Rick Mercurio’s lacrosse career has assimilated smoothly from player to coach and now ambassador. Over the last few years, the former Sachem lacrosse coach has traveled the world coaching the sport as a member of the Federation of International Lacrosse.
He recently got word he’s headed to Shanghai and Beijing in April 2013. He has already spent time coaching in Belgium (2010), Bangkok (2011) and Moscow (2012).
“I keep my passport and whistle ready to go,” he said.
Tom Hayes, Mercurio’s former coach at Rutgers University, and an integral part of spreading lacrosse education and growth internationally, is chair of the Federation of International Lacrosse Development Committee.
During his most recent trip to Moscow in July 2012, Mercurio said the players were enthusiastic, focused, receptive and willing to experience new skills.
“The skill level varied widely and we made every effort to facilitate the needs of the individual players,” wrote in a report on the FIL website.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro