This is part of a continuing series counting down the top Philly lacrosse stories of 2009
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/12/10
The legacy of Nick “Head” Colleluori continued to grow in 2009.
Last year the HEADstrong Foundation raised more than $200,000 of funds in its cause to fight blood cancer in Nick’s honor. Colleluori, a Ridley graduate, died just over 3 years ago after a 14-month battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He developed the idea of the HEADstrong Foundation while seriously ill because he wanted to help others by raisinbg funds and awareness. His dream has been realized across the lacrosse world; nearly everyone in lacrosse knows of the lime-green shoelaces and the “relentless” goal of the HEADstrong Foundation and its fight to cure blood cancer.
In three years, the foundation has raised over $500,000 through the Nick Colleluori Classic, the new Nick Colleluori Women’s classic, sales of merchandise, donations and countless events.
In 2009, the 3rd Annual Nick Colleluori Classic was expanded in October to a two-day men’s Fall Ball event, one for Division I colleges and one for Division II and Division III schools. It was again held at Ridley High where Nick Colleluori was a standout lacrosse and football player known for his grit and determination. Also in 2009, the first Nick Colleluori Women’s Classic was held a few weeks earlier at Hofstra and fielded 12 college and club teams. It raised $32,000.
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