Central New Yorkers have fallen in love an adopted a sport played by Native Americans before there were Europeans on this continent. Once smitten, they have been under its spell ever since. We asked various people to help us understand why lacrosse has become so much a part of the local fabric.
It’s about Fun and glory, pride and brotherhood
Oren Lyons – Onondaga Nation faithkeeper, former All-American at Syracuse University & instrumental in the Iroquois Nationals at the World Games.
“My family and I grew up in a world of lacrosse. I remember my father fixing his stick and pads by camplight. I remember his tools scattered on the table and how completely he was engrossed in his work.
“ “Lacrosse players were our heroes and the heroes of our communities and our nations. The women were our fiercest fans. I remember my clanmother, Rita Peters, saying, “If there is a game, I’m going to be there.” The women took pride in their men and the game.
“ “The game shaped my life, and I can never repay what it has given to me. A daughter and a son. Nephews, cousins, uncles, grandfathers, great grandfathers – all the great players of their day.
“ “And it goes on, the fun and glory of representing your team and your nation – Onondagas, Mohawks, Senecas, Oneidas, Cayugas and Tuscaroras. A brotherhood of players and teammates that lasts a lifetime. The pride and joy of watching the next generation’s skills on the field. And finally the promise of being captain of the game the day I pass on the other side of the stars. Life is good and it is endless.”
A game that forms lifelong bonds
Roy Simmons Jr. Former player and Coach for Syracuse winning 6 National Championships
“My love of lacrosse started in a more unusual way than most. I loved my father and he was a lacrosse coach. Our dining table was a lacrosse field as he moved pieces on the table to tell me how the game was played. The conversation was always about the upcoming game.
“I was the mascot at age 3, when my feet didn’t hit the ground while sitting on the bench. How could a little kid have it better?
“At age 6, I graduated to ballboy. The varsity players gave me lots of attention because I was ‘Coaches kid,’ and my stick-handling skills were very good as a result.
“There was no high school lacrosse culture in Central New York. It looked like my love of the game would not be tested as I approached high school. My father realized my disappointment and sent me to a New England prep school that played the game. He was hopeful that I would return home after graduation and play for Syracuse University.
“I became an Orangeman for my father. Upon graduation, I assisted my dad as freshman coach for 12 years and succeeded him at his retirement for the next 28 years. My life has always been involved in the oldest pure American game – lacrosse.
“There is a lifelong bond with athletes who play the game. The flow of a good game showcases dexterity, speed and transition, and in general there is less scripted play. A good player plays with dignity, integrity and grace – what I called D.I.G.
“Maybe if E.E. Cummings had seen lacrosse before the circus he might have said, “Damn everything but lacrosse.”
“Lacrosse matters.”
-Donna Ditota