BALTIMORE, Sept. 16, 2011 — US Lacrosse has announced that former National Football League player and head coach Herm Edwards will deliver the keynote address at the 2012 US Lacrosse National Convention, presented by Champion. Edwards will speak to approximately 5,000 lacrosse coaches, officials and administrators at the largest educational and networking event in the lacrosse world, kicking off the three-day gathering at 7 p.m. Eastern time Friday, Jan. 13 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
Lacrosse coaches, officials and administrators with an active membership in US Lacrosse may register for the convention online at www.uslacrosse.org/2012convention for the early-bird rate of just $80 through Nov. 11. Additional registration options appear below.
"I’m excited about the opportunity to speak," said Edwards, who realized during his playing career that he wanted to become a coach to give back to the positive role participation in sports had on his life. "When you’re in a position to give back, you do that. Life is a circle. When I started, people helped me. I didn’t want a void in my circle."
The convention will mark a homecoming for the current ESPN NFL analyst and Fort Monmouth, N.J., native, who spent the majority of his playing career with the NFL’s Eagles and still holds the franchise record for interceptions with 38 (regular season and postseason). Despite not being drafted out of San Diego State in 1977, Edwards cracked the Eagles’ starting lineup as a cornerback as a rookie and made 135 consecutive regular-season starts. He earned second-team All-National Football Conference honors in 1980 to help Philadelphia reach Super Bowl XV.
As an NFL head coach with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, Edwards remains one of just five men to lead two teams to the playoffs in his first season at the helm. Edwards continues to be involved in numerous endeavors that help people, including young athletes. In 2002, he was named the Big Brother of the Year by the Catholic Big Brothers For Boys and Girls in New York. A year later, he was named to the Positive Coaching Alliance’s (PCA) National Advisory Committee. US Lacrosse and PCA are organizational partners.
"Herm Edwards embodies the tremendous growth and development any person can experience with participation in athletics, and we’re proud to welcome him to lacrosse as the keynote speaker at our convention," said Beth Porreca, director of special events at US Lacrosse. "His story transcends sports, and his message will resonate with lacrosse coaches, officials and administrators long after they return to their teams to begin the 2012 season."
US Lacrosse has secured discounted room rates at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, which is adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and will host some convention activities, for convention attendees. Those registering for the convention may call the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown at 215-625-2900 and mention "US Lacrosse Convention" when booking rooms.
Online convention registration from Nov. 12 through Dec. 28 will cost $105. Registration onsite in Philadelphia Jan. 13-15 will cost $150. Groups of 10 or more can save an additional $10 per attendee by registering together. Coaches certified through Level 1 of the US Lacrosse Coaching Education Program will enjoy a 10 percent discount on registration through Nov. 11.
The US Lacrosse National Convention annually draws some 5,000 participants, and it includes two live demonstration areas, approximately 150 educational sessions, and Fan Fest, a portion of events open to the public and centered around the sport’s largest exposition hall. Fan Fest tickets will be sold onsite at the Grand Hall to the general public for $10 and to lacrosse players wearing team jerseys for just $5. Children 6 and under will be admitted free to Fan Fest, which runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14.
For more information or to register, please visit www.uslacrosse.org/2012convention.
About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse is the parent organization of the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams program. US Lacrosse has nearly 375,000 members in 63 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.