by
posted 06/23/2020
George Floyd’s death struck like a lightning bolt across America and beyond. This was not the first
or even the worst time a black life has been lost to hatred. It was one of the starkest examples many
of us have seen.
Floyd’s death opened many eyes to the fact that cold, unconstrained racism still exists in its most
deadly form in America. For 43 million Black Americans, it was a reminder of what their
generations have endured for years, what they are living with today, and what they fear for their
futures.
As members of PAGLA’s Board, each of us share our thoughts on these pressing events in this
newsletter. We speak so our intent is known. We speak to share the direction of our moral compass.
We speak to communicate the direction in which we move is forward, toward harmony.
PAGLA’s leadership stands for equality and inclusion for all. We share our thoughts in this special
newsletter so you don’t have to guess where we stand. We share our thoughts because silence is no
longer an option.
Our messages reflect a diversity of approaches and tones. Yet, we are still unified in what we say.
This is what makes community great. Despite differences, common ground is formed. Shared
fundamental understandings paving the way towards better community.
— The PAGLA Board of Directors
Tomika Bryant, Director of Communications
These past weeks have been troubling on some many levels. The recent deaths of George Floyd,
Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Aubrey, and the constant people attempting to explain away this ongoing
problem in America. PAGLA wants our Black athletes, Black parents, Black coaches and Black
supporters know that we stand with you. #BlackLivesMatter
We as leaders of PAGLA have an ongoing responsibility to ensure our student athletes have a
supportive environment to learn and love the sport of lacrosse. We will maintain this focus as we
support the peaceful protests that our athletes have joined. We want to ensure, that when lacrosse
resumes, all of our student athletes know they are supported and, in an environment, to speak up
against any injustice.
Marlena Hammen, Director & Region Representative, South
During this time of immense challenge, let us work together to be a light to facilitate education,
healing, connection, support and service to each other and to our community.
Robin Kelley, Director of IT
I did not anticipate how different I would feel today compared to just a few short days ago. While
I am still sorting out my mental and emotional reactions to the killing of George Floyd and others,
peaceful demonstrations, riots, and more a simple action that we can all take during these
complex times is to continue supporting organizations that work to promote equality and
overcome the effects of institutional racism in our country. Youth sports, and lacrosse
specifically, offers several great programs that work to serve the communities who were hit
disproportionately by Covid-19 and the associated economic fallout. Here are 3 examples of local
programs that could use our support now more than ever:
- https://www.eyekonzsports.com/
- https://www.phillygirlsinmotion.org/
- https://www.harlemlacrosse.org/philadelphia
So please take a moment to find a way to do whatever you can to help.
Laurie Markle, Director & Region Representative, Tri-County
We need to do better as a society. We need to listen, empathize, discuss and act on equality and
justice for all, all of the time. Let us move forward as a society, and a country, to provide for all,
support for all, and equality for all.
Will McBride, Director & Region Representative, East
I am not exactly sure how to put into words the absolute horror and sadness I felt seeing George
Floyd being murdered by a Minneapolis police officer. It is terribly hard to watch but has
certainly changed the conversations in my house and the country concerning race and fairness. I
am praying that this horrific event can lead the US towards a long needed societal change and
that a better America will appear out of all this.
Catherine Merz, Director & Region Representative, Central West
It is unfortunate that it takes a traumatic event to drive meaningful change, but in moment where
the country reflects on how we got here and how we move forward, we should all look for ways
we can drive a constructive dialogue for positive change around the issues of race.
Mary Fran Riffel, Past President, Director Emeritus
I am deeply angered and saddened by the recent events in our country. The tragic death of George
Floyd has moved me and made me realize we need to do more and fight for change. I do not have
all the answers but my eyes are open and I am listening and learning. We have the opportunity
as coaches to influence so many young lives. Let’s make it count. #blacklivesmatter
Alex Ruh, Treasurer
A human life is a life no matter your race, religion, sexual orientation or even political views.
With that being said, every person should always be treated with the upmost kindness, love and
respect. Treat your fellow human beings as you would want and expect to be treated. In
everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the
Law and the prophets. – Matthew 7:12
Karen “Schnell” Schnellenbach, Director of Officiating
We all strive for purpose and understanding, to hear and to be heard, to see and to be seen, to
leave this world a better place than we found it. “Let’s be better humans” is a reminder that we
exist for one another, that we can make a difference and help bring a return to human dignity.
Ross Waetzman, President
- Lacrosse quietly teaches our kids life lessons:
- Players are sometimes leaders and sometimes followers
- Leaders RUN towards problems, not away from them
- If a player covering the ball is beat, a teammate ‘slides’ to support (in some schemes)
In our larger community, we repeatedly see that blacks are treated differently, sometimes
inexcusably to deadly result that cannot be explained by anything but race. PAGLA is all about
inclusion and diversity, not the behavior demonstrated in the gutters of Minneapolis.
We in the lacrosse community speak because inequality directly affects members of our
community. We speak because our brothers and sisters are getting beat and that’s a problem. We
speak because we see a problem and we run to address, if only through discussion, if hopefully
by something more. It’s time to slide ... hard.
If every parent would speak to their kids about this issue, about why equality and inclusion is
important, we would be a giant slide closer to getting off of defense and into a better phase in our
game of life.
Mia Weygand, Past President, Director Emeritus
As coaches and program leaders, we need to show our support during these difficult times. We
can no longer ignore the truth. This is the time to question ourselves and reflect on the world
around us. We can influence others in a positive way for change that needs to happen!
