Syracuse- On October 18, 2015, Barry Powless was inducted into the 2015 Greater Central New York Lacrosse Hall of Fame. The Hall recognized Powless for is accolades on the field and behind the bench.
Barry’s lacrosse career started like most boys in the Nation, in the box. At the age of 13, Barry had the opportunity to play alongside his father against the Senecas, an event that four generations of Powless have done.
“There were only 6 of us out there,” Powless recalled. “But we won; I scored; and I was hooked.”
Powless then took to field lacrosse at LaFayette High School where he held many assist records and was named to the 1974 All-American team. Barry then took his skills to Syracuse University where he played under Coach Roy Simmons and alongside John Desko. His field lacrosse experience was valued when he began playing for fledging Iroquois National first teams.
“There were only a couple of us who had college field lacrosse experience,” recalled Powless. “But it was great to be a part of those early National teams as it connected me to my grandfather [Irving Powless Sr.] who was a part of the Onondaga field lacrosse team that played Johns Hopkins in the early 1930’s.”
Powless continued, “I want to help the Nationals continue forward to be recognized as a team representing a sovereign people. Who have our own language, culture, government and passports. ”
While playing field, Barry also was also in the box. Barry played for our OAC teams (the Syracuse Warriors and Onondaga Redhawks) but also teams across Canada including many President and Mann Cup championship teams.
Powless stated, “I was fortunate to play alongside and against many players in the Ontario and Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fames. I learned a lot from them and also challenged me to be a better player.”
While actively playing, Barry began his coaching career at his LaFayette High School. At his former high school, Barry took the Lancers (and his younger brother Neal Powless) back to 1992 Sectional championship before falling to Jamesville Dewitt. Barry then left High School lacrosse to coach professional box lacrosse with the Rochester Knighthawks; eventually winning the Championship in 1997, with his brother Neal as a rookie on the team. With the win, Barry became the first native to coach a major professional team to a championship.
“We had Paul [Gait], Dewey [Jacobs], and Chugger [Steve Dietrich] in nets,” said Powless. “But it was great to experience that win with family.”
And family is what makes this Hall of Fame induction special.
“My grandfather Irving Powless Sr. and father Irving Powless Jr. are past inductees,” stated Powless. “I am honored to be the third generation of Powless’ in the Greater Central New York Hall of Fame. I know that my mom is looking down at us; as she was my biggest fan.”