Sweet Home to host 'Keeper of the Kohn'
Award-winning documentary comes for one-time showing on March 25
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

For only one day, Sweet Home High School will be "Keeper of the Kohn."

The movie, which chronicles Peter Kohn's final year as equipment manager of the Middlebury College lacrosse team as well as dealing with personal tragedy, comes to the school for a one-time showing at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 25 at Sweet Home High School's auditorium, 1901 Sweet Home Road. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The movie has garnered a number of awards, including the Jury Award for best documentary at the Vail International Film Festival in April 2005 and the audience award for best documentary at the Palm Beach International Film Festival. It was also the official selection at the River Run, Trenton, Gloria International, and New River film festivals. The movie has also been featured in USA Today, which is how Fastbreak Lacrosse co-owner Jeremy Murphy came across it. Murphy has been in talks with director David Gaynes about bringing the film to Sweet Home since January 2005.

It's the second straight year Murphy has held a lacrosse film at Sweet Home. Last year, Murphy brought in lacrosse legends Mikey, Ryan and Casey Powell to promote "A Lacrosse Movie", which documented the life of Mikey Powell. Murphy said he wants to bring one inspiration film to Sweet Home every year.

"Keeper of the Kohn" follows Kohn, a 70-year old, mildly autistic equipment manager for Middlebury College lacrosse for the past 20 years, who is considering retirement and examines his relationship with his life-companion Bettie, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and his oldest friend, Jerry, who is trying to get Kohn elected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

"If Peter is at the middle of the spoke and the spoke comes off, there are so many laterally universal meanings about humanity and life," said Murphy. "Peter is such an inspiration in how he views everything. He's selfless, energetic, and people love him. It's such a touching film."

The film's director, David Gaynes, said the title, "Keeper of the Kohn," refers to a special role played by one member of every lacrosse team managed by Peter.

"Although he is highly independent, it is the "Keeper's" job to make sure that Peter's basic needs are met and that Peter has a sense of companionship," Gaynes said. "This informal duty always becomes an honor for the Keeper to perform leading to many compassionate relationships between Peter and his teammates."

"The Keeper of the Kohn role is a metaphor for what this film tries to capture - enduring friendships and how they help us face the trials of living," Gaynes continued. ''Keeper of the Kohn' is an emotionally poignant tale that impacts many demographics from sports fans to advocates for the developmentally disabled, but really affects anyone with a heart and an open mind. It is deeply moving -- one part "Rain Man", one part "Rudy", and 100 percent real. It is a story that entertains, moves, and inspires."

Murphy said the film is not only geared for lacrosse enthusiasts but for people with special needs.

"Being a health and physical education teacher, it gives you a clear understanding to those that do not have disabilities what you can do for a person like this, how you can support them and what you can give back," Murphy said.

As an added bonus, Gaynes and Kohn will be in attendance for a question and answer with the audience after the movie.

Prior to the film, several Buffalo Bandits, including captain John Tavares, will be on hand to sign autographs. The Bandits, who are sponsors for the film along with Fastbreak Lacrosse and WNY Lacrosse for Kids, will raffle off a jersey with proceeds going to WNY Lacrosse for Kids. Also, the school which sells the most tickets for the film will be honored at the Bandits home game at HSBC Arena on March 31.

"It's a win-win situation," said Bandits Director of Operations David Zygaj. "It helps them because it raises money for the sport and at the same time, it exposes the Bandits for what we're all about."

Presale tickets for the film are $8 and $10 at the door. A presale DVD can be purchased for $15 and can be purchased at the show for $20. All proceeds will go to WNY Lacrosse for Kids Fund.

For more information, contact Murphy at 250-1463, e-mail jmurphy@ shs.k12.ny.us, or visit www.fastbreakwny. com.

In other matter, the Sweet Home lacrosse program is having its first annual pancake breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17 in the high school cafeteria. The all you can eat breakfast is $5.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com