A record 1,733 high school students recently participated in the sixth annual Lauren’s First and Goal Football Camp June 7 at Lafayette’s Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex.

The one-day clinic featured 275 college coaches who volunteered their time to teach aspiring football players the in-and-outs of the game.

The donations from campers alone tallied $62,000. The day’s total of $185,000 was bolstered by help from outside contributions, including a $100,000 pledge from the Special Needs Trust in Clearwater, Florida.

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

“Randy Edsall did a tremendous job as the guest speaker,” John Loose said. “He participated the entire day and brought his son to the camp. His speech was right on point and embodied what this camp is all about. Lauren also did an unbelievable job talking to all the coaches, players, and parents in attendance.”

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. The event has added a second camp at the University of South Florida, which was held Sunday. Raheem Morris, head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was the guest speaker there.

“We want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped make the day so special. Without the help from our Board, including John and Pam Troxell, this event would not be possible,” Loose said. “A big thanks also goes out to Lafayette College and all its staff for their tremendous support in this charity event.”

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 is able to donate all proceeds directly to pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services. For more information, visit www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.

− Courtesy Lafayette Sports Information Director Phil LaBella