Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 2/4/12

Members of the Strath Haven girls’ lacrosse team joined City Team Ministry recently to provide Sunday night dinner to needy members of the community. This evening of service is one of a continuing commitment the lacrosse team has made to CTM to help others.

Strath Haven girls pictured from left to right are: Darby Irrgang, Lily Kovach, Becca Robbins, Jenny Rowan, Delaney Irrgang, Bri Irons, Laura Rowan, Christina Labows, Kaelin Caldwell and Erica Conners.

In addition to assisting with the Christmas toy drive, lacrosse team members are providing help preparing and serving meals at the CTM recovery house throughout the year.

Participating in the event were Darby Irrgang, Lily Kovach, Becca Robbins, Jenny Rowan, Delaney Irrgang, Bri Irons, Laura Rowan, Christina Labows, Kaelin Caldwell and Erica Conners.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/31/12
From Press Release

Join the HEADstrong Foundation and its mission of defeating blood cancer by getting involved in the 3rd Annual Score For A Cure campaign this season.

Led by professional lacrosse star Bill McGlone (Ridley), make each goal count this season by soliciting pledges based on total team goals or single nominal donations in an effort to generate funds for the HEADstrong Foundation and improve the quality of life for patients and families of blood cancer. Players can register themselves at www.HEADstrongfoundation.org and begin fundraising for lacrosse season.

The nationwide fundraiser is open to all lacrosse players. Registration for the campaign will begin on February 1, 2012 and will run through May 31, 2012. The HEADstrong Foundation is encouraging teams to adopt this fundraiser, however players must register individually. There is fee of $20.00 per player to get underway. The registration fee allows for each player to receive the official Score For A Cure fundraising package which includes access to HEADstrong Foundation’s online giving portal powered by FirstGiving, a Dri-Fit Performance Shirt and HEADstrong Mouth Guard.

Players are encouraged to share the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation and solicit pledges from family, friends, neighbors and supporters. Players will track their total team goals using the Official HEADstrong Score Tracker available online and collect pledges at the conclusion of their season.

In an effort to assist players an online fundraising component is new this year. Players will receive access to HEADstrong Foundation’s online giving portal powered by FirstGiving and will be instructed to create a player fundraising page. Players will link in with their teammates to create fundraising teams. Participants will have the ability to communicate and pledge donations online through communicating with their social network. To streamline the giving process contributions will be collected and submitted securely online.

This year, the HEADstrong Foundation has teamed up with Inside Lacrosse, Lacrosse.com and Brine Lacrosse for some great new fundraising incentives. This year the top individual fundraiser will receive a Limited Edition HEADstrong Rebounder from Brine and the top team fundraiser will receive a pair of Limited Edition HEADstrong lime green collegiate lacrosse nets as seen at the Inside Lacrosse Big City Classic on ESPN.

Now in its 3rd season the Score For A Cure campaign has assisted the HEADstrong Foundation, generating over $150,000 in their fight against blood cancer. $100,000 is the fundraising goal for the 2012 season. You can assist their goal by registering today at www.HEADstrongfoundation.org and getting involved.

“Teams and players from around the country are always asking us how they can get more involved with the HEADstrong Foundation. Score For A Cure was born from those inquiries. For teams the fundraiser is a great team building project, for players it is a fun-filled opportunity to use the game to make a difference in the lives of patients and families of blood cancer. We hope that you join our team of champions this season by participating in Score For A Cure.” HEADstrong Foundation president Cheryl Colleluori

HEADstrong Foundation works to advocate, raise funds for and to support those affected by blood cancer or working to eliminate it. HEADstrong Foundation generates funds for blood cancer research, distributes grants and provides assistance to patients and survivors of blood cancer.

In addition, HEADstrong Foundation awards scholarships and grants for students with ambitions of entering the medical field. Founder Nick “Head” Colleluori” attended Hofstra University where he played lacrosse. While at Hofstra Nick was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. While sick he began counseling other patients and began laying the framework for what would become the HEADstrong Foundation, in an effort to raise cancer awareness and help others and future patients that found themselves in a similar situation.

In August of 2006 he even found the strength to play in one last lacrosse game. Nick passed away on November 28, 2006 at the age of 21. Even though he is gone, his memory and relentless determination lives on through the HEADstrong Foundation.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/30/12

Alexandra Lista had seen charities and fundraisers for victims of cancer before – but she never heard of one for those diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of secondhand smoke.

From left, Alexandra Lista, Dominique Nyzio and Olivia Gannon of Mount St. Joseph founded Laxers vs. Lung Cancer

So one day the Mount St. Joseph junior goalie decided that – since her mother, Donna-Lee, was a survivor of cancer from secondhand smoke – she wanted to do something herself to help the cause and raise awareness.

The result was to combine her love of lacrosse with the goal of educating others and raising money to combat the disease that her mother fought so eloquently.

So, Laxers vs. Lung Cancer was born, with the help of Mount teammates Olivia Gannon and Dominique Lyzio. The three raised $1,200 last year by selling t-shirts and hair-ties and later presented the money to the Lung Cancer Partnership.

With the lacrosse season arriving soon, the threesome will again be raising money by selling t-shirts and hair-ties to other lacrosse players, and hopefully at camps and tournaments or possible grade school clinics.

Donna-Lee Lista was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 2006, and doctors removed the upper lobe of her lung. She underwent chemotherapy and celebrated five years of survival last spring. Donna-Lee, who sits on the board of the National Lung Cancer Partnership, is active in speaking and raising money for research into lung cancer treatments and helped inspire her daughter.

“My mom was a non smoker and got lung cancer,” said Alexandra. “Of course it was a really big shocker.

“One day, after I saw event after event promoting breast cancer – which is a great cause – I said to my mom that I really never find events for people with lung cancer. Olivia’s grandmother had lung cancer so she was on board.

“You are stigmatized, and in my mom’s case she never even smoked but most people think you have to smoke to get it.

“My mom speaks at events and makes it known that anyone can get it.”

According to the National Lung Cancer Partnership, approximately 220,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Also, lung cancer takes more lives than breast, prostate and colon cancers combined. Lung cancer for non-smokers is the sixth most common cause of cancer, and 67 percent of non smokers that are diagnosed with cancer are women.

The National Cancer Institute reports that there are 69 toxic chemicals in secondhand tobacco smoke cause cancer and that 3,000 people die each year due to cancer from secondhand smoke. Alex said the most alarming statistic may be that lung cancer research receives the least amount of federal funding among cancers per death. For instance, for every breast cancer death (approx 40,000 per year) the federal funding is approx $22,000; for every lung cancer death (161,000 per year) the amount spent is $1,500.

“The hope is by selling these items and raising more money, we can do something for the fight to cure this disease,” Alexandra said.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/29/12
From Lehigh Sports Information

Following a preseason scrimmage against each other Saturday, head coaches Kevin Cassese of Lehigh and Brian Dougherty of Chestnut Hill College will be joining forces Sunday when the two friends coach the U.S. National Team in the Champion Challenge.

Coach Brian Dougherty (Chestnut Hill College) and Kevin Cassese (Lehigh) met in a scrimmage Saturday and then took off for Florida and the Champion Challenge

After the Mountain Hawks and Griffins squared off, the two hopped in a car for the Philadelphia airport. Their ultimate destination is Lake Buena Vista, Fla. where they’ll lead the United States against defending national semifinalist Denver.

Also on the United States’ staff is Towson head coach Shawn Nadelen. Sunday’s game will face-off at 1:30 p.m. live on ESPN3.com and will re-air at 10 p.m. on ESPNU.

Things worked out so perfectly that you’d think the two set up the scrimmage intentionally, knowing that they’d be headed in the same direction Sunday. But that wasn’t the case.

“It’s pretty cool how this weekend came together,” said Dougherty (Episcopal Academy grad) after the game. “Now, we’re going to hop in a car [for Philadelphia] and fly down to Florida. We’ll probably talk a little bit about the game, but more about life; two buds getting a chance to catch up. It’s pretty cool, from getting our teams going to representing the United States the next day.”

Cassese and Dougherty have always been competitors, but it wasn’t until 2007 when the friendship truly blossomed. After facing each other on the field for quite a while, Cassese was traded to the Philadelphia Barrage where he and Dougherty went on to win an MLL Championship.

“That’s when we got to know each other really well,” said Cassese. “We’ve had a great relationship ever since through both Team USA and coaching.”

For Cassese, it’s déjà vu from October when the Mountain Hawks played Towson in a fall ball game before he and Nadelen headed right to Stars & Stripes weekend to face Cassese’s alma mater Duke.

“I need to get a ride at some point,” said Cassese jokingly. “I gave Shawn a ride in the fall and now I’m giving Doc one in the spring. At some point, I’ve got to get some gas money back or something.”

“It’s a lot of fun and an honor to be involved, especially with Shawn and Doc; they’re great coaches and great people. It’s extra special when you do these types of things with great friends.”

This is Cassese’s fourth time coaching the United States’ team, leading the squad in the Stars & Stripes Weekend and Champion Challenge each of the last two years. Sunday will mark the first time that Cassese, Dougherty and Nadelen are coaching together, though. Cassese was the only coach last fall against Harvard before being joined by Dougherty for last year’s Champion Challenge against Notre Dame. Meanwhile, this fall, it was Cassese and Nadelen for Stars & Stripes against Duke.

On Sunday, the trio wants to win and improve to 4-0 over the last two seasons. Along with getting a result, the experience with the U.S. National Team is an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best and should ultimately help the collegiate teams they’re coaching. Both Cassese and Dougherty stressed the importance of being around the best from the sport of lacrosse.

“Just being around the best players in the world, you pick up so many things,” said Dougherty. “Just little drills, attitudes and things they do during the game. I try to absorb all that kind of stuff then bring it back to a smaller level.

“We have to realize that our guys are not the world team, so we can’t ask them to do things that Paul Rabil is doing out there, but we can pick some things out,” he continued. “I think that gives us a pretty good advantage over maybe some other coaches who don’t have that opportunity.”

“It’s always great to stay involved with the top players in the game and be around the highest level of play that our game has to offer,” said Cassese. “That’s really what Team USA is all about. We get the opportunity to work with, and coach, some of the top young talent in the world.”

“The players form such great habits in how they play and how they work,” he continued. “You can bring that back to your team. Team USA is a collection of guys that has really never played together. Each time they come out, it’s a different group; there are some consistent members, but there are different players every time. Every single time, they come together very quickly and the common goal is to get a victory.”

For all three coaches, it’s a busy weekend, but something that’s worthwhile both personally and for their current teams – Lehigh, Chestnut Hill and Dougherty. Cassese and Dougherty experienced a little bit of everything this weekend: from coaching against a good friend one day, to teaming up to coach some of the best players in the world the next.

Story written by Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Media Relations

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/14/12

Allie Murray called it “the perfect end.”

Murray, a freshman goalie at Notre Dame who helped lead Downingtown East to the state finals last year, was one of 14 players that came to Philadelphia Friday accept their rings for winning the U19 FIL World Championship last August in Hannover, Germany.

Allie Murray

The ceremony was held at the Downtown Marriott next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center where US Lacrosse is holding its annual Convention. Murray played with the U19 team with Episcopal Academy grad Taylor Trimble, who was unable to attend because her college team (Duke) is on a retreat. Trimble’s mother, Janet, accepted her ring.

The ceremony featured speeches from head coach Krystin Porcella and others. The US team rallied to defeat Australia, 14-11, in the FIL championship game.

“It’s super exciting to see everyone again,” said Murray. “It was an awesome experience in general. I play with (U19 teammate) Barb Sullivan (at Notre Dame) and I have kept in touch with some players on Facebook, but not as much as I’d like to so this was awesome to see them all again.”

Murray – a US Lacrosse All-American last year for a team that won the District 1 championship and finished second in the nation in wins – said the experience of playing in the World Championships has helped prepare her for playing major Division I lacrosse at Notre Dame.

“It definitely helped you get to the next level,” she said. “Shot-wise, going into college was not as big a transition. I’ve seen some hard shots.”

How does Murray look back at winning the gold medal for her country?

“It’s a dream; It’s almost like it never happened,” she said. “I can’t believe it actually did happen. It was just a great experience.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/1/12
Staff Report

The most read stories of the year for 2011 on Phillylacrosse.com were mostly focused on some of the tragedies and difficult losses suffered by the Philly lacrosse community.

Here is a recap:

1. Aug. 6 – Eddie Coombs and Robert Nagel, two 19-year-olds that helped lead Hatboro-Horsham to the state tournament the previous year, were killed in a one-car accident in Horsham Township. Coombs had finished his freshman year at Marist College where he had stamped himself as a popular teammate and future standout. The story got nearly 10,000 hits. Click here for story.

2. Feb. 15 – Gerald Ung, the defendant in the 2010 shooting of former Villanova and La Salle College High standout Eddie DiDonato, was found not guilty of all charges following a week of testimony. Click here for story.

3. Feb. 14 – Defendant Gerald Ung testifies on his behalf in the 2010 shooting of Eddie DiDonato. Ung was found not guilty of all charges the following day. Click here for story.

4. July 27 – Popular Chester County youth lacrosse coach Drew Bauer, 34, is mourned after passing away in a boating accident in Maryland. Click here for story.

5. June 5 – The Philly boys’ 2011 US Lacrosse All-America list is released. Click here for story.

6. Jan. 17 – Longtime boy’ youth powers Abington and Ashbee leave the Southeastern Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association (SEPYLA) to compete in the Chester County Lacrosse Association (CCLA). Click here for story.

7. Jan. 20 – Eddie DiDonato’s spirit helped him overcome a shooting incident early in 2010 in Philadelphia. Click here for story.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/24/11

Members of the Strath Haven girls’ lacrosse team volunteered earlier this month at City Team Ministries by assisting in sorting, wrapping and organizing gifts for distribution to hundreds of needy children that live in the City of Chester.

A time for giving: Strtah Haven girls that volunteered to prepare gifts for needy children in Chester were Top from left to right: Bri Irons, Kristen Hansen, Kaelin Caldwell, Michaela Carzo, Katie Tillman, Lily Kovach Bottom from left to right: Laura Rowan, Becca Robbins, Kelly Molloy, Erica Connor

The team has established a relationship with City Team Ministries which will continue to provide community service throughout the year.

Those that participated in the event were Bri Irons, Kristen Hansen, Kaelin Caldwell, Michaela Carzo, Katie Tillman, Lily Kovach, Laura Rowan, Becca Robbins, Kelly Molloy, and Erica Connor.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/20/11

The following Philly players have been named to the Inside Lacrosse Flow Society College All-Men’s Name team. Click here for full story.

First team

Westy Hopkins (La Salle) So., A, Notre Dame*
Baxter Lanius IV Jr., D, Lehigh*^

Second team

Grove Stewart (Haverford School) Fr., M, Harvard
Blaise Fullen (Penn Charter) Sr., D, Lehigh
Goran Murray (Haverford School) Fr., D, Maryland

Third Team

Forest Sonnenfeldt So., A, Princeton*^

^2010 All-Name Team
*2011 All-Name Team

Flow Society All-Women’s Name Team
Click here for full story

First Team

Avery Curley (Episcopal Academy), R-Fr., A, Penn State
Beasley Hays (Radnor), Jr., D, Colgate

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/20/11
Staff Report

The Great Valley boys’ lacrosse team recently gave holiday cheer to families in need by participating in the “Holiday Gift Giving” program run by Great Valley High School PTO.

Great Valley's boys' lacrosse team helped five families have a special holiday season

The event was held at Exton Mall. In all, five families were helped and $600 was donated by the Great Valley player families for the gifts.

Fifteen team members shopped for and gift wrapped presents, all off of a wish list for local families that are going through some tough times.

“I can speak for my entire team by saying that by doing this it reminded us how lucky we really are,” said Great Valley junior midfielder Noah Joseph. “I am very proud to say that I play for the Great Valley Lacrosse team.

“It is important to help in our local community because it helps all the players realize how lucky we are.”

Has your team been involved in a community service project? E-mail us the picture and details at golax@phillylacrosse.com

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 12/12/11

Two Philly college recruits have been named to the Adrenaline/WestSideLax.com Elite Top 25 rankings. The players are chosen from all high school senior boys in states west of the Mississippi.

No. 12, Willie Mort, committed to Penn

Key Info: Torrey Pines High (CA), defenseman, committed to Penn, 1st Team All League

Other Teams: RC, West Coast Starz, Under Armour Team West

No. 14, Will McKee, signed with Lehigh

Key Info: St. Ignatius College Prep (CA), Midfield, F/O, Member of 2010, 2011 WCAL Champions

Other Teams: Under Armour West, West Coast Starz, Alcatraz Outlaws, NorCal Braves, Fog City