Champs Are Toast Of The Town
Members of the 2009 Syracuse men's lacrosse team celebrated the national championship Saturday at the Taste of Syracuse.
6/6/2009 10:16:22 PM
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The 2009 NCAA champion Syracuse University men's lacrosse team was recognized in a community-wide celebration on Saturday, June 6. The Orange appeared on the main stage at the Taste of Syracuse in Clinton Square prior to a live concert by Kevin Costner and his band Modern West.
Orange Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross joined Coach John Desko and the team on stage to celebrate its NCAA record 11th men's lacrosse championship. The Orange secured the title with a thrilling 10-9 victory in overtime against Central New York rival Cornell on May 25.
Several local dignitaries were also on hand to congratulate the Orange. Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney were in attendance as was New York State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli and New York State Senator John DeFrancisco.
Desko led the Orange to a school-record tying 16 victories and an overall mark of 16-2 for the second straight season. It was fifth NCAA Championship for the Orange under Desko. His five NCAA titles are the third-most by a Division I lacrosse coach.