The Reading Rockets, a proud member of the Professional Lacrosse League, are pleased to announce the hiring of Tom Slate as the team’s first Head Coach.
Slate, of Downingtown, is a veteran of both indoor and outdoor lacrosse, playing for the Philadelphia Wings and the Baltimore Bayhawks in a career that also saw him represent the US at the Heritage Cup, a World Indoor Lacrosse competition. The West Chester University graduate became the first person to win a Pennsylvania State Lacrosse Championship as both a player and a Head Coach when he led Downingtown East High School to the State title in 2007, beginning a string of six consecutive league championships.
“We couldn’t be more excited than to have Tom Slate as our Head Coach,†said Rockets owner Ted Glynn. “Tom has won championships everywhere he’s been. As a player with the Philadelphia Wings to coaching with the Philadelphia Barrage, he’s been a proven winner.â€
Slate has served as a Head Coach with the Denver Outlaws and the San Francisco Dragons in Major League Lacrosse and served as an Assistant Coach for the Barrage when they became the first MLL team to win back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Rockets organization and I’m looking forward to building a successful program here,†said Slate. “I’m grateful to Ted and Andy for the opportunity to continue doing what I love to do so close to home and my family. Our goal throughout the organization is to be successful, and for me, that means chasing a championship. I’m ready to get started.â€
Rockets Vice President and General manager Andy Makal added, “What more could you ask for in a head coach? He’s a winner, and more importantly, he’s an experienced teacher. His knowledge of the game and what it takes to win it all are keys to our success on the field, but his dedication to the game of lacrosse and the kids growing up and playing the game is invaluable to the mission of the Reading Rockets.â€
In addition to Slate, the team has announced the signing of former Philadelphia Wings star Jake Bergey as Offensive Coordinator for the 2012 season. The son of former Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey played ten seasons with the Wings from 1998 to 2008. In his 133 games with Philadelphia, Bergey posted 256 goals and 557 points, which were second most in Wings history at the time of his retirement.
The Rockets kick off the 2012 campaign in Trenton on September 14th and return to the Launch Pad on September 29th to take on the Jacksonville Bullies. Season Tickets are available now at             (610) 314-7323       or online at www.rocketslax.com.
