Tournament to Kick in Money for Children’s Cancer Research

The 10^th Annual Chris Applegate Memorial Soccer Tournament will be held at the later this month.

The tournament is named for Chris Applegate, a college student who was killed in Chicago in a hit-and-run accident in 2002.

“Chris and I were friends and soccer teammates from the time he moved to the McHenry area in junior high,” said Jon Betts, event organizer. “In each of the event’s previous nine years, we have raised (an average of about $1,500 per tournament).

“Chris was someone who always brought such happiness into the lives of those around him. I created the tournament, initially, as a memorial to him. In the first year, each of the teams in the tournament had some direct tie to Chris.

“Bringing together so many people who loved Chris, doing something that he loved, seemed a fitting tribute. I think all of our tournament participants through the years have understood this sentiment and taken great pride in the good we’ve been able to do with proceeds from the tournament.”

Proceeds over the years have gone to charities such as the Chicago Humane Society, Heifer International, The Children’s Heart Foundation and Right to Play.

The tournament is scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Regional Sports Center, 9051 Ridgefield Road, . A total of 12 teams will participate.

The cost is $200 per team. Three games are guaranteed. Games will last 30 minutes and teams will consist of six players in the field and one goalie. 

All proceeds will go to the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Kathleen A. Casey created the foundation in 1992. She named the charity after her 8-year-old son Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after a nearly six-year battle with cancer. 

Contact tournament director Jon Betts at 815-403-5759 for more information.

The Regional Sports Center — at 9051 Ridgefield Road, Crystal Lake — can be seen from U.S. Highway 14 near .