The Quony Cup

In the spring of 2008 and 2009, Chris organized a Colorado College community soccer tournament called the “Answer to Cancer.”  Proceeds from the tournament went to the American Cancer Society in 2008 and to a local hospital to aid young patients living with cancer in 2009.  This tournament meant so much to him as he saw both of his grandfathers  battle cancer.

In 2009, the tournament became even more special to him when he found out his lacrosse teammate, Evan Spirito, was diagnosed with cancer.

A group of people is standing outdoors on grass, smiling with their arms around each other, in a park on a partly cloudy day. Some are wearing yellow tank tops with a logo, and others are in casual athletic or summer clothing.

To continue Chris’ legacy,  Chris’ CC friends decided to continue  the tournament, renaming it “The Quony Cup.” (We found out that this was what Chris originally wanted to name the tourney – so we know he is smiling!).

Every spring, the Quony Cup includes multiple teams from the CC community, a live band and a lot of food (even a roast pig meal)  for the hungry! When Evan lost his brave fight against cancer in 2011,  the Quon family felt strongly about having the Quony Cup honor both Chris and Evan. Their jersey numbers #21 (Chris) and #19 (Evan) are on every Quony Cup t-shirt, and both of their jerseys hang in the lacrosse locker room (thank you Sean!).  All proceeds from the Quony Cup continue to be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Over the years David has always attended and often Chris’ sisters and the Spirito family has been able to attend as well.  Many of Chris’ old teammates and some of his Lake Forest pals have also made the trek.

Amazingly, the tournament is now run by lacrosse team members who did not even know Chris or Evan, but would like to continue the annual event.  We are so grateful to the Colorado College staff, the many CC students who coordinate the event, the CC lacrosse and soccer team and coaches, and Chris’ pals - especially Toby Cohen - who continue to support the event in person or in spirit.  THANK YOU!

Group of six people smiling and posing together outdoors at a memorial event, with some wearing sports jerseys, under a large tree, with a table and a whiteboard in the background.
Four young men standing outside on a grassy field with trees and a red brick building in the background, smiling and posing for the photo. They are wearing casual athletic clothing and some shirts say 'The Quarry Cup' and 'Colorado College Lacrosse.'
A group of 13 people standing on a grassy field, smiling for a photo. Several are wearing yellow tank tops with a logo that says "Quony Cup," and others are in casual sportswear. The background has trees and a cloudy sky.
Three women wearing pink tank tops with yellow print, standing outdoors at a street fair or festival, smiling at the camera, with other attendees and vendor booths in the background.
Group of four people posing for a photo at the Quoncy Cup tennis event, standing in front of a black banner with illustrated faces and event name, outdoors on a sunny day with a blue sky and clouds.
A group of people standing outdoors on a sports field, wearing yellow shirts with a blue logo, with some wearing sunglasses and hats. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and there are trees and stadium lights in the background.