Illinois Wesleyan men’s lacrosse senior Bob Boone has a passion for supporting those around him. In middle school, he began participating in a Big Brother program. In high school, Bob was a both on the lacrosse field and in the community. Now, as a college student-athlete, this leadership continues. He was named all-conference player last year, finishing the season with 54 points. In the classroom, Bob is studying psychology and considering a career in social work upon graduation.
When the Illinois Wesleyan team signed up for Team IMPACT, it was no surprise Bob was the first to jump at the opportunity to be a member of the leadership team. A short time later in January of 2024, thirteen-year-old Dylan joined the Illinois Wesleyan lacrosse team. Again, it was no surprise that he and Bob connected immediately. Through every up and down in the months since, Dylan and Bob have shown each other what it means to be a teammate.
“Bob Boone is an exceptional teammate and leader,” said Dylan’s mom, Lori. “He is building Dylan’s confidence through encouragement and support. Bob jokes with Dylan and includes him in team activities.”
Dylan was born with a complex congenital heart defect and likes to remain active, playing basketball, football, baseball, and golf. At practice, he and Bob love playing catch, moving further and further apart with every throw to test their skills. Bob taught Dylan all about lacrosse, and slowly the two bonded over their shared love of sports. Between in-person visits, Bob and Dylan text to keep in touch and check in on one another. In the few short months since Dylan joined the team, Bob has made a lasting impact. Earlier this year, Dylan’s special bond with his friend Bob inspired him to nominate Bob as his Teammate of the Year.
Shortly before Dylan joined the team, Bob suffered an ACL injury that kept him on the sidelines for the entirety of the lacrosse season. “Dylan has helped me a lot off the field, distracting myself from the difficulties of not being able to play,” Bob said during a speech at Dylan’s Signing Day, which Dylan said “exceeded all expectations.”
“Bob has not let his injury stop him from leading his team to victory,” Lori said. “Bob and Dylan have a special bond. He took Dylan under his wing and welcomed Dylan to the Illinois Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse team.”
One of Dylan’s favorite memories with his teammates is when they joined him at Dairy Queen to celebrate his recent thirteenth birthday. “We enjoy seeing Bob and Dylan interacting,” Lori said, “from hanging out at lacrosse practice to standing on the sideline to eating ice cream, it is always an uplifting experience!”
Through all the ups and downs of life, Dylan and Bob will have each other’s backs. Through every interaction, Dylan and Bob are showing each other and the Illinois Wesleyan Athletics community how to be a good friend, a good person, and a good teammate. “Since joining Team IMPACT, Dylan has gained confidence in himself,” Lori said. “He has learned the importance of working together and supporting one another.”
