Flanders, Metzler Coach at Lauren's First-and-Goal Camp
Football camp raises funds for pediatric brain tumor research and support
EASTON, Pa. – Rick Flanders, Yale's associate head coach of
football, and Bulldog assistant Kyle Metzler were among the more
than 250 coaching volunteers at the seventh annual Lauren's First
and Goal Football Camp at Lafayette College on June 6. Nearly 1,700
high school football players attended and helped raise more than
$67,000 for Lauren's First and Goal Foundation for pediatric brain
tumor research, cancer services and family support.
For the year, the foundation has received more than $213,000 in
donations, including a $100,000 commitment from the Center for
Special Needs Trust Administration. With the proceeds from the
camp, the foundation has raised more than $1 million since its
creation in 2004.
“The success of this camp would not be possible without the
hundreds of volunteers and coaches and the unwavering support of
Lafayette College,” said John Loose, who created Lauren's
First and Goal in honor of his 13-year-old daughter Lauren, a
pediatric brain tumor survivor. “It is their dedication to
this event that allows us to continue funding the search for a cure
and to help families who battle this disease every day.”
The Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp welcomed high school
student-athletes from 15 different states and Canada, who received
offensive and defensive instruction from the volunteer coaches
representing colleges and universities across the nation. U.S.
Naval Academy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo was the featured
guest speaker. He talked about the “four quarters of
life” and the importance of showing gratitude, making good
decisions and being selfless.
The foundation will be hosting another one-day event at Otterbein
College in Westerville, Ohio, on June 27. The camps raise money
through a $30 registration fee for each student-athlete as well as
non-camper donations. Of every dollar received, the foundation
donates 90 cents toward research, services, family support and
awareness of pediatric brain tumors and cancer.
More information about the camps and the foundation is available
at www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.
image of Connecticut area coaches by Michael Garner (Metzler far left, Flanders is third from left)