For two neighbors in Summerfield Farms, supporting the Lancaster lacrosse community has become a meaningful way to give back while helping shape opportunities for the next generation of student athletes.

Ken Malecki and Chris Nowak, both active members of the Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation, share a commitment to strengthening the boys lacrosse program throughout the Lancaster School District on and off the field.

Ken and his wife Lori have lived in the neighborhood for nearly six years, along with their Chihuahua, Cheech. After recently retiring from the Musco Family Olive Company, makers of the well known Pearls brand olives, Ken continues to stay active in the community. He currently serves on the advisory board for Niagara University’s School of Business as it launches a new major in Food Management.

Chris and his wife Brandy moved to the neighborhood in 2020 and are raising their two sons, Owen and Brayden. Owen is studying Aerospace Engineering at the University at Buffalo and works at Lancaster Country Club during the summer. Brayden is a junior at Lancaster High School and is entering his second year on the varsity lacrosse team. The family also includes Max, their large Saint Berdoodle.

Professionally, Chris serves as Senior Vice President and Director of Enterprise Risk Management at Five Star Bank.

While their professional paths differ, both men share a passion for helping young athletes succeed through their work with the Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the boys lacrosse program from modified through varsity levels.

The foundation helps provide additional opportunities beyond what the school district can offer on its own. Through fundraising and community support, the organization helps players participate in offseason leagues, clinics, and skill development opportunities.

Perhaps most meaningful is the foundation’s commitment to awarding scholarships to graduating seniors each year, helping offset the cost of college while recognizing the dedication these student athletes have shown throughout their time in the program.

Each season, the foundation also recognizes players who exemplify the values of the sport through special honors, including the Adam “Spider” Coaches Award, which is presented to the individual who best demonstrates the true spirit of lacrosse, teamwork, and commitment to the program. The award is presented alongside the foundation’s annual scholarships and has become a meaningful tradition during senior recognition events.

Ken became involved years ago when he saw parents stepping up to enhance the experience for players and coaches.

“Back in 2015, there was not as much support for some of the extras within the program,” Ken explains. “A group of parents came together to help fill those gaps and make sure the players had access to opportunities that would help them grow.”

Those early efforts eventually evolved into the Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation as a nonprofit in 2021, allowing the organization to expand its reach while continuing to work closely with the school district.

Today, Ken serves as Treasurer of the organization, while Chris recently stepped into the role of President after several years of supporting the board and volunteering where needed.

For Chris, one of the most rewarding parts of his involvement has been working directly with the players. He became certified through New York State so he could assist with coaching the JV team.

“Seeing the kids grow and develop has been incredibly rewarding,” Chris says. “Those relationships extend into the community as well, where I often run into these young men and they take the time to talk about what they are doing and their future plans.”

Throughout the year, the foundation hosts several events that bring families, players, alumni, and the community together. One of the most popular is LAX Bash, an all day lacrosse event held at the Lancaster High School turf field where modified, JV, and varsity teams compete while families gather to celebrate the program. This year Depew will face Lancaster on Saturday, May 9.

“It is a great atmosphere of sportsmanship,” Chris says. “Families, players, and community members all come together to support the teams.”

Other traditions include alumni events, scholarship presentations, and the annual Alumni Game and golf tournament, which help keep former players connected to the program long after graduation.

For both Ken and Chris, the ultimate goal is ensuring the program continues to grow while maintaining the strong sense of community that makes Lancaster lacrosse special.

“Getting parents involved early, starting at the modified level, helps them experience the full program and become part of the community,” Ken says.

Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to expand scholarship opportunities, continue providing offseason development resources, and strengthen connections between current players and alumni.

“Lacrosse teaches important life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and leadership,” Chris says. “We want every player to have the opportunity to grow both on and off the field.”

Community members interested in supporting the Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation can attend events such as the Alumni Game on July 31 at the turf field in Westwood Park or the annual golf tournament on August 2 at Chestnut Hill Golf Course.

To learn more about the organization or get involved, visit LANCLF.org or follow Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

At its core, the Lancaster Lacrosse Foundation is about more than a sport. It is about connection, mentorship, and building a tradition that continues to bring generations of Lancaster players together.