Denver vs. Penn State Headlining 8th Annual Patriot Cup 3/26 at SMU’s Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX

(Dallas, TX) – The Texas lacrosse community will roll out the lime green carpet for the University of Denver and Penn State men’s lacrosse teams as their regular season match-up headlines the 8th Annual Patriot Cup this Saturday, March 26th at Southern Methodist University’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas.  In addition to the DI men’s lacrosse game the event will also feature top Texas high school lacrosse action throughout the day and will conclude with the heavily anticipated MCLA matchup of University of Oklahoma vs. Texas State.  The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 spectators which will help raise funds to support the HEADstrong Foundation, a non-profit organization helping to improve the lives of families who have been devastated by the realities of cancer.

Texas lacrosse enthusiasts are heavily anticipating the arrival of the #1 nationally ranked Denver Pioneers (8-0) and #15 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-2) as the game is one of the only opportunities for people in the state to experience DI men’s lacrosse.  Both teams are excited to showcase their programs to prospective student-athletes in the state.  The Nittany Lions are coming off of an 11-9 loss against University of Massachusetts, while Denver captured a 15-6 win over Ohio State this past weekend.  While the Pioneers are rolling, the Nittany Lions are thirsty for a big victory as the Big East collides with the Big10 in the Lone Star state.

This year’s DI matchup has a personal connection to event organizer, HEADstrong Texas Director Rich Moses who played collegiately with Penn State head coach Jeff Tambroni.  Over the past 3 years, Moses has worked alongside of HEADstrong to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives at Children’s Health Dallas Medical Center and families from the region affected by cancer.

This year’s games will be held in memory of David A. Pettle, a devoted HEADstrong supporter and Patriot Cup organizer who passed away un-expectedly from a heart attack on December 16, 2015 at the age of 50.  This year’s winner will be presented with the inaugural David A. Pettle Memorial Trophy.

With lime green serving as HEADstrong’s awareness color, all participating teams will take the field wearing HEADstrong’s iconic lime green shoelaces and accessories.  HEADstrong will also have a strong presence at the event with an awareness station on-site for fans to purchase awareness gear with 100% of proceeds supporting the cause.

The Patriot Cup is the brainchild of Tim Perkins, a dedicated lacrosse parent who was inspired 8 years ago to create an event with the purpose of showcasing the collegiate men’s game to the growing Texas lacrosse community.  Since its inception The Patriot Cup has featured DI, DIII and MCLA men’s lacrosse action.  Over the years Perkins has built a strong committee of equally dedicated lacrosse enthusiasts including Tom Fitzsimmons, John Bell and Rich Moses (all former players and residing, coaching and developing the sport in the region) to help evolve the event.  The group has incorporated charitable causes that hold a special meaning to the organizers as well as the Texas lacrosse community to give further purpose to The Patriot Cup.   To date, the event has helped raise more than $75,000 for charitable causes.

8th Annual Patriot Cup Event Schedule – Saturday, March 26, 2016

9:00AMEpiscopal School of Dallas vs Keller
12:00PMUniversity of Denver vs. Penn State University
2:00PMHighland Park TX DI vs. Westlake
4:00PMHighland Park TX DII vs. McKinney
6:00PMAllen vs. Flower Mound
8:00PMUniversity of Oklahoma vs. Texas State

Admission will be $15.00 for Adults and $10.00 for Students and tickets will also be available at the gate.  Special team pricing is available for groups of 20 or more.  Learn more at www.PatriotCup.com

“On behalf of the HEADstrong Foundation and those devastated by the realities of cancer we wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Patriot Cup organizers and Texas lacrosse community for embracing the HEADstrong mission.  It is truly an honor to be named a charitable benefactor of this wonderful event.  We were deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and supporter David Pettle and take great pride in knowing that his memory and love for the game will live on through this event.  The proceeds generated from the Patriot Cup will allow us to fulfill our mission for those battling the disease in the state.  We are looking forward to sharing this incredible day with the Texas lacrosse community to help change the game for others.” says Cheryl Colleluori, HF President and Nick’s Mom

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how we are Getting aHEAD of Cancer™ or to stay in the know of all the amazing things we’re doing, sign up for email updates below. Also, if you would like to contribute to finding a cure, donate today!