Saturday July 19th, 2025
Rock Hill Golf Club, Manorville, NY
Saturday July 19th, 2025
Rock Hill Golf Club, Manorville, NY
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, nestled in Long Island, is home to vibrant communities from rival school districts, Sachem and Connetquot. United by their love for sports, a group of friends emerged, finding camaraderie on the softball fields of Brookhaven. Despite early tragedy with the loss of members like Freddie Kemp and Richie LaCasse, their bonds endured and flourished.
In honor of their departed friends, scholarships were established, culminating in the "Battle of Lake Ronkonkoma" Golf Tournament. This event, now under the banner of THUNDERARROW Charities, continues to support Sachem and Connetquot student athletes, celebrating friendship and community spirit.
Our tight-knit group was rocked by tragic occurrences a few years apart. First, on July 19, 1987, Michael O’Brien (a.k.a. OB) suffered paralysis from the neck down after falling from the second story of Ronkonkoma Middle School while attempting to retrieve a handball. He would finally succumb to complications from his injuries on August 31, 2004. Read Michael O’Brien’s story here.
Second, on July 21, 1993, Michael Davis was killed in a motorcycle accident less than a mile from his home.
At the time of Davis’ death, many of us had started careers and began to marry. We were losing touch. His death brought us all together again and helped us remember the importance of life-long friendship. Read Michael Davis’s story here.
