Late Sunday night, people braved the rain and started to gather at the Tsha’Honnonyendakwha because the Redhawks were bringing the Cup home.
The 2010 President’s Cup Champions were returning from Vancouver, British Colombia where they just completed winning 6 out 7 games and the coveted Presidents Cup over two-time defending Champion Owen Sound Woodsmen 14-7.
Family, friends, and fans were there when the bus rolled in after midnight and greeted the team with a hero’s welcome as captain Ron Cogan carried to Cup off the bus (video). Players were greeted with hugs, handshakes, and smiles as players took turns holding the Cup with their family.
Once inside the arena, tournament MVP Redhawk Jeremy Thompson talked about a pivotal moment of the tournament after taking a picture with his father who also won the President’s Cup with Akwesasne.
“One Tuesday we played 2 games. Our whole team dedicated themselves to the zero tolerance policy. We were fresh that second game and won. Then I had a feeling we could bring this cup home.”
Long time coach and Redhawk GM Alfie Jacques said of the team.
“The boys played awesome lacrosse. People asked where we picked up (traded for) these players and told them we didn’t pick up any players. These are our boys from Onondaga.”
As the players and their families had their pictures taken and slowly made their way home, Hall of Famer Chief Irving Powless Jr. took a moment and examined the Cup. As he read the teams listed, he remarked how this Onondaga team will forever be remembered as champions and be considered one of the great Onondaga teams like the teams he was a part of in the 50s.
Truly this Onondaga team is special and has accomplished so much this season. But for now, it is really good to have them home.
