American Boy Fall Brawl at Bay Shore High School

Lacrosse is often called “the fastest game on two feet,” but the American Boy Fall Brawl is about much more than speed, sticks, and goals. It’s a gathering that blends competition, community, and cause, honoring legacy while helping others. The Fall Brawl launched October 20, 2019 at Centreville High School in Clifton, Virginia. It was founded by Larry Megale with support from his former University of Virginia teammates. The event was inspired by a dual purpose: to celebrate the sport of lacrosse, and to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. The name “American Boy” is closely tied to Larry’s son, Matt Megale whose love for lacrosse and whose memory are central to the event’s identity.

After the excitement in 2019, the event took a pause in 2020 due to COVID-19 — like many sports events. In 2021, the Brawl expanded: there were two separate events in October. One at Centreville High School (featuring University of Virginia, Penn State, Lehigh, and Richmond) and the other hosted by Cabrini University (Cabrini, Elizabethtown, Stockton). In 2022, these returning teams competed again. This year also saw the addition of an Ohio Fall Brawl held at Hudson High School, involving Ohio State, Robert Morris, Ohio Wesleyan, and Mercyhurst. In addition, position-specific clinics are available to ticket-holders (first 150 who sign up via ticket receipts). These clinics give players direct coaching in the skills specific to their lacrosse positions. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to the American Boy Matt Megale Scholarship. Supporting young athletes and tackling issues around addiction are central to the Brawl’s mission. Beyond just matches. Coaches, former players, and the audience all are part of a larger support network. Lacrosse serves not only as sport but as the link between remembrance, activism, and youth empowerment. The Fall Brawl continues growing, and this year it’s coming to Long Island on October 12 to Bay Shore High School, featuring Marist, St. John’s and Fairfield. The players and coaches of each team will be running a clinic for youth, middle school and rising freshmen high school players. The clinics start at 10:15 AM, with attendees being grouped in their similar age group. This is an immense learning opportunity for players and parents to meet the coaches and players and see a level of play that will ignite and develop their own skills. The American Boy Fall Brawl has grown from a one-day event in 2019 into a multi-event series, featuring schools from all over, with big matchups, clinics, and a strong heart. Beyond the goals and on the field, it’s a story of family, memory, and giving back.  Proceeds go fully to the scholarship in Matt Megale’s name. Plus, the event helps bring attention to the opioid crisis. Whether you’re involved in lacrosse or not, it’s a reminder that sport can be a vehicle for healing, awareness, and change. Click here to purchase tickets to this year’s fall brawl at Bay Shore High School!