The Streak

“Forty-one years. Ninety-seven straight losses. Generations of players, coaches, boosters, friends and family who never experienced the pleasure of beating cross-town rival Corning East in a boys’ (varsity) lacrosse game can finally rejoice. In case the raucous celebration, symphony of car horns or the metaphysical glow hanging over the western horizon of Corning around 9 p.m. Monday night (May 21) didn't tip you off, Corning West's boys lacrosse team ended years of futility and frustration at Memorial Stadium, finally beating perennial state power and natural rival Corning East, 9-8 in overtime.” (From the Corning Leader)

I was there! Wow! West won! The game was well played, toughly contested, fairly refereed. East has an excellent team this year. And this was not a fluke win.

One must wonder how it is possible in the same town for one school to have been so dominant for so many years. West had many good teams. Some that came close. However, the “Streak” almost became an entity unto itself. It WAS the talk of the town. It became bigger than the game. It became, well, mystical. The odds are simply just mind boggling. Throw in an ounce of sports psychology about false limitations or some such theory, and voila, the Streak endured. Forty-one years. Ninety-seven straight losses.

As a not so casual observer, I saw the beginning of the end. Several years ago, a group of coaches, parents, former players, and community members got together and became deliberate about their efforts to improve the standard of lacrosse for West High School to an even higher level, put an end to the Streak, and well, build strong minds and bodies and all that other usually important stuff that had almost became superfluous to the Streak. But the concept was sound. End the Streak, and the rest will follow. Families like the Ruoccos, Tammaros, Fiorillos took the lead. Coaches like Hogue and Treusdell increased practice intensity . Off season leagues were formed to improve and maintain skill levels. Team camps were organized. Individual skills camps were attended. Team building activities were held.

And the efforts began to pay dividends. More wins, improved records. Last year, the West JV team beat East for the first time in seventeen years. And now, at the varsity level, the official death of the Streak. No, this was not a fluke win.

Living in a lacrosse home, with two lacrosse players and a die-hard lacrosse Mom, I can attest to the significance that the Streak played on the mind. Nary a family meal would go by without a mention of the rivalry. IT had become the focus. Now, IT can be supplanted by the reward of success brought about by diligence and determination and hard work and yes, it does take a village.

Jeff was honored to be called up to the Varsity team for the post season. And the team was honored in Monday’s Memorial Day parade, riding on a float (See Jeff in picture). Tonight, they opened their Sectional Play by beating Seton Catholic 15-9. Jeff made his first appearance on the field as a varsity player. Good luck, West.