cost some schools can't afford, but can't afford to not have.
With 87 teams playing this weekend, tournament organizers say after having to turn away dozens of teams this year, their looking at expanding the tournament to raise money and awareness.
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