Holmes, PA- The forecast this weekend was very fitting for the HEADstrong Foundation’s 3rd Annual Rivalry Games. On Saturday April 7, 2012 droves of HEADstrong supporters and lacrosse fans descended on Widener University’s athletic complex to be apart of what has become an annual Easter Saturday tradition in Delaware County. This year’s Rivalry Games drew record attendance generating over $40,000 for the HEADstrong Foundation and their relentless pursuit of defeating blood cancer, bringing the fundraising total to over $190,000 since its inception in 2010.
The Rivalry Games featured top boys lacrosse games from the Philadelphia region including, Wissahickon High School, Upper Merion High School, Interboro High School, Archbishop John Carroll High School, Perkiomen Valley High School, Spring-Ford High School, Radnor High School and Ridley High School. The event also showcased some outstanding youth programs including Black Storm Lacrosse, Marlton Lacrosse, West Chester Lacrosse, Wissahickon Lacrosse, Marple Lacrosse and Spring-Ford Lacrosse.
Prior to each game HEADstrong Foundation president Cheryl Colleluori delivered a heartfelt address to both players and supporters. She reflected on HEADstrong founder Nick Colleluori’s life and his 14 month relentless battle against non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and how in the wake of his diagnosis how he was motivated to create the foundation and make a difference using the sport of lacrosse as an avenue. In addition a player from each team was selected to be the recipient of the Nicholas E. Colleluori Award for demonstrating leadership on and off the playing field.
2012 Nicholas E. Colleluori Award Recipients
Brian Van Wyk, Interboro High School
Ryan Boomazian, Arch Bishop Carroll High School
Josh Stollman, Wissahickon High School
Austin Edelman, Upper Merion High School
Bryce Womack, Perkiomen Valley High School
Zach Monzo, Spring-Ford High School
Paul Somboonsong, Radnor High School
Matt Ward, Ridley High School
Cody Sandy, Albright College
Mark Kane, Widener University
While the games throughout the day were incredibly exciting, the event was highlighted by Albright’s 11-10 double overtime victory against Widener University. Regardless of the final scores that day, the fundraising effort set forth by all of the participating teams made them all winners.
“This event is always a very emotional day for us. Looking around and seeing former coaches, teammates and friends of our Nick in attendance and reminiscing of memories is comforting but difficult, I miss him so much. We had the best time of our lives on the lacrosse field as a family. At the heart of this event is so much love for our son, we are truly grateful. We wish to thank the Widener University Men’s Lacrosse, the Widener Lacrosse Booster’s program and all of the participating teams, officials and spectators for supporting Nick’s vision and being apart of this special event.” – Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong Foundation president
The HEADstrong Foundation carries on the legacy and vision of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori through advocating, fundraising and supporting those affected by blood cancer and those working towards eliminating it. For more information go to www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.
