Roeder Participates in Sixth Annual Lauren's First and Goal Camp

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One-day clinic raises $190,000 for pediatric brain tumor research, surpassing previous records

Ryan Roeder

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June 11, 2009

EASTON, Pa. - Rhode Island assistant football coach Ryan Roeder was one of 275 college coaches, who volunteered his time at the sixth annual Lauren's First and Goal clinic.

The clinic aims to teach the in-and-outs of football. This year a record 1,733 high school students participated in the events at Lafayette's Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex.

The donations from campers alone tallied $62,000 and the day's total of $190,000 is steadily on the rise with the help from outside contributions, including a $100,000 pledge from the Special Needs Trust in Clearwater, Fla.

Lauren, the daughter of Lafayette defensive coordinator John Loose, addressed the crowd of players, coaches, parents and volunteers who turned out to support her battle with an inoperable brain tumor and expressed her appreciation for their continuous support. Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall was the keynote speaker.

In the six years since the camp's inception, Lauren's First and Goal has grown from just 56 volunteer coaches and 300 campers to one of the largest one-day clinics in the nation and has added a second camp at the University of South Florida which is in its second year. Raheem Morris, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will highlight the day's events as the guest speaker at that camp on June 14.

In addition to the help from the 275 volunteer coaches, current and former Lafayette football players were on hand to help set up and instruct the campers.

With the generosity of its volunteers and sponsors, Lauren's First and Goal has raised over $700,000 in six years, seeing more than 7,000 high school players participate.

Lauren's First and Goal is able to donate all proceeds directly to pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services. To donate, please visit www.laurensfirstandgoal.org