Posted: Oct 06, 2015
Plattsburgh State University was looking for a new way to give a higher purpose to their off season and after learning about Lacrosse Mustache Madness, the story of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori and the mission of the HEADstrong Foundation, they were inspired to create an event supporting the cause. They solicited the help and involvement of Keene State College and St. Michael's College to bring the Lax Stache Smash to life. The new DIII fall event will raise funds to support programs and services that HEADstrong provides to improve quality of life for those affected by cancer. You can support all of the teams in helping to defeat cancer by making a pledge today at http://pledge.headstrong.org/LaxStacheSmash.
1st Annual Lax Stache Smash Event Schedule
| Lax Stache Smash | Game Time | Plattsburgh State Athletic Complex | |
| Home | Away | ||
| Game 1 | 10:00AM | Plattsburgh State | St. Michael's |
| Game 2 | 12:00PM | St. Michael's | Keene State |
| Game 3 | 2:00PM | Plattsburgh State | Keene State |
The story of Nick Colleluori's mustache and the impact that Colleluori had on Ken Clausen is one that defines the fraternal family of the sport. From his hospital bed Nick Colleluori created the HEADstrong Foundation as a resource to cancer patients and their families, providing essential programs and services helping them sustain a greater sense of normalcy so that they may live with a greater quality of life during their journey. Nick had an unyielding desire to return to the lacrosse field and regain the life he knew and when that didn't happen he grew a mustache. After losing his hair multiple times during his 14-month battle and understanding that there was lots of things out of his control, Nick's realized that his mustache was something that he could control, helping him to feel normal and it helped in breaking the awkwardness of those struggling seeing him so ill. Nick's mustache made others smile and helped them to remember that despite being 120 lbs. that he was still the same lovable guy. Picking up the ball where our Nick left off Lacrosse Mustache Madness™ was created by Ken Clausen during his senior year while attending the University of Virginia. Clausen was looking for a fun and interactive way to make a difference and a great way to pay tribute to HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori. Like Colleluori, Clausen was raised in Southeastern, Pennsylvania, was a defensive player who wore the #27 and ironically shared a birthday on October 19th. As Clausen predicted Lacrosse Mustache Madness caught on instantaneously, igniting the philanthropic spirit of lacrosse player's nationwide, helping raise over $500,000 to date.
"A few years ago, Ken and I had an idea to create a Lacrosse Mustache Madness themed game of sorts but with Ken living in Denver the logistics made it difficult to execute. When we received the initial email from Plattsburgh State Men's Lacrosse about hosting a Lax Stache themed fall scrimmage, we honestly could not believe it. It's incredibly humbling to see our vision come to fruition through the support and generosity of Plattsburgh State University, Keene State College and St. Michael's College. This event has provided a forum for us to share the story behind Nick's mustache and another way for colleges to embrace the Lacrosse Mustache Madness concept. We are thrilled about announcing this event and wish to convey our sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the participating teams for embracing our mission this season. We look forward to building on this fall tradition, this is an incredible honor and tribute." said Pat Colleluori, HEADstrong CMO and Nick's Brother
About Lacrosse Mustache Madness
Lacrosse Mustache Madness™ (LMM) is an annual fall fundraising campaign benefitting the essential programs and services provided by the HEADstrong Foundation to support those affected by cancer. LMM, is a social media driven fundraising campaign that encourages lacrosse players and teams to grow, draw or simply wear a mustache in effort to raise money for the cause.
About HEADstrong Foundation
The HEADstrong Foundation™ is a 501(c)(3) committed to improving the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through providing essential programs and services.
HEADstrong™ is an athletic rooted organization that serves the cancer community by granting direct financial assistance to those financially impacted as a result of the disease, by providing complimentary long-term housing and amenities for those traveling to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for cancer related treatments through Nick's House™, by funding innovative cancer research through the Nicholas E. Colleluori Lymphoma research fund, by serving family meals and offering outlets of entertainment, by providing fresh groceries to patients being discharged from lengthy hospital stays, by delivering comfort kits to newly hospitalized patients preparing for treatment or transplant, and by lending an arm of support through their peer to peer advocacy group.
The blueprints for the Foundation were conceptualized by Nicholas "HEAD" Colleluori in 2006, from his hospital bed while he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which ultimately claimed his life. Today, Nick's vision is being fulfilled through the relentless efforts of his family, athletes and supporters across the country uniting in the fight against cancers.
For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation™ and how you can make a difference go to www.HEADstrong.org.
