Lumberjax coaching staff re-sings for 2007

Published on April 11, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


Keenan, McComb, and Tallevi Look Forward to Continuing Lacrosse Foundation in Portland

The coaching staff of the Portland LumberJax has signed on for a second season. The staff includes GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan and assistant coaches Jeremy Tallevi and Jeff McComb. Keenan, Tallevi, and McComb have led the LumberJax to a winning season this year and a playoff spot in the expansion team's first season.

"I am honored that Angela has shown the confidence in me to continue to build this franchise. With her support and the continued dedication of my assistant coaches Jeff McComb and Jeremy Tallevi, the future of the LumberJax looks bright," stated GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan. "We have a strong foundation here and that foundation starts with strong ownership. The entire ‘team' is committed to making the LumberJax a major part of Portland culture."

This is Keenan's eighth year coaching in the NLL, and he also has a 35-year long lacrosse history. After being a part of four championships in five years with the Toronto Rock of the NLL from 1999 to 2004, Keenan served as General Manager and Head Coach for the extinct Anaheim Storm franchise during the 2005 season. He inherited an Anaheim team that went 1-15 in 2004 and improved the team's record by four wins to 5-11, the biggest one-year improvement of any team in the NLL last season. His long list of accolades as a player includes World Field Lacrosse Silver Medalist (1986), Top 20 All Time Scoring in Mann Cup History, MILL (now the NLL) All Pro (1992 and 1993) and three-time NCAA All-American at Ithaca College.

McComb and Tallevi, who worked under Keenan last season in Anaheim as assistant coaches, will continue to build the Portland franchise into the second season. London, Ontario native Tallevi has over five years of coaching experience. He is currently the head coach at the University of Western Ontario and a Junior "A" team in the Ontario Lacrosse Association, and was recently named the 2005 Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association coach of the year.

"I'm thrilled to be signed on for a second season with the Jax. This is a terrific organization at every level," offensive coordinator Tallevi remarked. "Angela has done an amazing job on the business end, and Derek has assembled a great team built with high quality people. Derek and Jeff are outstanding coaches to work with and the three of us have great chemistry."

Another Ontario native, McComb brings over thirty years of lacrosse experience as a player and coach. He won the silver medal in the 1988 World Champions with his Canadian National team and played two years at Canisius College. This is the defensive coordinator's second season coaching under Keenan.

"I am extremely excited to be able to return to the LumberJax for 2007 and continue to build upon on what we have started here," said McComb. "The people of Portland have been extremely supportive and I look forward to growing a lacrosse tradition in the city."

The LumberJax will play their last regular season home game on Friday, April 14 at 7:30p against Edmonton. The game will be broadcast live on KCMD 970AM. Fans can watch the game live on their computers via B2 networks for $6.00. Go to PortlandJax.com and click on the B2 link. A high-speed connection is required. Live game night scores can be found at: http://pointstreak.com

Tickets for the LumberJax last regular season home game range from $10.00-$30.00 in advance (Prices increase by $2.00 on the day of the game), with additional VIP seating available. Students with valid ID can purchase $5.00 general admission tickets (no additional service charges). Jax 4 Packs are available for $50 (no additional service charges) and include four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 503.797.9739. Individual tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-Sa 10a-5p), all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 503.224.4400 or at PortlandJax.com. For single event suites call 503.963.3800. Prices do not include service charges.

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