Steve Lawrence

1 week ago | ithaca.com | Steve Lawrence

Monday's NCAA Men’s lacrosse championship game was an intense affair from the opening face-off, with the teams trading goals until Cornell finally took a two-goal lead. Going into halftime, it was 6-5, Cornell. Then, the game's best player took over on the game's biggest stage, and CJ Kirst's six goals sealed the historic 13—10 win for Cornell. Ryan Goldstein  – stepped up too, and with his father Tim that household now boasts a national title. Yes... we got 'em this time.

1 week ago | ithaca.com | Steve Lawrence

Over the course of several decades, I have had many people from surrounding communities share their perception that “Ithaca sure is a lacrosse town!” I am inclined to agree.  Last week, I profiled Shea Baker, the Ithaca High class of '22 grad who had a 2024 for the ages, being on teams that won a collegiate national title and a World Championship. The story referenced a strong Ithaca lacrosse culture, and space did not allow for a deeper look into just how deep and wide that culture runs.

3 weeks ago | ithaca.com | Steve Lawrence

One might think that a lacrosse player might be offered a day off from practice as a reward for being named First-Team Division 1 All-American, but that was not the case for Shea Baker When I called Shea – the junior captain of the defending national champion Boston College Eagles – she said, “I'm happy to talk, but I need to get to practice in 15 minutes.” I have no doubt that Shea would have declined a day off anyway, as she and her teammates were preparing for Sunday's NCAA match up...

1 month ago | ithaca.com | Steve Lawrence

With the explosion of two recently-added girl's high school sports – wrestling and flag football – the task of keeping up has become even more challenging. Bill Bryant - the Athletic Director at Ithaca High for two-plus decades and the current Section IV's Executive Director pointed out that while there is plenty to celebrate, there are some growing pains as well. According to Bryant, Girl's wrestling is expanding steadily, but flag football has grown more quickly than any sport in history.

1 month ago | ithaca.com | Steve Lawrence

On Saturday, I was tempted to walk through the parking lot behind Schoellkopf Field with a bullhorn, telling tailgaters to put down their beverages and burgers and get to their seats. History was about to be made. CJ Kirst was one goal away from becoming Division 1's all-time goal scoring leader, and I made sure I was where I wanted to be for the opening face-off.