2022 Lax to the Max tourney a huge success

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The Lax to the Max 7 on 7 lacrosse tournament benefit was once again a huge success as teams came from far and wide to celebrate the life of the late Max Finney. 71 teams and 147 games played by over 1200 people.

Lax to the Max mission statement...
To honor Max's love of learning, zest for life and
love of those around him, the Max Finney Memorial Foundation has been created to help make the educational dreams of future young men become a reality through scholarships to high quality educational institutions.

The Finney family has been instrumental in the growth of The Woodlands lacrosse going back to its inception over 20 years ago. The matriarch of the family, Julie Finney talked about the tournament and what Lax to the Max is all about…

“It was incredible seeing the amount of people and teams that came out to play in and support the tournament this year. It's easy to get caught up in the sorrow of losing Max but what he would have wanted is people truly enjoying life, and that is what I saw at the tournament. Teams in Hawaiian shirts and leis reuniting friends that haven't seen each other in years. That kind of joy and life is the best way to honor Max's memory and it was amazing to see that at this year's tournament. It truly was a celebration of life and I'm so proud to have a part in it.

We couldn't be more appreciative to everyone who helped make the tournament such a success, including all those who were on the field! There were more than a few emotions that day for me and my family, but most of all gratitude. Gratitude to everyone who allowed Max's legacy to live on through those games. Graditude at the wild jerseys and the zest for life that we witnessed. Gratitude that we got to once again be surrounded by friends who love Max and love the game of lacrosse. We can't wait to see everyone next year. In the meantime, Live Life to the Max!”

Lax to the Max is not only a celebration of Max's life. It is an opportunity for students to earn scholarships to help further their education and better their lives. The two scholarship recipients shared their thoughts as to what Lax to the Max means to them...

From Collin Dufrene...

'As a result of Max’s tragic death, his family saw it fit to memorialize his legacy, not in words, but in actions. Since the Max Finney Foundation’s founding, it has supported the principles upon which Max led his life. In particular, Max’s zest for life and desire to experience the outdoors has culminated in an annual lacrosse tournament to raise money for the foundation’s many service projects. It is an afternoon centered around a friendly, competitive competition in order to foster a sense of a supportive community working towards the common good.

In addition to seeing the joy of so many people gathered together towards a common purpose, attendees can look forward to seeing Max’s very own family members. Their joy and inspirational, hard working attitude reveals the life that Max would have lived out. He is not walking this earth anymore, but he is still very much a part of it and all the lives that volunteer, play in, or participate in some way at his annual lacrosse tournament.'

From Athan Regitz…

“I look forward to the Lax to Max event every year. It is so wonderful to see so many athletes coming together to carry on Max’s legacy and love for lacrosse. As a recipient, I am humbled to volunteer among others who knew and loved Max, and want to keep his spirit alive by supporting other young men in making the world a better place. I am already excited about next year.”

In knowing Max and observing his zest for life, I can tell you he was the kind of person that drew people together. His infectious smile and his positive energy made you feel comfortable and at ease. If you had issues in your life that brought sorrow, you wanted to be around Max because he was a welcome rest area on life’s highway. He made you forget your problems and demanded that you be happy and smile just by being present.

For those of you who are not familiar with Max Finney. Here's an excerpt about Max from the website…

'Maximilian (Max) Xavier Finney was born on January 24, 2004 in Houston, Texas. He grew up
with five older siblings and found a way to follow in their footsteps and yet create his own culture wherever he went. No matter who he met, he was always genuinely interested in their personal wellbeing and quickly made every stranger his new best friend.
He loved animals, and was especially interested in wildlife, cattle, and horses. He was homeschooled until 8th grade and spent a majority of this time in The Woodlands. Max enjoyed climbing trees, playing with his dog, going to the ranch, and making up games
in which he would save the world from villains. He was constantly busy building, exploring, and entertaining those around him with his wonderful sense of humor.'


If you'd like to donate to Lax to the Max, please get on the website and do so. You'll see
Max smiling down on you.
https://maxfinneyfoundation.com/foundation

We'll leave you with Mrs Finney's favorite quote...

“We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.” St. Francis de Sales

See you at 2023's Lax to the Max tournament.

We love you, Max!!

Photos