By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/6/13
Much of the talk about Saturday’s inaugural Relentless Cup at Ridley is focused on the Division I men’s college lacrosse game between the St. Joseph’s and Hofstra (7 p.m.).
But at 3 p.m, host Ridley (4-0) and Avon Grove (5-0) will play a boys’ game that showcases two of the top teams in the Philly region.
The Green Raiders are ranked No. 9 while the Devils are No. 15. Both squads have looked dominant, especially on defense and in the goal.
But on this day, the story is Nick Colleluori and his legacy to Ridley and the entire lacrosse world. (See full preview).
Back in 2002 and 2003, Colleluori was a member of two state title teams at Ridley under Delaware County Hall of Fame coach Doug Ellers, now the assistant to his son, Kevin.
“Once again Ridley High school is proud to play in a HEADstrong sponsored contest,” said Doug Ellers in a joint statement with head coach Kevin. “Nick’s uniform is framed in our locker room and is touched every day by our players.”
“We are thrilled to play an outstanding Avon Grove squad in the HEADstrong Relentless Cup. We hope our team can emulate the passion and determination that Nick always brought to practices and games.”
The last time Ridley and Avon Grove met occurred in 2011 when the Green Raiders knocked the Devils out of competition for a state berth in the District 1 consolations.
After the boys play, the Avon Grove and Ridley girls will play.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to play on Saturday and to honor the work of the HEADstrong foundation with our best effort on the field,” said Avon Grove boys’ coach Eric Jackson. “Our entire lacrosse community in Avon Grove has been in support of this event and it should be an exciting day against a strong Ridley team.”
The high school and college games will be streamed live by AccessLacrosse (www.accesslacrosse.com).
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Proceeds from The Relentless Cup will support Nick’s House™, the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma Research Fund and the quality of life services offered by the HEADstrong Foundation.
The Event Timeline
9:00AM-4:30PM – Inter-State Youth Lacrosse Day – Ridley, Clearview (NJ), Huntingtown (MD), Rockville Centre Youth of Long Island.
3:00PM – Ridley Varsity Boys Lacrosse vs. Avon Grove High School
– Ridley JV Girls Lacrosse vs. Avon Grove High School
4:30PM – Ridley Varsity Girls Lacrosse vs. Avon Grove High School
– Ridley JV Boys Lacrosse vs. Avon Grove High School
7:00PM – The Relentless Cup – Hofstra Men’s Lacrosse vs. Saint Joseph’s University
