HEADstrong Nationals Claim European Championship at Lowlands Lacrosse Tournament


Amsterdam, Netherlands – Last week a special group of players representing the HEADstrong Foundation™ boarded a plane headed for Amsterdam to compete at the Amsterdam Lowlands Lacrosse Tournament. Today, the team returns home victorious after claiming a European Championship posting a 15-2 win over the USA Starz in the event final.

Aside from going 8-0 during the event with key victories over both the UK, Irish and Italian National teams, the squad recorded over 100 points during the tournament. Additionally, Goalie Tommy McDermott posted a shutout during the semifinals.

“We knew from the moment that our boys met in Amsterdam that there was some great chemistry amongst them. Together we formed an immediate bond and it was evident during our first practice. This was truly a special group of players dedicated to the cause. Our boys played with a purpose and were determined to win this event. Like Nick Colleluori, our boys played like it was their last game and are so proud of their achievements.” Tim Duffy HFN Head Coach

Serving as ambassadors of the HEADstrong Foundation™ the team took the field outfitted in lime green and royal uniforms, their colors supporting the fight against non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Additionally, the team wore HEADstrong Brine Deft Gloves and HEADstrong Warrior TII helmets.

Their uniforms and play on the field wasn’t the only thing that people were talking about during the tournament. While spectators flocked to watch their fast pace and explosive play, it was their sportsmanship and post game efforts that turned their opponents into supporters. After each game players from Team HEADstrong distributed both awareness decals, bracelets and shared the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation™ with their opponents.

“We came together as players having a mutual respect for one another and we left a family. The bond that our boys formed in less than a week is something that continues to fuel my passion for coaching the sport. We had an incredible opportunity to make a statement, further the HEADstrong vision and gain an appreciation for other cultures, all through the game. The support that we experienced from the international community only inspired us to play harder.” says Duffy

The HEADstrong National Team consisted of players from 7 states including: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania representing 20 colleges and universities.

The team was anchored by four members who helped lead the USA U-22 All-Star Team to a gold medal at the World Games in 2010: Zach Johnson, former defenseman from University of Maryland, Rutgers midfielder Anthony Terrinova, Seth Molek, former attackman at Fairleigh Dickinson and TJ Harris a current long stick midfielder at Loyola. Terrinova and Molek served as captains for the team.

Other HEADstrong National Team Members included:

Kellen McCarty – Marymount University
Sean Sauder – Widener University
Peter Moreno – University of Tampa
Zach Friedman – Ohio Wesleyan University
Kelton Heverly – Mount Saint Mary’s University
Kevin Benson – Florida Southern College
Kevin Miller – Saint Joseph’s University
Evan Mulcrone – Ohio State University
Andrew Eidenshink – Fairfield University
Mason Quinn – Quinnipiac University
Ian Hare – Towson University
Tommy McDermott – Chestnut Hill College
Nate Cain – University of Denver
Ryan Eidenshink – Widener University
Jack Kelly – Rollins College
Cody Christie – Florida Southern College
Mike Pino – LaSalle College

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of our HEADstrong National Team both on and off the playing field in Amsterdam. This championship is for those battling and those who have been affected by blood cancer. We wish to thank our players and coaches for their relentless efforts in helping us further the HEADstrong mission overseas. The visibility of HEADstrong and the integrity of our lime green color is crucial in our fight against blood cancer. Knowing that players in other parts of the world are finding inspiration in life of our Founder and my son Nicholas is so fulfilling. We look forward to being involved with this event for years to come.”
Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick’s Mom

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2 Comments

  1. anonymous on July 6, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    whoever write the article was completely wrong, though great athletes, the conduct and actions of the players and coach wer ones of questionable representation of the headstrong foundation. hopefully the headstrong foundation will re-evaluate the process of which they select the representation of the program.

  2. anonymous on July 6, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    whoever write the article was completely wrong, though great athletes, the conduct and actions of the players and coach wer ones of questionable representation of the headstrong foundation. hopefully the headstrong foundation will re-evaluate the process of which they select the representation of the program.

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