HEADstrong Foundation To Host Alumni Challenge On Black Friday

PHILADELPHIA — On Black Friday, four of the most historic and successful high school lacrosse programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania will assemble their alumni to honor the past, celebrate their love of the game and support families affected by cancer. 

On November 26th at 1 p.m., Springfield High School will host Ridley and across town at 3 p.m., Penncrest will play host to Strath Haven. Both events will be hosted by the HEADstrong Foundation and tickets are $5.00. All proceeds will go directly to HEADstrong to help local families affected by cancer. 

This event is the second in a series, as Springfield and Ridley faced off in the first-ever alumni game in 2019. That game played homage and celebrated the lives and legacies of Ridley’s Nick Colleluori, HEADstrong’s founder, and Springfield’s Nick Baratelle. For year two, the foundation is excited to include two other historical programs to the challenge.

​​”The rivalry between Springfield and Ridley is one of the oldest in Pennsylvania lacrosse,” said John Hoffman, Springfield lacrosse representative. “The Alumni Rivalry Game represents the toughest players in Pennsylvania lacrosse, showcasing the amazing talent that have contributed to each program’s storied history while demonstrating our commitment to the HEADstrong Foundation through an event that truly embodies the spirit of Nick Colleluori and Nick Baratelle.  While we compete on the field, off the field we are good friends and are united to help local families in the fight.” 

Alumni from both teams can register to participate at the following links. Springfield and Ridley alumni can register HERE and those wishing to suit up for either Strath Haven or Penncrest can register HERE. 

“The alums at Penncrest are so excited to start this new tradition with our crosstown rivals,” Evan Pettit, Penncrest alumni representative, former player and current coach said. “Personally, Thanksgiving break is my favorite time of year, so to be able to play some lacrosse on our own stadium field with not only teammates but guys I coached makes it extra special. All age groups from our program can not wait to play and to do so for the best possible cause.”

In addition to the game, HEADstrong will donate new boys and girls youth lacrosse sticks to youth programs in all four towns to provide opportunities to grow the sport.

“We are really looking forward to the second Ridley/Springfield Alumni game,” said Matt Flynn, Ridley lacrosse representative. “The rivalry, the history and the friendships that have risen out of these two great teams competing was crystal clear in the first game in 2019. I was amazed to see over 1,000 people at Phil Marion field to watch these two teams compete. I imagine it will be just as large of a crowd this November at Springfield’s new field. A big thank you to HEADstrong for putting this together. It is a great day of lacrosse for an even greater purpose.”  

“The Strath Haven Lacrosse alumni are excited to support the HEADstrong Foundation through the Thanksgiving weekend game against the Penncrest Lacrosse alumni,” said Tom O’Donnell , Strath Haven alumni representative and alumni parent. “It’s a great opportunity for crosstown rivals on the field to get together to help HEADstrong assist families impacted by cancer. We are looking forward to lacrosse alumni, families, and friends from across the years being part of a great lacrosse game that supports an even greater cause.”

For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, it’s mission and those that it serves, please visit www.HEADstrong.org and follow on social media at @HEADstrongFND.