![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-1200x800.jpg)
![In celebration of winning his second straight state title in the 215 weight class, junior Carter Brown backflips before leaving the mat. Brown won his bout against junior Kobe Rhymes of North Kansas City High School by fall in just 41 seconds. "Carter does what Carter does. We expect [success] out of him and his goals are bigger than the state championship," coach Sam Ritchie said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_2784-1200x800.jpg)
Lafayette Lancer Marketplace successful in fundraising efforts for band program
The 2013 Lafayette Lancer Marketplace was held this past Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7 and 8.
Originally started to raise money for the band program, the Lafayette Lancer Marketplace has been running for more than 20 years, Brad Balog, band teacher, said.
“[The Lafayette Lancer Marketplace] is an event for members of our community to share their talents and creativity with others,” Balog said.
This year the marketplace raised over $10,000 that will be distributed among a variety of things.
Balog said, “We provide scholarships for kids at the end of the year for our seniors; almost $5,000 worth of scholarships a year.”
The money also helps allow people to come in every week and hold clinics to work with band members, as well as covers some of the expenses of traveling and band camps.
Though the weather this year may have caused some conflict, the snow and icy conditions did not stop the event from continuing.
“Our crowds were a little slow this year,” Balog said. “We also had about a dozen vendors and crafters that didn’t show up because they couldn’t make it.”
Though the vendors play a major role in the success of this event, the band itself pitches in with the Marketplace’s organization and execution.
“We had great parent help and great student help to run the event,” Balog said.
Next year’s marketplace is scheduled to be held on Dec. 6 and 7, and applications are being accepted now.
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![Watching a small group scrimmage, Ben Lundt, St. Louis City SC goalkeeper and founder of Lundt Pro Soccer Training, shouts words of encouragement to players on Sunday, April 26 n the Lafayette grass soccer field. “The idea behind [the event] was to bring the professional soccer players closer to the community because usually people only get to see us on TV or in the stadium. [Families] actually having the opportunity to have their kids on the field with us is the most important aspect,” Ben Lundt said.](https://lancerfeed.press/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_6823-600x400.jpg)
