In the face of the recent tragedy regarding Evan and Damian McManus, Park’s athletic community provides support and assistance to those in need, according to boys’ soccer coach Chato Alvarado.

“They are all supporting each other, either just by sharing photos or talking to each other, or putting comments on the Facebook page,” Alvarado said.

The meeting of soccer players and others close to Evan at the stadium, as well as events honoring the memory of Damian and Evan at a recent varsity girls’ lacrosse game are among the many displays of support within the Park athletic community, athletic director Andy Ewald said.

“It’s a community that, you know, is a pretty tight-knit community that supports each other regardless of what’s going on and who it involves,” he said. “It’s pretty unique in that kind of way.”

Senior Noah Fortmeyer, a teammate and friend of Evan, said students in the soccer program and other athletic programs have been getting through this hard time by staying together and helping each other.

“Although the soccer program was most directly affected, the other athletics have really joined in on the force to help get everyone through a rough time,” Fortmeyer said.

In addition to the strength displayed by the soccer program, girls’ lacrosse showed their support by dedicating their April 11 varsity game to the McManus family. This support took form in decorations, a moment of silence, opportunities for donations and a group photo following the game, according to lacrosse coach Kyle Sweeney.

While talk of future plans to honor the memory of Evan and Damian McManus within the athletic community occurs, many coaches and athletes believe now is the time to support Katherine and Lauren McManus, and others in need.

“I think later on, we’ll think of something, something special,” Alvarado said.

In the mean time, many athletes are focused on remembering the good memories they have of Evan and Damian.

Senior friend and teammate Sam Casey described Evan’s not-so-funny jokes that never failed to make his teammates smile.

“We remember he always made really bad jokes, but they would always make you laugh because they were so bad,” he said.

Sticking together at this time is important to students as they continue to deal with their sorrow. Mary Pavia, a senior varsity lacrosse player and friend of Evan, outlined the importance of staying together as a community.

“During emotionally strenuous times like these, it is important to take care of one another and be together,” Pavia said.