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2024’s Lax to the Max a big hit AGAIN!

By: Doug Sarant
| Published 05/25/2024

Max Finney
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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. 56 teams and over 120 games played by over 1000 people of all ages, shapes and sizes.

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 25 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. Gratitude 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 three recipients this year are Joey from Frassati Catholic, Max from St Anne and Nash from Strake Jesuit. Last names withheld for privacy reasons.

Lax to the Max has become an impromptu reunion setting for many former high school players from all over the Houston area. One such entry is a group called The Uncle Rico's (Napoleon Dynamite-could've gone pro reference). A collection of 2005+ Woodlands Highlanders players led by then long-time successful head coach, Dave Seale, former Academic All-American, Nick Gilligan and former all-state player and co-tournament host, Luke Finney. Every year, without fail these Max Finney loving athletes (athletes=loosely put) meet at "The Max" and have the time of their lives reliving the glory days (such as they were) celebrating Max and the most awesome family in The Woodlands. They come from all corners of America just for the weekend. This year's post Max Tournament meeting place for this great group and their families was Los Cucos for some tasty margaritas toasting each other, but mostly toasting Max Finney and his great memory and his great tournament.

Team leader, Nick Gilligan shared his thoughts on all things Max...

"“The ‘05 squad was an amazing team with a very close-knit group of guys. It was just so incredible to see everyone last weekend and to step out on the field together again after 19 years - and on top of that, to do so for such a great reason in remembering Max and honoring his memory was just really special.”

From decorated former Coach Dave Seale...

I loved coaching this group in 2005 and to do it again for a day in 2024 was an amazing experience. The Lax to the Max tournament is such a great event and it was very special to have Max’s older brother Luke playing with us this year. I want to thank Nick Gilligan and all the guys for asking me to take part!

'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.'

Max was the kind of person that thought of himself last. He was a giver in the truest sense of the word. If you weren't feeling too good and needed a boost, Max was there for you. It was impossible to be in a bad mood with Max around. There was no such thing as a power failure with Max present. He lit up every room he walked into.

What can we continue to do in Max's absence? We can carry on his awesome legacy by being a shining light to everyone around us. To listen intently when someone needs a friendly ear. Most of all, we can thrive to be the best versions of ourselves.
Max may not be here physically, but he is here in spirit, spreading joy. Thank you, Max! We are blessed to have you.

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 2025's Lax to the Max tournament.

We love you, Max!!

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