24-Hour Lacrosse Game Will Try To Break World Record & Benefit Troops

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Something special will be happening at Boys' Latin School later this week. There will be a lacrosse game, but this one will last 24 hours.

Ron Matz reports a student with a big heart made it happen, and it's all for a good cause.

They love lacrosse at Boys' Latin. Tyler Steinhardt just graduated. He found out about the Wounded Warrior Project and wanted to help.

"I watched a video on the Wounded Warrior Project with some of my friends, and we talked about how we could help. The idea for a lacrosse game came about, and eventually we talked about a 24-hour game and breaking the world record," Steinhardt said.

"We're incredibly proud of Tyler," said Chris Post, Boys' Latin headmaster. "He served as our student body president here at Boys' Latin. He's been with us since the fourth grade. He's had a real passion for making a difference."

The home of the Lakers will host a 24-hour benefit.

"This will crush the world record. The current world record is 13 hours and 14 minutes. This will blow it out of the water, so we're pretty excited for that, too," Steinhardt said.

The event is called Shootout for Soldiers.

"Being involved in this is huge for me because my brother-in-law is currently in the military, so anything that can support our troops I'm 100 percent behind. Tyler is one of my great friends, and that's even more reason to support it," said Geron Brooks, Boys' Latin graduate.

"We had an alumnus, Nick Ziolkowski, who gave his life in the Middle East. His example of the ultimate sacrifice is something that's touched our community personally. For Tyler and other Lakers to give back is an extraordinary thing," Post said.

Baltimore's STX Lacrosse is behind the event, too.

"We're involved with a lot of high school lacrosse programs, including Boys' Latin. When Tyler reached out to us it was a natural opportunity for us to proudly get involved and give back to the community," said Ed Saunders, STX director of marketing.

Last summer Steinhardt brought his game and his heart to Uganda.

"I traveled to East Africa last summer. I went to Uganda with an organization called Fields of Growth International. I worked in schools. I actually helped build a mud hut. I also coached lacrosse in East Africa and was the National Uganda Coach of the Year, so I had a little fun as well," Steinhardt said.

The 24-hour game begins Thursday morning, and about 1,000 players will be taking part.

"The event starts Thursday at 9 a.m. There will be festivities beforehand, and it will run until Friday at 9 a.m. We'll have food, a giant raffle and concessions. We'll have some shirts and stuff we're selling. It's just great to come out and donate. It's going to be a fun event," Steinhardt said.

"I think it's really rewarding to think about what the next generation will do for us in terms of their leadership. This whole program has been student led and we're along for the ride and to help and support however possible," Post said.

Steinhardt will be attending American University in the fall. The goal of Thursday's benefit is to raise $10,000. For more information on how you can get involved, click here.