6-5-08

EASTON, Pa. – Lycoming College head football coach Mike Clark and assistant coach Drew DiGiacinto volunteered their services at the fifth-annual Lauren’s First and Goal camp on June 1 at Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex at Lafayette College. Campers at the one-day clinic received instruction from 246 volunteer college coaches at the event that raised $135,000 for pediatric brain tumor research and pediatric cancer services.

“I want to thank all the coaches and volunteers for working so hard to make Lauren’s First and Goal such a success,” said camp director and Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose. “By the end of this year, we will hit the half-million dollar mark in the five years since the camp’s inception.”

Loose’s daughter Lauren, whose battle with an inoperable brain tumor is the motivation for the annual event, was in attendance and spoke to the crowd, thanking everyone for their participation. Former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky was the guest speaker and addressed the crowd with a motivational speech.

Lauren’s First and Goal, which started five years ago with just 56 volunteer coaches and 300 campers, has grown into one of the largest one-day football camps in the country. In addition to coaches, more than 40 current and former members of the Lafayette football team lent a helping hand in instructing the high school students.

The camp will hold a second one-day clinic at the University of South Florida on June 8 and expects to put donations for the year at more than $200,000. This is the first year Lauren’s First and Goal has expanded outside the Lafayette campus.

The non-contact clinic was open to students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2007. The minimum donation is $25, with all of the proceeds from the camp directly benefiting Lauren's First and Goal Foundation.