Haverford, PA- Saturday’s game had special meaning for The Haverford School. It was the Fords’ alumni day and also a day to remember one of their own.
Before the game, the Fords hosted the inaugural #10VE Lacrosse Celebration fundraiser in honor of former teammate and student Kip Taviano, who passed away in 2013.
The morning started off with a youth clinic hosted by Haverford School lacrosse team members and coaches for players in grades kindergarten through sixth. After the clinic, Brandywine Youth Club, Taviano’s childhood lacrosse team, played against the Kennett/Unionville under-12 team. All proceeds from the days events went go to The James K. “Kip” Taviano ’13 Scholarship Fund.
The scholarship, which was established in 2016, provides tuition assistance for a student-athlete in need who exhibits strong character, friendship, citizenship, and sportsmanship in all that he does, just as Kip demonstrated in his life.
The day also paid tribute to the love and passion that Kip had for his school, community and lacrosse and to commemorate the many lives he touched.
“This was a school Kip really loved,” said Kip’s father, Jim Taviano. “He benefitted from going here. We wanted to give other guys going forward that opportunity.”
Haverford senior midfielder Gavin Burke, who wears the number ten in honor of Kip, was proud to be a part of this day.
“It’s an honor to wear number ten,” said Burke. “Today especially, was a great honor to wear the number and to just to play for something that’s bigger than yourself.”
To make the day even more special, the Fords defeated Germantown Academy, 16-7, that same afternoon on Sabol Field. Sophomore midfielder Quintin Campbell led the Fords with three goals. Burke, sophomore midfielder Geordy Holmes, senior midfielder Peter Garno and senior attack Adam Salvaggio scored two goals each.
Haverford School senior midfielder Gavin Burke talks about wearing the #10 in honor of Kip Taviano:
Haverford School vs. Germantown Academy highlights: (video Alex McGinley)
“We moved the ball well,” said Haverford head coach John Nostrant. “We shot it pretty well. We figured out the faceoffs, so we had possessions. That was a big part of it.”
It was also senior day. The Fords honored their 11 seniors during a pre-game ceremony.
Nostrant was extremely happy with his team’s performance, but this entire day was much bigger than lacrosse for him.
“Kip’s with us all the time,” said coach Nostrant. “We have a locker for him, so he’ll forever be a part of the Haverford school lacrosse and football culture and the community. For us to continue to remember him and pay tribute to him and let his legacy live, it’s awesome. It’s brought us closer together as a community, so it was a great day today.”
For more information about the James’s K Kip Taviano ’13 Scholarship Fund click here.
Kip's parents Jim and Ellen Taviano. (photo: courtesy of The Haverford School)