Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/4/12
From Press Release
Philadelphia Wings Captain Brodie Merrill will preview the Wings “Lacrosse Wake-up Call” following the annual Philadelphia Lacrosse Golf Classic at White Manor Country Club in Malvern, PA, on Monday, October 8.
During the dinner banquet, guests will hear from Merrill as he presents a personal account on the topics of living a healthy lifestyle, strategies to maintain peak performance, as well as the focal point of the series, how young players can stay clean and steer away from drugs and alcohol.
The presentation will be a preview of the Wings Wake-Up Call series that was developed in response to the recent NCAA report on the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol amongst college students that listed lacrosse players as the highest self-reported users.
“We are excited to bring this important topic to our local teams to help improve the apparent high incidence of drug/alcohol abuse seen at colleges across the U.S.,” said Michael French, Wings president and co-owner. “Our partners, Bryn Mawr Trust, eMoney Advisor, Reebok and Evolve IP, have joined us in championing this speaking series and in unison, we believe we can effectively raise awareness and bring education to lacrosse players in the greater Philadelphia area.”
Merrill’s presentation follows two introductory workshops conducted with local high schools this past summer by Wings assistant-captain, Dan Dawson. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
“I really thought [Dan] handled the tough subject of substance abuse so well, making suggestions, using his life as an example of how to avoid environments where bad choices can be made, and telling the players he knew about the pressures they face in life as athletes and students,” said Head Coach Peter Chiappetta of the Upper Bucks Knights. “You just don’t see this topic addressed enough in lacrosse, and to have a world class player talk on it to young people will make a difference.”
“We couldn’t think of two more suitable players than Dawson and Merrill, both very accomplished athletes and solid leaders in the lacrosse world, to communicate this very important message to up and coming players,” adds Wings co-owner Brad Brewster.
High school coaches interested in booking Brodie Merrill for a presentation to their players and parents should contact Reta Feldman at (215) 952-7316.
All lacrosse enthusiasts are encouraged to join the PLA banquet dinner, if not the entire day for golf, networking and lacrosse camaraderie. Proceeds benefit the PIAA Public Lacrosse League in Philadelphia which features a dozen high school teams, notwithstanding the School District’s budget challenges, as well as numerous coaches’ programs, charitable tournaments and more. To reserve a spot, visit: www.palacrosse.com.
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