DENVER – University of Denver Athletics Hall of Fame inductee and DU men's lacrosse program co-founder Harry Beaver III passed away on February 18 at the age of 79.
 
"We are saddened by the news of Harry Beaver's passing last week," William G. Tierney Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Matt Brown said. "With a heavy heart our program extends our thoughts and prayers to Harry's family and all Pioneer Lacrosse alums. Harry, along with Charlie Dean, co-founded our program 60 years ago. Through his passion and love for the game, Harry established the first club team here at DU. Over the past 60 years Harry's continued support of what he created was unmatched. We are so thankful for everything Harry has done for our program, shaping it into what it is today. It was a privilege to have him with us during this year's Fall Celebration Weekend, where he had the opportunity to see firsthand the legacy he created 60 years ago. His vision, passion and dedication continue to inspire us. He was a true PIONEER!."
 
There will be a moment of silence to honor Beaver at Friday night's Denver men's lacrosse home game against Marist ahead of the 6 p.m. MT faceoff.
 
Beaver and co-founder Charles Dean were inducted into the DU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005. Together the duo brought the sport of lacrosse to the intramural fields and helped develop it into a recognized club sport, only to hope it would evolve into what it is today; a nationally renowned Division I program. 
 
Serving as co-captain during the 1966 and 1967 seasons, Beaver served the team off the field as much as he did on the field. To ensure that the team was properly equipped, Beaver continued to raise funds, procure equipment and uniforms, and even had helmet paint sessions in the basement of the SAE house. Likewise, he organized game schedules, coordinated with ground crews to get the field lined and ready for games, contracted officials, and even made sure that his teammates had oranges on the sidelines on game day.
 
In the team's three seasons as a recognized club sport, Beaver helped lead DU to a 17-11-1 overall record. In 1968, DU went 8-1-1, with the Pioneers' only loss coming in overtime to Stanford. Beaver, a 1968 graduate, also played on the first Denver Alumni team at the Vail Shootout in 1997. 
 
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