BALTIMORE (December 5, 2007) – John Danowski, head coach of men’s lacrosse NCAA runner-up Duke University, and Janine Tucker, head coach of the Johns Hopkins University women’s squad, are among the speakers that will be featured in the adidas Three Stripe Speakers Series at the 2008 US Lacrosse National Convention, presented by adidas. The convention takes place from Jan. 18-20, 2008 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Online registration is available through the US Lacrosse web site through December 31. A detailed schedule of events is currently available on the 2008 US Lacrosse National Convention web page.

The adidas Three Stripe Speakers Series consists of speakers from each coaching level – 1, 2 and 3 – from both the men’s and women’s game that will headline the list of over 70 speakers. Mike Eruzione, the keynote speaker and captain of the gold medal winning 1980 Olympic hockey team, will kick-off the event on Friday, January 18. Men’s and women’s officials’ sessions are also featured in the adidas Three Stripe Speaker Series.

"adidas Lacrosse is dedicated to the advancement of all educational based experiences," said John Purnell, president and CEO of adidas Lacrosse. "We strive to help all coaches, athletes and officials reach their potential and enjoy their educational experiences. Building tomorrow's leaders through sports and education helps build stronger, healthier, more confident and knowledgeable citizens."

The US Lacrosse National Convention is an educational opportunity presented each year for coaches, officials and administrators. Over 5,000 lacrosse enthusiasts attend the convention each year. For the fourth year in a row the convention will feature a live-field demonstration area, sponsored by Warrior, to supplement classroom clinics for coaches and officials. Both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams will conduct demonstrations during the convention. Clinics are offered for all levels of coaches and officials, ranging from youth play up through college-aged players.

The convention also features the largest-ever lacrosse specific vendor hall, the US Lacrosse Youth Excellence Awards Breakfast, the Women’s Breakfast Breakout, a Men’s Recruiting Seminar and Fair, the Level 1 Coaches’ Education Clinic, and several other special events.

The full list of adidas Three Stripe Speakers is as follows:

Leslie Frank, Level 1
Session Topic: Endurance, Speed and Agility Stickwork
Leslie Frank is the director and head coach of Achieve Lacrosse and Mass Elite Lacrosse. She is also the head varsity coach for Westwood High School (Mass.).

John Kenney, Level 1
Session Topic: Special Situations
John Kenney is the coach at Detroit Country Day School (Mich.).

Denise Wescott, Level 2
Session Topic: Common Goalie Problems (Live Field Demonstration)
Denise Wescott is the women’s head coach at Mount St. Mary’s (Md.).

John Paul, Level 2
Session Topic: The Clearing Game: Every Possession Counts
John Paul is the head coach for the University of Michigan men’s club team.

Janine Tucker, Level 3
Session Topic: Center Draw Tips and Tactics
Janine Tucker is the head women’s coach at Johns Hopkins University.

John Danowski, Level 3
Session Topic: Developing the Complete Attackman
John Danowski is the head men’s coach at Duke University

Jim Buriak, Men’s Official Keynote Speaker
Session Topic: Training and Injury Prevention for Officials – Off and On the Field

Laura Hebert and Pat Dillon, Women’s Officials
Session Topic: USL Rules Interpretation

For a full list of speakers to date, please click here.

adidas
adidas is a global designer, developer, and marketer of footwear, equipment, and apparel with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport. Learn more about the company at www.adidas.com/lacrosse.

US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 200,000 members around the country. For more information on US Lacrosse visit www.uslacrosse.org