TAMPA, Fla. – Youngsters participated in a lacrosse clinic with members of the University of Tampa men’s lacrosse team on December 8 as UT Alumni Simon Ruppert launched the first in a series of metro Tampa-based clinics working in his new role as the Director of Lacrosse for the City of Tampa. Heading into the last week of classes, University of Tampa All-American Matt Bilak along with teammates and coaches took a few hours to check in with UT Alumni Simon Rupert and his new City of Tampa lacrosse program.  Tampa Head Coach Rory Whipple was on hand helping the young men and women at Highlands Pines Park learn the correct mechanics behind switching hands on a split or roll dodge. “We are lucky to have Simon in this position and he will do a great job of bringing lacrosse to the youth in Tampa,” commented Tampa Head Coach Rory Whipple.  “The University of Tampa men’s lacrosse team is happy to be involved with this program.” In a day with a lot of lacrosse fundamentals, players completed the day with a lacrosse slalom course starting with a ground ball scoop followed by multiple change of directions with switching of hands and a chance to score at the end. The highlight of the day was the go tackle Coach Matt Dugan drill. Amid the players celebrating with jumping back bumps with their coaches and the UT players and staff, the real winner on a beautiful, Tuesday afternoon was the sport of lacrosse as this program introduced lacrosse to an entirely new audience of eager and athletic young men and women.