As we approach May 2, The Klassic salutes Gonzaga senior Bobby McCarthy, who proudly wears Erik’s number #29 this season on the lacrosse team. Varsity lacrosse recognizes a senior each year with Erik’s #29 – a senior who exemplifies Erik’s leadership, friendship, and service as a Man for Others. Bobby is extremely honored to wear Erik’s #29, and Bobby plays for Erik, Erik’s family, Erik’s teammates and friends, and Gonzaga. He also plays for the 18 other fallen warriors from Operations Red Wings and their families and friends; Murph, Axe, and Danny; the pilots and crew of Turbine 33; and the members SEAL Team 10 who stood shoulder to shoulder with Erik as they flew into uncertainty to rescue their beleaguered comrades.

Bobby carries this honor humbly and with a sense of purpose; he leads by example and from the front. As a Man for Others, Bobby actively supports the McKenna Center through his Social Justice in Action class. He was first team All WCAC and an All DMV face off specialist in 2024. Bobby had the honor of presenting Erik’s parents with a framed #29 Gonzaga lacrosse jersey at halftime of the Gonzaga victory over Ponte Vedra High School (Florida) on March 15, 2025, Erik’s birthday. Bobby’s mom and dad could not be prouder – they know about military service given Bob McCarthy’s 31 years proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Bobby will attend Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, as a member of the Class of 2029 and will play lacrosse.

The Klassic says THANK YOU to Bobby and our supporters. We can’t wait to see everyone on May 2.