Help fund the Kirst Cup

The New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NJILCA) will be running a replacement for the Tournament of Champions in Boy's Lacrosse this June 13-17, 2023. We are a non-profit high school lacrosse coaches association that has been active in supporting Lacrosse in NJ since the 1980s. We aim to continue the great tradition in NJ Lacrosse of playing down to one Champion on the field, something done since 1964.

We have named the event the KIRST CUP to memorialize a great coach and friend of Lacrosse-Kyle Kirst. Kyle played collegiately at Rutgers University and coached in NJ at the youth and high school levels for over 30 years. Kyle is remembered as a loving family man and an exceptional teacher and coach.

The KIRST CUP will follow the same format as the TOC. The 6 NJSIAA Group

Champions will be seeded by Laxnumbers and play the Quarterfinals on 6/13, Semi-Finals on 6/15 and Finals on 6/17. All at Neutral sites. Our Association feels that the TOC and the crowning of an overall State Champion have created tremendous interest over the years and have helped our sport grow. As part of the Coaches Association's interest in growing Lacrosse, the 2023 Kirst Cup will include a youth game at halftime of the Finals between teams from Urban Exposure Lacrosse, based in Newark. The Coaches Association has worked closely with the NJSIAA to ensure that the KIRST CUP can be participated in by NJSIAA members...and that they may participate as their school teams.

The NJILCA is a non-profit organization and is run entirely by volunteers. We are seeking donations and funds to underwrite the cost of hosting the 5 game Tournament. Funds will be used for field rental, officials, trainers, security, insurance and other necessities to make this a great experience for all participants and fans. The estimated budget to run the Kirst Cup is $35,000.

The Coaches Association has created this Go Fund Me to facilitate donations and has opened a separate, dedicated bank account whose funds can be used only for the running of the Kirst Cup. This segregated account will be dedicated in perpetuity to support an annual Kirst Cup.

The New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association wants to Thank You for your interest in and support of the KIRST CUP.