GAMBIER, Ohio -- In conjunction with the start of the 2022 season, the Kenyon College's Advancement Division and Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation announced today the establishment of the Clay Capute Memorial Lacrosse Fund to support the Lords varsity program.

Created in memory of Capute '81, a former team captain and Most Valuable Player, the fund will provide the Lords with financial opportunities to improve or assist in areas like student-athlete programming, equipment purchases, personnel expenses, training resources and professional development.

In April of 2021, Capute passed away due to COVID-19 complications. As news of his passing circulated among family, friends and former teammates it reached Peter Seoane '82, who initiated the primary steps of the fund's formation.

"As I digested the news of Clay's passing, I wondered what could be done to honor Clay and his Kenyon lacrosse impact," Seoane said. "What if a memorial fund could be created, in his name, to benefit current and future Kenyon lacrosse teams.

Given that Kenyon is an NCAA Division III institution, surely [it] would appreciate additional funding. So, I looked up [current Head Coach] Doug Misarti and we had a nice chat."

As the plan materialized, Seoane enlisted the help of several of his Kenyon teammates, in particular Brian Bohn '86, Tom Keene '82 and Gates Lloyd '81, who, like Capute, were all team captains and team MVPs for the Lords.

"From last fall through January of this year, we diligently reached out to fellow captains, as well as players close to Clay and, with their help, here we are… pretty cool stuff," Seoane said.

"The Capute Memorial Fund is a wonderful way to honor this former captain and friend that meant so much to so many," Misarti said. "Through this fund his legacy will continue as we use the resources to enhance the men's lacrosse experience at Kenyon. Seeing so many alumni wanting to give back has been inspiring for our current team and truly demonstrates the power and impact of Kenyon men's lacrosse in their lives."

A native of the Homeland section of Baltimore, Capute grew up in America's lacrosse headquarters. He was a standout high school athlete, earning varsity letters in wrestling, lacrosse and football. In 2007, he was inducted in the Friends School Athletics Hall of Fame.

At Kenyon, Capute was a four-year letterwinner in the Lords midfield. He consistently ranked as one of the team's top scoring threats and was recognized as an all-region player. Off the field, Capute was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and he graduated with a degree in history.

"No teammate surpassed Clay in knowledge of the game, stickwork and competitiveness," Seoane added. "When the game was on the line, the ball was in Clay's stick. He had the respect of his teammates and opponents. His lacrosse pedigree was strong. Even against the most formidable opponents, Clay was never outmatched. He will forever be etched as the standout lacrosse player in his Kenyon era."