Syracuse University’s men’s lacrosse team secured a significant victory on , defeating the top-ranked University of Maryland 11-9 in a match played at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York.
The win marks a notable moment for Syracuse head coach Gary Gait, who previously enjoyed considerable success with the Maryland women’s lacrosse program. Gait, widely regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time, developed the offensive strategies that led Maryland to seven consecutive national championships as an assistant coach. His return to Syracuse, his alma mater, has been met with high expectations, and this victory against his former program carries particular weight.
Gait was appointed the Roy D. Simmons Jr. Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Syracuse in , succeeding Hall of Fame coach John Desko. Prior to taking the helm of the men’s program, Gait spent 14 years leading the Syracuse women’s lacrosse team. He expressed his honor at being named the fifth head coach of the men’s program, acknowledging the legacy of his predecessor and the support of the university’s athletic department.
“It is an honor to be named the fifth head coach of this program, and I thank John Wildhack for giving me the opportunity,” Gait said upon his appointment. “I also want to thank John Desko for everything he means to Syracuse lacrosse and appreciate his help and support since I arrived at Syracuse.”
Gait’s coaching philosophy, characterized by a free-flowing, player-driven offense, appears to be taking root at Syracuse. The victory over Maryland, a program he helped build into a dynasty, suggests a successful transition and a potential resurgence for the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team. His overall coaching record boasts ten NCAA championships, including the seven titles earned during his tenure with the Maryland women’s program between .
The significance of this game extends beyond the rivalry between the two universities. Maryland, consistently a powerhouse in men’s lacrosse, entered the contest as the nation’s number one ranked team. Syracuse’s ability to overcome this challenge demonstrates their potential to contend for the national championship. The game’s outcome also highlights the impact of Gait’s coaching acumen, proving his ability to translate success from the women’s game to the men’s.
Gait’s playing career was equally distinguished. A three-time NCAA champion with Syracuse, he led the team through a period of dominance from to , losing only one game during those three seasons. He was twice awarded the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award, recognizing him as the nation’s most outstanding player, and was named NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player.
His professional career spanned multiple leagues, including the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major League Lacrosse (MLL). He played for teams such as the Detroit Turbos, Philadelphia Wings, Baltimore Thunder, Pittsburgh CrosseFire, Long Island Lizards, Washington Power, Baltimore Bayhawks, Colorado Mammoth, and Rochester Knighthawks. He also represented Canada in multiple World Lacrosse Championships, winning medals in , , , and .
Gait’s induction into the United States Lacrosse National Hall of Fame, the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame underscores his lasting contribution to the sport. His current role at Syracuse represents a full-circle moment, allowing him to coach the team he once starred for and build upon its storied tradition.
The victory over Maryland is not merely a win for Syracuse. it is a testament to Gait’s enduring influence on lacrosse. His innovative offensive strategies, honed during his time at Maryland and refined throughout his career, are now being implemented at his alma mater, potentially ushering in a new era of success for the Syracuse men’s lacrosse program. The game serves as a clear signal that Gait’s return to Syracuse is already yielding positive results, and the team is poised to be a major contender in the years to come.
