Hempstead, NY – The Hofstra Men's Lacrosse team will wrap up their fall season this week with an exhibition scrimmage against the touring Kwansei Gakuin University team from Japan on Tuesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. at James M. Shuart Stadium before hosting the 2018 Nicholas Colleluori Long Island Classic on Saturday, October 13 at Shuart Stadium.
 
Continuing the theme of "Lacrosse Makes Friends" that has included the Hofstra Pride making two trips to Japan in recent years as well as touring Japanese schools stopping to play a game at Hofstra in return, Kwansei, colloquially known as Kangaku, is a private and coeducational university with a central campus in the city of Nishinomiya, and satellite campuses in Nishinomiya, Sanda, Osaka, and Tokyo. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees to around 25,000 students in almost 40 different disciplines across 11 undergraduate and 14 graduate programs. Kwansei Gakuin has been selected for inclusion in the Japanese government's Top Global University Project. The university is often referred to as one of the four leading private universities in the Kansai greater area.
 
The six-scrimmage Nicholas Colleluori Long Island Classic features Hofstra, Air Force, Bucknell, Lehigh, Siena and Bryant. The Pride will face Air Force at 9 a.m. and Bucknell at noon. Air Force and Bucknell will face each other at 10:30 a.m. After the HEADstrong Presentation at 1:30 p.m., Lehigh will face Siena at 2 p.m. and Bryant at 3:30 p.m. Siena and Bryant will wrap up the day at 5 p.m. The Nick Colleluori Men's Lacrosse Long Island Classic is returning to Hofstra, Nick's alma mater, for the 12th consecutive year.

9:00 a.m. – Hofstra vs. Air Force
10:30 – Air Force vs. Bucknell
12:00 p.m. – Hofstra vs. Bucknell
1:30 – HEADstrong Presentation
2:00 – Lehigh vs. Siena
3:30 – Lehigh vs. Bryant
5:00 – Bryant vs. Siena
 
Since 2007, HEADstrong has presented a series of fall collegiate men's and women's lacrosse philanthropic events. Originating at Ridley High School, Colleluori's scholastic alma mater, the series has expanded to nine events overall that are hosted regionally in conjunction with collegiate partnerships. The second weekend of October will be the second of three consecutive weekends during the month to feature multiple lacrosse events at multiple locations.

"Twelve years later, our founder, and my son, Nicholas' presence is still felt here at Hofstra," said Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick's mom. "This University and this team meant the world to Nick and, as per his request, he was buried in his No. 27 uniform. Coach Tierney, Coach Smith and the entire Hofstra community, thank you for not forgetting! The events here at Hofstra means more than you will ever know."

"It's unbelievable to witness the growth of our fall event series," said Cheryl Colleluori, HEADstrong President and Nick's mom. "In 2007, the inaugural Nick Colleluori Lacrosse Classic was held at Nick's high school with just four teams. This year the series spans nine locations with 42 teams representing — it's an amazing testament to our sport and the greatest tribute to a son that a parent could ask for!"

In lieu of admission, a suggested donation of $5.00 per person will be asked at the gate. For more information on the HEADstrong Foundation, please visit www.headstrong.org and follow the foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @HEADstrongFnd.