Harford Community College Fighting Owls Men's Lacrosse Team Honored by Harford County Government for National Championship Win

The National Champion Harford Community College Fighting Owls Men's Lacrosse team was honored by the Harford County Government on Thursday afternoon, May 25, at the county office building in downtown Bel Air. The team was invited to have lunch with various members of the county administration, including Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly, Director of Administration Rob McCord, Director of Community Services Joe Sliwka, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation Terry Hanley, Chief of Executive Staff Joe Cluster, and Executive Staff Sam Kahl of the Office of the County Executive. Bel Air Town Commissioner Paula Etting was also in attendance.

A warm reception was given to the small group of athletes and staff who were still on campus following the conclusion of the semester, with welcoming and congratulatory remarks given by County Executive Cassilly. The event, catered by Sean Bolan's Irish Pub, included words of congratulations, encouragement, and wisdom by several county officials.

Team members and staff were gifted challenge coins bearing the Harford County seal by the County Executive. The team was also presented an official county citation in recognition of winning the NJCAA Lacrosse National Championship, and Fighting Owls Head Lacrosse Coach Aaron Verardi was presented with a citation in recognition of being named Coach of the Year by lacrosse media entity and  ESPN affiliate Inside Lacrosse.

In accepting the awards, Coach Verardi said, "This recognition by the Harford County Government is a testament to the support the team has received from its community all season, and we're extremely grateful for the amazing experience offered to our players and staff today by the Office of the County Executive."