Barrage Organization Has New Leadership With Local Roots
December 1, 2004 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Philadelphia Barrage News Release
Philadelphia, PA (December 1, 2004) â The Philadelphia Barrage of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier outdoor lacrosse league, introduced local businessman Gary M. Holloway Sr. as the new Local Operator of the MLL Champions at a press conference at Villanova Stadium today. The Barrage also introduced Keith Mecca, the team's new General Manager, and unveiled a new logo and color scheme.
Holloway, an alumnus of Malvern Prep and Villanova University, has roots in the area as both a successful businessman and benefactor to its thriving lacrosse community. He is a long-time supporter of the Villanova and Malvern lacrosse programs, and he has been a contributor to US Lacrosse. Holloway also sponsors a local summer league team that has won three straight championships and traveled to the annual Vail Shootout in Colorado.
"I am very excited about this opportunity," said Holloway. "The Philadelphia market has great potential and can become one of the strongest markets in Major League Lacrosse. The MLL has already proven to be a success, yet it shows a tremendous amount of room to grow. A national television contract with ESPN2, partnerships with well-known brands like New Balance and Tommy Hilfiger, and a plan for West Coast expansion in less than two years all point to the MLL's incredible potential.
"My vision is to help the league continue in that direction by making the Philadelphia Barrage a model organization."
Holloway purchased the local operating rights from Bridgeport Barrage Management Co., L.L.C., which brought the Barrage to Philadelphia prior to the 2004 season. In its first season in Philadelphia, the Barrage erased an 0-3 start and rattled off seven straight victories to capture the 2004 Major League Lacrosse Championship.
Mecca, a graduate of Drexel University and Villanova Law School, also boasts ties to the local community. A former lacrosse player at Drexel and assistant lacrosse coach at Villanova, he has operated the summer league team sponsored by Holloway. Prior to joining the Barrage, Mecca represented professional athletes as an agent and financial advisor.
"This is a great opportunity to continue the development of a winning organization, both on the field and off it," said Mecca. "We look forward to delivering a championship effort by improving the fan experience and family atmosphere at games, while also making the Barrage the most effective marketing tool for our sponsors.
"Additionally, defending the MLL title is paramount. Repeating a championship at the professional level in any sport has always been described as being harder than winning it the first time. However, I readily accept the challenge to become the MLL's first ever back-to-back champs!"
The press conference, which also featured the introduction of new Head Coach Tony Resch, concluded with the unveiling of the Barrage's new logo and color scheme. Philadelphia's new primary color is orange, complemented by a familiar navy blue. The orange, according to the organization, was inspired by successful collegiate lacrosse programs like Princeton, Virginia, and the defending champion Syracuse Orangemen. The new logo and colors will be featured on Barrage souvenirs, marketing materials, and uniforms.
About the Philadelphia Barrage
The Philadelphia Barrage are one of six teams in Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league. The Barrage moved to Philadelphia prior to the 2004 MLL season and proceeded to win the organization's first MLL Championship at the 2004 New Balance Major League Lacrosse Championship Game. The Barrage play their home games at Villanova Stadium on the campus of Villanova University. Additional information on the Barrage can be found at www.philadelphiabarrage.com.
About Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse, a six-team professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded in 1999 by fitness entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global L.L.C., and partners Dave Morrow, a former champion lacrosse player and now CEO of Warrior Lacrosse, a leading global provider of innovative and high performance lacrosse equipment; and Timothy B. Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and the current chairman of Bay Shore Enterprises, L.L.C., an investment holding company with activities in international media and Internet technology ventures. The MLL commenced play in June of 2001 and has teams in Baltimore, Boston, Long Island, (Montclair) New Jersey, Philadelphia and Rochester. The 2004 MLL season concluded with the Philadelphia Barrage winning the New Balance Major League Lacrosse Championship Game on Sunday, August 22 at Nickerson Field in Boston, Mass. The 2005 season is slated to begin the weekend of May 20-22, 2005. Additional league information can be found at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from December 1, 2004
- Lizards Visit Career Day at Oceanside Middle School - New York Lizards
- Barrage Organization Has New Leadership With Local Roots - Philadelphia Barrage
- Philadelphia Legend Tony Resch Is New Barrage Head Coach - Philadelphia Barrage
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
