“Come Back. Lace Up. Honor Luke.”: Moriarty High School Prepares for Luke Lionbarger Memorial Match

MORIARTY — Moriarty High School soccer alumni will return to the pitch next month to honor former Pintos team captain Luke Lionbarger, who passed away in May during a honeymoon trip to Italy.

The inaugural Luke Lionbarger Memorial Alumni Game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15 at 9:00 a.m. at the Moriarty High School soccer field.

Organizers created the event to bring former Pintos soccer players together to celebrate Lionbarger’s legacy while raising funds in his memory.

Tragically Shortened Life

Lionbarger, 24, died May 14 following a traffic collision along State Road 115 near Sciacca, Italy. He and his newlywed wife, Elisabeth Graham Hannah, 24, were traveling on a scooter when they were involved in a crash with an SUV. Italian authorities reported the couple was visiting the Agrigento province while on their honeymoon.

A 2020 graduate of Moriarty High School, Lionbarger was a standout multi-sport student-athlete for the Pintos. He served as team captain and wore jersey No. 22 for the varsity boys soccer team as a midfielder, while also competing in varsity track and field (pole vault) and varsity tennis.

Game Details & Event Information

Organizers are encouraging former Moriarty soccer players across all graduating classes to register and participate.

• Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 15 | 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Moriarty High School Soccer Field
• Alumni Participation Donation: $20 per player
• Spectator Admission: $5 per fan

Promotional flyers for the match carry the rallying slogan, “Come back. Lace up. Honor Luke.”

Proceeds from participant donations and ticket sales will go toward a memorial fund established in Lionbarger’s honor.