High school boys' lacrosse coaches formally announced today the immediate establishment of the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NILCA).

The NILCA was created to support the needs of the high school coaches around the country, to facilitate the national All-America program, to represent the coaches with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHSA) and monitor the integrity of the game. Its membership will be comprised of individual high school coaches.

"The high school lacrosse community is excited about the formation of the NILCA and what it will provide the game," said Ren Pettinelli, head coach Lafayette High School (Mo.) and president of the NILCA. "We believe that the NILCA will be in a tremendous position to represent the boy's game, to create greater relationships with the NFHSA and with the college coaches."

The goal during the 2011 season will be manage and promote the national high school All-America program using the existing Area Chairs that the Coaches already have in place. NILCA plans to hold its first annual meeting in December 2011.

Specific membership information will be distributed after the holiday season. In the meantime, the NILCA leadership will be fostering business relationships.

About the NILCA

The NILCA is a new organization formed to service the high school boy's lacrosse coaches. Its initial set of officers which will serve for a two year term will include:

President: Ren Pettinelli St. Louis MO
Vice President: Mark D'Ambrogi Lewes DE
Vice President: Jake Reed Baltimor MD
Treasurer: Scott Howe Louisville KY
Secretary: Joe Baccarella Farmingdale NY
Rules Chair: John Kenney Detroit MI
Awards Chair: Tom Hall Syracuse NY
At Large: Charlie Burch Kennebunk ME