Newark Team Goes Bald for Teammate Nate Barnes

March 23, 2015 - Playing on a team is often much more than playing for wins and losses. On the good teams, the relationships that are forged and friendships that are often life-long are among the best parts of athletics.

So, when a member of the team was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, his teammates wanted to do something to say, "we are all a part of a team". Newark twin seniors Nate and Zach Barnes started playing lacrosse in seventh grade. After Nate stopped playing due to poor health in their sophomore year, Zach continued to play and Nate continued to support his brother. Nate was named an honorary Captain for the 2015 season.

There are seventeen seniors on the Newark team this year and they led an initiative to get their teammates to shave their heads in support of Nate. A number of staff members and others joined the Varsity.

Nate is currently in New York City, undergoing treatment. When Nate was shown pictures and told about the support, he said, with a smile, "They almost look as good as me!"

Below are pictures of the Varsity seniors (holding Nate) and the team (and Head Coach Matt Groot) with shaved heads.