Wings name Slate defensive coordinator

The Philadelphia Wings today named Downingtown local, and former NLL Defensive Player of the Year, Tom Slate as the team's new defensive coordinator. 

Slate played seven years for the Philadelphia Wings between 1997 and 2003, bringing home two of the Wings' six Championship trophies in 1998 and 2001.  Newly appointed Head Coach John Tucker and
Slate have three Championship rings between them as they enter the Wings 25th Anniversary Season this January.

"I personally feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful coach like Tom joining our staff." Said Tucker, "He embodies everything the Wings organization stands for; incredible knowledge - trustworthiness - and
hard work. A true role model as husband and father, he serves our team well. Tom is a critical hire for this organization. He is a defensive minded coach who instills passion and purpose to that side of the floor.
I couldn't be happier."

Slate's award-winning performance on the field as a Wings player, combined with his experience and commitment to coaching youth and professional level made him the ideal candidate for this position.  In
addition to his professional career with the Philadelphia Wings, Slate also saw time with the Baltimore Bay Hawks Professional Outdoor Lacrosse Team, and has represented Team USA in the Heritage Cup at the World Indoor Lacrosse competition.

As a three year assistant coach for the Philadelphia Barrage between 2005 and 2007, Slate helped his squad become the first team to win back to back World Championships before moving on to a Head Coaching position with Downingtown East, and leading them to the first State Championship in School history.   An alumni to Springfield High School where he Captained the 1992 State Championship Lacrosse Team, Slate became the first Player and Head Coach to win the Pennsylvania State Lacrosse Championship.  He also has professional experience as the former Head Coach for the San Francisco Dragons and the Associate Head Coach for the Denver Outlaws of the Major League Lacrosse League.