2023 The Yeah Baby Golf Classic

Michael J. Cleary

A man of energy, positivity, and a boatload of ridiculous stories. The gentle giant that made 6:00 am workouts bearable and road trips a little more fun.

“Coach Cleary impacted my life in so many ways. Because of him, I strive not only to be a better coach but a better father, husband, and man. His legacy is in all the men and women who feel as I do. He has taught so many and has touched so many lives.” Shelley Sheiner ‘95

“Cleary was a true inspiration on and off the field as both a coach and Chief. Without him, there would be no KU lacrosse family as he helped us become better players as well as better men. Forever loved and always respected. Yeah Baby!”-John Gesumaria ‘10

“Coach Cleary played a pivotal role in my development into the man I am today, He taught me not only through his words but his actions on what it meant to be a leader, the importance of hard work, and how to be true to yourself. Every day I am grateful to know that he is watching down over me and I promise to pass on his spirit and legacy. #yeahbaby”-Russell King ‘13

“Coach Cleary was and will remain a staple in the Kean Lacrosse community, I’ll forever remember his lasting impact not only on the program but as the man I am today. Yeah Baby!”-Zach Williams ‘14

“What time is it? Maritime!” (A Cleary Favorite)-Mike Criscitello ‘15

“Coach Cleary is a legend. His spirit embodies all things KU. He’s the type of person you play the game to represent. Yeah Baby!”-Matt Speciale ‘16

“Coach Cleary was a true leader of men, always having a story or words of wisdom for every situation. He pushed us to become a better version of ourselves every day.”-Tyler Randolph ‘17

“The energy he brought every day was contagious. I strive to have that energy and positivity every day. I’m happy to have spent several years with a great coach and even better person.”-Scott Royster ‘18

“Coach Cleary was not only a lacrosse coach, but a role model and a man every player looked up to. Cleary was the heart and soul of Kean Lacrosse.”-Mike Snellen ‘19

“Coach Cleary was a guy who inspired everyone he met to be a better person.”-Jack Bushy ‘20

From 12 Guys Hitting the Links to an Official Foundation

On October 26, 2019, 12 Kean Lacrosse Alumni gathered to play a round of golf at Flanders Valley Golf Course. A small gathering to see college friends, soon turned into the idea of an annual event. In honor of Coach Cleary, and what he has done for us as athletes and young men, we’ve decided to team the reunion and a cause together. 

Quickly, the Yeah Baby Golf Committee hit the ground running and started planning for the following year. On October 10, 2020, the official inagural Yeah Baby Golf Outing was hosted.  From 12 guys hitting the links to over 100 golfers and 50 guests we were able to raise a significant amount of money to donate to Kean University and submit an application for a 501c(3).

The Yeah Baby Foundation is proud to announce that we successfully raised over $20,000 in our outings and have partnered with the Kean University Foundation to form the Michael J. Cleary – Yeah Baby Scholarship. Over the next couple of years, the foundation has plans on building strong ties with various groups, foundations, scholarships, etc. 

Please continue to support the Foundation and honor Coach Cleary by donating and/or participating in the annual Yeah Baby Golf Classic. 

Thank you for your continuous support!