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Lacrosse Cup To Honor Pieper's Memory

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By CHRIS ERRINGTON Tribune correspondent

Published: November 17, 2007

Wesley Chapel lacrosse coach Tom FitzSimons remembers Derek Pieper well. The former player's infectious positive attitude and drive make it difficult for just about anyone to forget him.

This weekend, FitzSimons hopes to pay tribute to a player that touched so many lives following his untimely death.

FitzSimons and the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association will join together to host the inaugural Derek Pieper Memorial Cup this weekend at the new Wesley Chapel District Park. The Cup is an officially recognized qualification tournament for the high school lacrosse club national championship, Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions, which will held at the same park Jan. 5-6, 2008. For FitzSimons though, it's a whole lot more than just a two-day event.

Pieper was found shot to death on a rural Pasco County road next to fellow Wesley Chapel student Raymond Veluz on July 28, 2006. His sudden passing still sends shudders through those who knew him well.

"I coached Derek for three years, so this has been tough for all of us to get through," FitzSimons said. "This is just a great way for us to honor such a light-hearted, positive kid.

"He was one of those heart-and-soul guys that every team needs."

At least 19 teams, nearly all from Florida, will play more than 40 games during this weekend's tournament. The teams will be broken down into four divisions: Under-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 with brackets of teams playing a round-robin format. The top teams from each bracket then qualify for a single-elimination playoff with the winners qualifying for the Tournament of Champions in January. Games begin both days at 9 a.m. with championship games slated for approximately noon on Sunday.

While general admission is free, a portion of the proceeds from the tournament will go to the Derek Pieter Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships for lacrosse players from needy families.

"We figured that if we're going to have the Tournament of Champions here, we might as well have a tournament here first that will allow the champion to qualify," FitzSimons said. "We've got some outstanding teams coming here, so it should make for some great lacrosse."

Joining local teams in the list of expected participants are teams from Orlando, Miami and one from Hilton Head Island, S.C.

"Lacrosse is called the fastest game on two feet. The oldest team sport in North America, it is a fast-action combination of hockey, football, basketball and soccer. It is really fun to watch and we encourage the community to come and join us," said Frank Britton, WCAA Director of Lacrosse.

With all preparations complete and only the games left to be played, FitzSimons, who's entering his seventh season at Wesley Chapel, said if all goes well this weekend, there's no telling how far this tournament can go in the future.

"This weekend, we just want to get the tournament started on the right foot and for everyone to have a great time," FitzSimons said. "We hope this becomes a great way for us to promote lacrosse in Florida - including girls lacrosse - which we hope to have for next year's tournament, and get these kids the opportunity to play in college.

"In the process, we hope this is a great way to keep Derek's memory alive."

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