First annual Jamie Chapin Classic to honor late “Gator Great,” former lacrosse captain

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The first annual Jamie Chapin Classic hosted by the University of Florida’s Men’s Lacrosse team is set to take place Sunday, Feb. 19.

Honoring former captain and Ponte Vedra resident Jamie Chapin, who died at the age of 25 in 2011 after battling brain cancer, the event will feature lunch, silent auctions and other festivities in a tribute to his legacy. The classic was born thanks to the efforts of new coach Garrett Hanrahan, who looked to Jamie’s story to build character within his team and support a charitable cause. Hanrahan and the team reached out to UF Health and the Chapin family to bring the classic to life. All proceeds will benefit UF Health’s Research on Brain Cancer Immunotherapy lead by Dr. Duane Mitchell, and donations will be made in Jamie’s honor.

Deb Chapin, Jamie's mother, says she’s grateful her son’s impact is being remembered in a way that will help others.

“We’re just thrilled that Jamie’s legacy continues because he was a man who pioneered lacrosse in this area and carried exceptional value and morals,” she said. “And we’re hopeful. During the first year, we just want to make sure there’s a successful start.”

The classic will kick off with a home game against the University of South Florida’s Bulls at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, which guests may enjoy free of charge. Following the game will be a social event at the Swamp Bar and Restaurant to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. The classic itself will take place Sunday, Feb. 19 at Gainesville’s Ironwood Golf Course beginning with a lunch and silent auction at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start for golfers at 12:30 p.m.

With the inaugural event, Hanrahan, the Chapin family and the lacrosse team hope they can bring a breakthrough in brain cancer research that much closer, ending brain cancer for good.

“In addition to ourselves, we know of several others who’ve lost people to brain cancer," Chapin said. "It’s a challenge, to say the least, because there aren’t as many options for brain cancer treatment. You really just need one breakthrough. So we’re hopeful at the aspect of being able to participate in some way that helps find treatment and causes.”

Tickets for the Jamie Chapin Classic are $20 for non-golfers and $100 for participants. Ironwood Golf Course is located at 2100 NE 39th Ave. in Gainesville. For updates and additional information about the Jamie Chapin Classic, including sponsorship and donation information, discounted hotel accommodations and event day festivities, visit www.gatorlacrosse.com/jamie-chapin-classic.