More Than a Game

The John Burroughs Varsity Field Hockey team competed against the Kirkwood Pioneers on Saturday, October 4th. The Bombers took a 6-0 win over the Pioneers, leading them to a 17-1 record on the season so far. There were many highlights during this competition; however, it was so much more than just a game. Both teams played in this matchup to honor and support a nonprofit organization called Morgan’s Message. 

Morgan Rodgers was a Division 1 lacrosse player at Duke University who struggled with mental health, especially after a knee injury that took her out of lacrosse for a full year. Her increasing anxiety caused her to take her own life at the age of 22. This devastating tragedy prompted Morgan’s family to start Morgan’s Message as a resource for student athletes struggling with mental health to understand that they are not alone. The Morgan’s Message team’s mission is “to amplify stories, resources, and expertise to strengthen student-athlete mental health, build a community by and for athletes through peer-to-peer conversations, and provide a platform for advocacy.” Their website offers great resources, describing Morgan’s story, the organization's purpose, and who they are, while also providing aid through advisory council members for student athletes to reach out to if they are struggling with their mental well-being. 

Three players on the Bomber Varsity field hockey team introduced a chapter of Morgan’s Message to John Burroughs in 2024. Seniors Lilly Tourville and Sophie Buchowski, along with sophomore Scottie Stanec, continuously bring awareness to Morgan’s Message through morning announcements in assembly, club meetings for Burroughs students to have open conversations about mental health, and dedicating certain Burroughs sports games to raise money for the organization. 

The Bombers and Pioneers showed their support by wearing Morgan’s Message t-shirts as their warm-up shirts before the field hockey game began. Lilly, Sophie, and Scottie spoke about the meaning of the shirts and what Morgan’s Message is to the many fans in the stands, emphasizing the importance of the game on October 4th. The most special part was each member of the John Burroughs team baking cookies, cupcakes, and other treats to sell at a booth during the game. Raffle tickets and prizes were also offered for sale, with all profits going towards Morgan’s Message. The event was a huge success, with almost $1000 being raised for the organization, and the Burroughs community looks forward to dedicating more games in the future to Morgan’s Message. 

Bomber field hockey begins their post season run on October 25th! Good luck to the team, and let’s go Bomb!

Author: Morgan Gable ‘26

Editor: Kate Logsdon ‘26

Photography: Ari Duel '27