ERIE, Pa. - Head coach Chris Ryan of the Mercyhurst College
men's lacrosse team is proud to announce that the Lakers will be
sponsoring the Alpha Company 96th Aviation Support Battalion, which
supports the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade in Fort Campbell, Ky.
The 96th Roadrunners are currently readying themselves to deploy to
southern Afghanistan in early April as part of Operation Enduring
Freedom.
This will be the second time coach Ryan and the Lakers have
sponsored a unit. In 2007, the men's lacrosse team partnered with
the Alpha Company 3rd Battalion 8th US Calvary Assassins out of
Fort Hood, Texas.
"It was a great experience for the team," said coach Ryan. "Anytime
you can help the soldiers of the United States Military it should
be done. These men and women accomplish amazing things everyday on
our behalf."
The Lakers became involved with ASA after Coach Ryan met ASA
founder Linda Patterson at the 2006 USILA Convention.
"It was the first booth I saw coming off the escalator and I
thought it was just a terrific cause. Linda has been passionate in
her support of military men and women around the world since
1967. Her devotion to the cause is as courageous as the
soldiers she supports."
The staff also felt that it provided the 2007 team with perspective
and motivation as they drove towards the Division II national
championship game.
"We did not sponsor a unit in 2008 and 2009, and I really felt that
there was something missing in the locker room," added Ryan. "It is
necessary for us to be involved with something that is bigger than
ourselves. It is a great opportunity for us to help the 96th while
teaching valuable life lessons to our student-athletes."
The team will begin collecting goods to be sent over in early April
after the 96th Roadrunners have deployed. If you are interested in
making a donation or giving assistance to the men's lacrosse
program and the 96th Roadrunners please feel free to contact Chris
Ryan at (814) 824-2138 or cryan@mercyhurst.edu.
-Provided by Mercyhurst Sports Information department.