Photo Gallery (courtesy Lafayette College)

EAST STROUDSBURG – East Stroudsburg University assistant football coaches Mike Santella and Nick Bach were among more than 250 coaches to volunteer their time at the seventh annual Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp at Lafayette College on Sunday, June 6.

Nearly 1,700 high school football players attended the camp at Lafayette's Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex, which raised more than $67,000 for Lauren's First and Goal Foundation for pediatric brain tumor research, cancer services and family support.

For the year, the foundation has received more than $213,000 in donations, including a $100,000 commitment from the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration. With the proceeds from the camp, the foundation has raised more than $1 million since its creation in 2004.

Santella is entering his 13th season as an assistant coach at his alma mater and his 10th as the full-time offensive line coach. He has had at least one All-PSAC offensive lineman in each of the last nine years and has also served as the Warriors' recruiting coordinator since 2001. Bach is in his third year as the defensive ends coach and video coordinator.

“The success of this camp would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers and coaches and the unwavering support of Lafayette College,” said John Loose, who created Lauren's First and Goal in honor of his 13-year-old daughter Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor. “It is their dedication to this event that allows us to continue funding the search for a cure and to help families who battle this disease every day.”

The Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp welcomed high school student-athletes from 15 different states and Canada, who received offensive and defensive instruction from the volunteer coaches representing colleges and universities across the nation. In addition, U.S. Naval Academy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo was the featured guest speaker and addressed the campers over lunch. Niumatalolo talked about the four quarters of life and the importance of showing gratitude, making good decisions and being selfless.

Along with the Pennsylvania camp, the foundation will be hosting another one-day event at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio on Sunday, June 27. The camps raise money through a $30 registration fee for each student-athlete as well as non-camper donations. Of every dollar received, the foundation donates 90 cents toward research, services, family support and awareness of pediatric brain tumors and cancer.

More information about the camps and the foundation is available at www.laurensfirstandgoal.org.