Mountain View Lacrosse looks for community help to honor the legacy of Ryan O’Connell
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three years ago, tragedy struck the Mountain View Lacrosse community when former player Ryan O’Connell drowned in a pool at Tetherow. In the wake of their loss, the O’Connell family asked for donations to be made to the Mountain View Lacrosse Club in Ryan’s honor, a gesture that has since turned into a powerful movement to preserve his legacy.
“When Ryan passed away and his parents asked that donations be made to the club in his honor, all of a sudden, I had floods of envelopes coming in with checks in them,” said Sara LaFaver, the treasurer of the Mountain View Lacrosse program.
LaFaver, whose son once played with Ryan and has another still in the program, has been instrumental in keeping the O’Connell family’s vision alive through the Ryan O’Connell Fund.
“So this is really near and dear to my heart, because with every envelope that I opened in the beginning, it was just another flood of tears for somebody that we lost too soon,” LaFaver said.
Since March 20th, the club has raised $7,715 toward its short-term goal, but hopes to hit the $10,000 mark by this Saturday. That amount would be matched, potentially doubling the impact.
“This season, we were given the opportunity to have up to $10,000 matched in funds. And being at about $7,700, we are leaving some money on the table if we can't raise the rest of the money,” LaFaver added.
Mountain View Lacrosse’s ultimate goal is to reach $25,000 to establish an endowment fund, money that would be preserved and invested to provide long-term, sustainable support to the program. It’s an investment in future generations, including players like Liam Wheir.
“I'd say that it would help us live on in his legacy. I would say it helps us get new kids into the program and help us, you know, grow our community, which will have a very positive impact on Mountain View,” Wheir said.
Unlike school-funded sports, lacrosse is a club sport, meaning all costs must be covered by the program itself. It costs between $30,000 and $35,000 annually to keep the club running.
“You've got to fight for everything you have," Wheir said. "You have to fight to even practice every day on your field, and where you get to play games or when you get to play games. And if you get a bus or if you have to drive yourself, like with football, everything is almost provided for you. You get free transportation to everything and parents don't have to worry about that.”
The fund is more than just money — it's a living tribute to a teammate and friend who left a lasting impact.
“I mean, Ryan inspired a number of people, I'm sure not just me, but there's a lot of people who aspire to be like him. He was always so friendly and happy and you know, that keeps a lot of people going and pushes them to be their best every day,” Wheir said.
You can donate to Mountain View Lacrosse through venmo- @MVcougslacrosse - or mail cash or a check to MVHS Lacrosse Boosters 2660 NE Hwy 20 Ste 610 PMB#376 Bend, Or 97701
